From Shayla's Desk: July 2025
June flew by in the best possible way! Between learning something genuinely useful at networking events (who knew HVAC could be exciting?), surviving Toronto's heat wave, and squeezing in a last-minute NYC adventure, this month reminded me why I love the energy of summer. Our projects are hitting major milestones, and I'm feeling that excitement when everything starts clicking into place. Let's catch up on what's been keeping me busy both in and out of the office:
Reflecting on June
Learning Never Stops
I attended two networking events this month - one at the Collective focused on expanding interior design services into commercial work, and another to fulfill my CEU credits for my ARIDO Intern license. The biggest takeaway was learning about HVAC systems that run under floors instead of ceilings in commercial spaces. Since HVAC is always a challenging design element to work around, this solution would leave ceilings and walls completely unaffected by necessary but visually intrusive mechanical systems.
Team Branding Shoot
Our Warm Welcome branding shoot was such a fun day. It feels good to have fresh visuals that truly capture our team and what we're building here.
Muskoka - Mix of Business and Pleasure
I spent quality time up in Muskoka with family, though with the boathouse renovation underway, weekends have become a blend of relaxation and project management. This month they're working toward lifting the entire structure off the existing cribs which is going to be incredible to witness and completely nerve-racking at the same time. Wish us luck!
Summer Homeownership Reality Check
We had some A/C issues during Toronto's heat wave, anyone else? Since it's our first summer in this house, we're still making sure everything runs optimally. Thankfully, it was just low on refrigerant, but it's a good reminder that homeownership always has surprises in store.
NYC Adventure
We made it to New York after multiple cancelled and rescheduled flights! Managed over 50,000 steps in under four days, enjoyed incredible meals, and checked off quintessential NYC spots like Katz Deli. One of my favorite discoveries was The Ludlow hotel. We popped in to check out the lobby and it was so cozy and inviting, exactly the kind of atmosphere that inspires our design work.
Project Update Highlights
Project Harbourd: Creative Collaboration
This project is well into design development, and the collaborative approach has proven to be such a valuable part of the creative process. This house will be packed with stunning architectural finishes that push both our creativity and craftsmanship to new levels.
Project Kingsway: Forever Home Progress
We're consulting on this client's forever dream home, and this month we made significant progress on millwork, flooring, and tile selections. Watching someone's vision for their ultimate living space come together never gets old.
Project Strawberry: Ready For Visitors
Essentially complete with just a couple of loose ends to tie up! We stopped by this month to hang art and install Roman blinds. We have two more Romans to install before summer's end, but the space is already looking so loved and lived-in by the family.
Project Downtown Office: Lots of Potential
We visited a new prospect earlier this month and are waiting to get started on this exciting opportunity. This project has so many beautiful historic elements that we can't wait to build upon and celebrate.
Project East York: Living the Dream
Despite not being 100% complete, the clients have moved in and are loving their new space. There's still significant work happening on the back of the house that should wrap up in the coming weeks, allowing them to fully settle into their renovated home.
Project East York
What's Coming in July
Cottage, family, and more cottage and family - 'tis the season!
Photoshoot for Project Vance's main floor. I've been dying for this moment!
Something very exciting for Warm Welcome should be firming up soon.
What summer projects are you most excited about? Comment below!
Until next month,
Shayla
