Build Architecture Awards 2016

Build 2016 Architecture Awards 44 Company: Bliss Interiors Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.bliss-interiors.ca Telephone: 204-998-9444 rincipal Designer, Corray Classen, states passionately how she drew inspiration from her upbringing in a family contracting busi- ness to embody a strong work ethic and a tremendous pride in both ownership and in her company’s work. Being a third-gener- ation business owner in the industry, Corray maintains a strong core mission, “to create spaces that are beautiful, timeless and functional. It is very impor- tant to me that my designs support and reflect those who use them.” “My passion lies in residential interior design which sometimes leads to light commercial design for my clients who own businesses. To me, residential de- sign and renovation is creativity on a personal level. It involves the client’s larg- est investment (their home), their lifestyle, their family and personal wellbeing. I look at residential interior design as a huge responsibility and privilege. “Although I love the design aspect of my work I also enjoy the relationships that are made during the process. I have always been drawn to home design and the families who live there. My childhood home was also my family’s business and it had to function that way.” Corray ensures that Bliss upholds customer service as the most important quality of her work. As such, when approaching a new project, the first thing that she does is get to know the client, so that their needs can be under- stand and fulfilled. To aid in this, meetings are often held in the client’s own home or business to discuss their ideas and design style in detail. “I get a sense of their design style just by meeting in their environment. My approach is the same for every project, treat people how you want to be treated, always do what you say you are going to do and communicate. It’s as simple as that.” Expanding on the importance of the client’s role in the creative process, Corray went on to add, “As a starting point on every project, even before we meet, I ask the client to spend some time online looking at design websites to spark creativity and inspiration. Many times, clients struggle with or don’t know what their design style is. Reviewing photos of completed spaces or partial details of a design helps the client to communicate what they hope to achieve aesthetically. “At the initial consultation, photos are reviewed and requirements are discussed so that I can understand how the space needs to function. Once the design style and scope of work are communicated, state of the art 3D colour renderings and/or AutoCAD drawings are generated to communicate the proposed design. Drawings are the best way to confirm that the client and I are on the same page. Following approval of drawings and material selection, I work with the contractor and installers on the client’s behalf as a liaison to help implement the design. A clear scope of work, detailed drawings and ongoing communication are equally important in bringing a design to life.” Corray highlighted several of her most prominent past works, and addressed the challenges involved in creating these aesthetically pleasing projects. “My most recent project involved a complete interior renovation of a penthouse suite that hadn’t been renovated since the 80’s. Every finish was updated, including electrical and mechanical; even the sprinkler system was updated. The biggest challenge was working in the condo building itself. There were a lot of unique details to consider – working hours; not dis- rupting neighbours; keeping common areas clean following demolition and installations; the possibility of entering a neighbour’s condo to gain access for mechanical changes; scheduling of freight elevators; limited parking in sometimes snow filled streets…it all adds to the challenge of renovation!” Corray made special mention of her work on the Modern Timber Frame build. Being her second project with the client, she was brought onto the design build team at an early stage, and provided all aspects of the interior and exterior design, from space planning to the final finishing details. Best Residential Interior Design 2016 - Manitoba & Most Innovative Residential Architecture Project: Modern Timber Frame Cottage Bliss Interiors offers a complete range of interior design services from consultation to implementation, to clients and contractors in and around the Winnipeg area, including cottage country in scenic areas like Gimli, Falcon Lake and Lake of the Woods. P AR160043