From Shayla's Desk: September 2025
August ended exactly how I wanted it to: surrounded by family up north, crossing off the last items on my summer bingo card, and feeling that perfect mix of exhaustion and fulfillment that comes from a well-lived season. Now that September is here, I'm in full transition mode between wrapping up cottage life and diving headfirst into fall projects. There's something energizing about this time of year.
Reflecting on August
Perfect Week Up North
I spent the last week of August with my family up north, packed with boat rides, beach time, and incredible meals. It takes a village to pull off a week with eight adults and three kids, but we made it work and it turned out better than I imagined. We caught the last SWS ski show on Tuesday night, did three rounds on the new Yeti ride at Santa's Village, and I got my slow, peaceful walk through Muskoka Living. Summer bingo card: officially complete.
New Office Journey
The new office has been consuming my evenings and weekends. Since we purchased the property, there's significant administrative work to navigate, and it's been a balance between managing the purchase and planning the construction project. Even with all of the back-and-forth with various parties, this process has been a joy. I've learned so much, and I can’t wait to get the keys on October 1st!
Boathouse Success Story
Our Muskoka boathouse construction hit a major milestone over the summer. The crews successfully lifted the entire 110-year-old structure off the old cribs and installed new steel ones. We held our breath, but they did an incredible job.. the difference is wild! There were so many potential ways this project could have gone sideways, but I'm grateful to say it's been a complete success. Over fall and winter, they'll continue refinishing the interior, so we'll be back in business by late spring!
Project Highlights
Project Kingsway: Drywall Milestone
We had a successful site visit where we reviewed the whole house fully drywalled! Drywall walkthrough is always a milestone because it means finishes are finally coming. We completed the final millwork measurements and solidified a walnut island with warm white cabinets. These clients are looking for the perfect balance between liveable elegance.
Project Historic Office: Creative Challenges
We completed our site kickoff meeting for our Toronto office project. We're working in phases since it's a large project and we need to carefully manage building disruption. This building poses interesting design challenges - the space planning is fixed, so we won't be moving walls or reallocating space. We're strategically using new finishes to completely transform the interior. Stay tuned as we get very creative with this one!
Project Construction Studio: Space Planning Focus
One of our clients is getting a new space for his business, and we've been working hard on space planning. After exploring several options, we're now fine-tuning the technical drawings. It's been interesting collaborating since the hub of the project is a decor center. Just like our new studio, we're approaching the design from the client experience lens.
Project King City 2: Custom Details
This backyard and basement transformation is well into construction. We finally got to see our custom tile details installed and absolutely love how the brass inlay and herringbone have come together.
Project East York: Final Touches
This backyard and basement transformation is well into construction. We finally got to see our custom tile details installed and absolutely love how the brass inlay and herringbone have come together.
Project Pilates Studio: Ready to Roll
This past month we received final sign-off on drawings, fixtures, and finishes. We're keeping tight-lipped on details, but we cannot wait to share as the client works on a social media rollout of our interior renderings. This project is going to come together very quickly!
What's Coming in September
Shooting Project Strawberry
Submitting permit drawings for the new office
Weekends back in the city
Decluttering our current office
Girlfriend dinner on the 18th ♥
What are you most excited about this fall? I'd love to hear what projects and plans you have coming up!
- Shayla
