We ask Michael Shugarman himself about summer decorating style and how to make the most of the available space on the terrace. Shugarman Architecture is based in Calgary but has completed many outstanding works in Edmonton over the years.
Why did you want to expand north?
I was born and raised in Edmonton and still have family and friends there. When people ask where I'm from, I often still say Edmonton – that's just who I am and I've always wanted to be a significant part of its development.
How would you describe Edmonton’s architecture/design scene? Is there anything special about that?
It's a tough market given its size, the fact that we mostly live in suburbs, and that corporate and private money is quiet. Therefore, the options are limited and therefore the progressive design community is relatively small. Whether in theatre, graphics, sculpture, architecture or dance and music, Edmonton always seems to have embraced modernism. I think that modernity is the right place for our pragmatic and hopeful culture.
How important is design sustainability for your company? Is it restrictive or are there benefits and ways you and your team can become better designers?
In my opinion, sustainability has evolved from a fringe, high-value idea to a central financial component of most design thinking topics. I don't think it's restrictive at all, but rather requires a more conscious discussion about capital versus operating costs up front and with design teams who often don't feel comfortable in this discussion.
Edmonton is currently still experiencing long and sunny summer nights that will turn into stunted, dark winter days. How does the weather and our flat prairie location influence your advice to people building/designing their own homes and spaces?
Just think about it. We think about how customers use the morning and how they enjoy the evening. Consider how you can manipulate shape, light, color, and texture to maximize utility. This is how all good design should begin – but unfortunately it's more often about how it “looks” than how it “feels”.