Industry Profile: II BY IV DESIGN

II BY IV is the team behind the art-inspired interior design soon to arrive at Minto30Roe, one of midtown’s most desirable new addresses. From an overhanging sculptural canopy, to playful striped wall-coverings, to spiral staircases dressed in tangerine glass, the entire concept behind 30Roe will make condo-owners feel inspired and like they’re walking into a piece of art when they arrive home each day.

The sleek 34-storey condominium is under construction in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, with occupancy scheduled for spring 2015. The building’s one bedroom to two bedroom plus den condominiums range from 503 to 945 square feet and are priced from the low $300,000s.

Minto is widely known for sustainability leadership and 30Roe is set to continue this legacy, meeting LEED Gold standards. Without compromising the aesthetic of the sophisticated interiors, the team at Minto has incorporated eco-friendly products through all phases of development.

II BY IV was founded in 1990 by partners Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview them about their backgrounds and experience in the design industry.

Newinhomes (NIH): Tell us a little bit about your background in the industry. Were you always interested in interior design?

We graduated from design school and spent four years working separately for other firms. Then we met in 1990 and started II BY IV DESIGN, which has been in operation ever since.

We are a firm of 32 very talented and driven people. In 2011, we opened our first international studio in New York City. Our varied portfolio consists of projects in a variety of fields, including hotel & spa, restaurant & bar, retail, residential and commercial.

Interior design has always has been an interest of ours. We are truly passionate about what we do.

NIH: When it comes to each project, is there a source of inspiration that you always turn to?

We are constantly inspired by the world around us. Everything is a source of inspiration: travel, art, fashion, movies, food and everything in between.

NIH: What factors determine the direction of the design when it comes to housing projects?

Both the clientele and the location are important factors. When we are creating a space for someone to live in, it is important to completely understand the demographic we are designing for first. Then we develop a solution that best fits their lifestyle. We want to inspire future purchasers.

When it comes to the location, it is important for us to research the flavour of the neighbourhood and consider what local amenities – restaurants, shops, banks, grocery stores, etc., - currently inhabit the area.

In Toronto, condominium developments can help transform and update the communities in which they are built. This approach focuses on analyzing the heritage of the community, the current and future needs of the community and emphasizes good planning and longevity over trendy designs.

NIH: What do you enjoy more: designing for low-rise or high-rise? Why?

We really enjoy both for different reasons. Designing each type of development has its own unique challenges. Working on different kinds of projects keeps us on our toes and keeps us fresh.

NIH: What are some high-profile projects that you have done in the past? 

1)    Yankee Stadium, New York

2)    Trump International Hotel & Tower, Toronto

3)    Crystal Cruises, LA

NIH: What are you doing differently than every other interior design firm in Toronto? 

We refuse to be pigeon holed into one particular design style or aesthetic. The projects we develop are often not identifiable as II BY IV DESIGN projects. The common threads that run from one project to another are quality and innovation. Other than that, every project is uniquely designed to fit the needs of the individual client.

NIH: What design trends are popular right now? What will see more of very soon? 

We are seeing more condominium developments that are designed like, and operate similarly to, a hotel or resort. We see a huge shift in the market towards improving consumer lifestyles. In other words, more and more condominium developments are operating like boutique hotels or resorts with communal amenities, grand lobbies and public spaces that are tailored toward enhancing the occupant’s lifestyle.

In the Toronto market, we think we will continue to see more of this trend. More and better amenity spaces will allow developers to differentiate their buildings and remain competitive.

NIH: What does the future hold for II BY IV? 

We envision more creativity, lots of imagination and inspirational interior spaces. We are excited about the future.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

- Condo or house? Condo

- Wood or metal? Wood

- Contemporary or vintage? Contemporary

- Granite or quartz? Quartz

- Hardwood or laminate? Hardwood

We thank Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook for their time- we are really looking forward to the unveiling of their future projects. Keep your eye out, you just might be living in a home designed by II BY IV DESIGN one day!