Photos Shannon Mendes

In 2004, DMG Media approached Cause+Affect to help bring more design-focused content to its Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show.

Steven Cox, Cause+Affect principal, responded with Movers & Shapers—in part, to address the city’s lack of design events; and also to promote our own. “The only way we are going to achieve recognition and improve awareness is by supporting each other,” he said.

M&S 2, on during the home show (October 11 to 14), highlights 10 local maverick designers. Cox believes the mini show he curates is setting standards within Vancouver and internationally. The show grows to Calgary this fall and Toronto in the spring. The goal? A biannual event feting home-grown talent in all of Canada’s major cities.

Lang Wilson

Cynthia Wilson and Oliver Lang; architects
604-737-7600 www.lwpac.net

Current work: “We are developing a series of working models for intelligent urban densification.”¦We are engaged in residential projects and international competitions for cultural projects.”

Defining work to date: “ROAR_one, a multifamily residential project in Point Grey. It has been published internationally and won numerous awards.”

Our city’s strength: “A willingness and capability to engage with the issue of sustainability.”

Our city’s challenge: “To make the city sustainable. This does not just require making buildings that are technologically more efficient, but to more profoundly understand the relationship between architecture and the city. Architectural design can offer a true alternative to the dreams of suburbia, curb commuting, and offer increased availability of attractive urban amenities or the cultural and social aspects of city life.”¦The city and its larger institutions should take more initiative to create outstanding public amenities and affordable options for live and work.”

Propellor

Nik Rust, Pamela Goddard, Toby Barratt; designers
604-682-6665 www.propellor.ca

Current work: “Furniture and lighting commissions, mostly for clients’ homes.”

Defining work to date: “We were given the opportunity to curate an exhibition of sustainable design from around the world called Swell— Future Friendly Design. It strengthened our resolve to make our work green: this spring we launched our first line of eco-friendly lighting.”

Our city’s strength: “Vancouver has a deep pool of talented designers and strong design schools. It also has a large community of designers, architects, planners, activists, and thinkers creating sustainable design solutions.”

Our city’s challenge: “It would be great to see the Vancouver design community come together more often to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate. Having a design gallery in Vancouver similar to Toronto’s Design Exchange would help to educate the public about the value and importance of design.”

Burnkit

Josh Dunford, Adam Neilson, Bruce Sinclair; Branders
604-687-7715 www.burnkit.com

Current work: “New Web sites for Hemlock Printers and a leading high-net-worth investment group, as well as an HD interface design for a highly anticipated video-game release.”

Defining work to date: “The full redesign of PlayStation.com last year, but I’d say burnkit.com is our most defining project as it closely represents our team, culture, and our work.”

Our city’s strength: “Creatives from around the world are drawn to our beautiful, inspiring city.”

Our city’s challenge: “Conservative budgets speak to the value placed on design. A new breed of entrepreneurs puts a high value on design and its impact on bottom line and brand perception, but established companies in Vancouver seem caught thinking small.”

Marc Bricault

Residential/Commercial Interior Designer
604-739-9730 www.bricault.ca

Current work: “Renovating a 7,000-square-foot brownstone in Brooklyn; converting a turn-of-the-last-century convent to residential in Regina; and a 60-seat wine room for private dining at the Blue Water Café.”

Defining work to date: “Rangoli.”

Our city’s strength: “Its physical setting and its youth as a city.”

Our city’s challenge: “The same. Vancouver has been insecure about expressing something unique, but that is changing. I think it’s an exciting time to be living and working in Vancouver.”