BIO
Allen Chan is co-founder of the acclaimed, multi-disciplinary global design studio, DesignAgency, where he shares the helm with partners Anwar Mekhayech and Matt Davis. Each. Each contributes a unique vision to the company’s creative strategy and ideation of guest experience in the hospitality, residential development and retail industries.
The studio unites interior design, architectural concepting, strategic branding, and visual communication. Known for reimagining the guest and customer experience, the studio is one of the most distinguished and awarded design firms, sought after by clients in Canada, the US and around the world. Working for leading companies, developers and hospitality groups, DesignAgency brings experience, passion and creativity to make places that immerse guests in a diverse range of styles and experiences.
Allen highly values the relationship between brand messaging and designed environments, evident in his work with St. Regis Toronto, Canada’s first St. Regis hotel, Fairmont Hotels, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, SBE Group, Yotel and Oliver Bonacini.
Every project he develops has a unique design aesthetic. He is passionate about finding the authenticity for a project and using the architecture of a building a source for inspiration. Allen develops brands and concepts for new and existing hospitality, hotel and entertainment brands that deliver an elevated guest or user experience, that leaves a lasting impression. Allen is a graduate of the internationally renowned Graduate School of Architecture Preservation and Planning at Columbia University in New York City, and also holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto.
SPECIALITIES
Retail, Hospitality, Development/Condominiums
ARTICLES
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Rambunctious audacity exemplifies new Vice offices
A rambunctious, audacious and youthful energy is the spirit of the Vice brand, and they sought an office space that reflected these qualities. Attuned to the needs of its client, the design team infus ...
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The materials palette is as lush as the menu at this Toronto restaurant
Our design team was contacted by David Chang, eight years after he launched Momofuku in Toronto. The brand has matured in new directions and experienced significant growth, so Chang called on DesignAg ...
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Whisky and whimsy reform luxury hospitality design
Situated in the former Trump Hotel in the heart of Toronto’s business district, the design team was tasked with removing associations with past ownership, while introducing Canadians to the hist ...
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History and place dictated the eclectic redesign of an East End icon
The new Broadview Hotel has come a long way from its former lives as a factory, a boarding house and then "Jilly's" - an infamous seedy nightclub. Now, the east end landmark is a chic 58-roo ...
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Three different moods for three distinct spaces at Victor Restaurant
Interior Designer: Allen Chan Design Firm: DesignAgency Photographer: Lisa Petrole Hotel Le Germain Mercer Street in Toronto invited the design team to transform its on-site restaurant, Victor. With t ...
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Ultra cool offices for Vice Toronto HQ
Interior Designer: Allen ChanDesign Firm: DesignAgencyPhotographer: Adrien Williams A rambunctious, audacious and youthful energy is the spirit of the Vice brand, and they sought an office space that ...