ARIDO Spotlight: Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO

Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO | Emerging Professional

Meet Rozlyn, she is a passionate interior design graduate dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable, and transformative spaces. Inspired by her family’s craftsmanship and iconic designs like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, she prioritizes accessibility, eco-friendly solutions, and functionality in her work. With hands-on experiences like leading site visits and collaborating on creative projects, Rozlyn combines innovation with a deep commitment to designing spaces that inspire and improve lives.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?    

A recent interior design graduate with a deeply-rooted passion for transforming spaces that inspire and improve lives. From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of design to shape environments and foster well-being. Through my academic journey, I have developed a strong commitment to creating designs that not only reflect my creative vision but also contribute to the betterment of society. With a keen awareness of environmental impact, I’m dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of my work, aiming to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly solutions. 

2. Why did you choose to study and practice interior design? 

I chose to study interior design because of the influence of my grandfather, a skilled carpenter, who instilled in me an appreciation for craftsmanship and spatial design. Growing up, my mother’s constant redecorating of our home sparked my creativity and desire to create beautiful, functional spaces. With my father’s crafty nature, always building things, I was inspired to pursue a career where designing spaces for everyone to enjoy is at the heart of what I do.

3. Can you describe your style in one word?     

Inclusive

4. How do you approach work-life balance?    

Managing work-life balance in interior design can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the industry, but I’ve learned to prioritize my time and set clear boundaries. By staying organized and scheduling personal time alongside professional commitments, I ensure that I can recharge and remain focused on both my career and well-being.

5. What have you learned about work/life balance?

As an interior design intern, I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience while contributing to creative projects, learning from seasoned designers. Balancing work and life is essential, allowing me to recharge and maintain focus, ensuring both personal growth and professional success.

6. How do you spark your creativity? 

As a designer, I spark creativity by constantly seeking inspiration from art, nature, and diverse cultures to bring fresh perspectives to each project. I also embrace experimentation with materials, colors, and layouts, allowing for innovative and unexpected design solutions. Collaboration with clients and colleagues further fuels my creativity, as I value different viewpoints and ideas that enhance the final result.
 

7. What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?    

One of my biggest challenges has been managing anxiety, which often feels overwhelming in high-pressure situations. However, I’ve learned to overcome it by using grounding techniques, which help me stay centered and focused in the moment.

As a designer, I spark creativity by constantly seeking inspiration from art, nature, and diverse cultures to bring fresh perspectives to each project. I also embrace experimentation with materials, colors, and layouts, allowing for innovative and unexpected design solutions.

Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO

8. What did you discover that you didn’t know before? How did interior design or your projects shape you personally?    

As a designer, the process of working on various projects deeply shapes both professional skills and personal growth.

Designing spaces allows me to better understand the profound impact of the environment on mood, functionality, and well-being. I’ve learned to value not only aesthetic choices but also the importance of sustainability, accessibility, and how thoughtful design can create spaces that promote comfort and inclusivity for all. Each project challenges me to balance creativity with practicality, and this balance has refined my problem-solving skills and reinforced my belief in design’s power to transform lives.

9. Do you remember the first design that struck you or lingered in your mind?     

Frank Lloyd Wright – Falling Water

10. What is one thing you did for the first time recently?     

Taking my classmates on a site visit to the Aga Khan Museum for a design project was an incredible experience, offering firsthand insight into its stunning architectural details. The visit was truly inspiring, as the museum’s unique design and cultural significance sparked new ideas and creative perspectives for our own projects.

11. How would you describe your last year?   

My 2024 has been incredibly fruitful, with numerous opportunities from ARIDO and within the interior design community, propelling my career to new heights. However, the abundance of projects and collaborations has left me with little time to catch my breath, keeping me constantly on the go.

12. How did you develop your distinctive style?     

As I’ve developed my distinctive style, sustainability and accessibility have played a key role which drive the adoption of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and inclusive design practices. By experimenting with design aesthetics, cultural influences, and client needs, I’ve been able to refine my approach to prioritize adaptive, sustainable, and accessible solutions that balance functionality, environmental impact, and ease of use for all individuals. This focus on sustainability and accessibility shapes my distinctive design style, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that are both timeless and responsible in the use of resources while welcoming and usable for everyone.

13. What is a quality you most cherish in your designs?

The accessibility quality of my designs is something I cherish deeply, as it ensures that all users, regardless of their abilities, can interact with and benefit from my work. I prioritize accessibility because creating inclusive, user-friendly experiences is essential for fostering equal access to information and services for everyone.

By experimenting with design aesthetics, cultural influences, and client needs, I’ve been able to refine my approach to prioritize adaptive, sustainable, and accessible solutions that balance functionality, environmental impact, and ease of use for all individuals.

Rozlyn Mead, Intern ARIDO

14. Did social media affect your work? If so, how?  

Social media has provided me with a wealth of inspiration, allowing me to explore diverse design styles and creative concepts from around the world. It has opened up opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and stay motivated by the innovative work of others.

15. What advice would you give someone who is interested in interior design?  

I would advise anyone interested in interior design to embrace creativity and continually seek inspiration from various sources, as this will help refine their unique design perspective. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or personal projects is invaluable in developing practical skills and understanding the industry’s dynamics.

16. Describe the impact a mentor (formal or informal) has had on you. 

My mentor truly challenged me to elevate my approach to designing for accessibility, encouraging me to consider the diverse needs of individuals in a deeper and more thoughtful way. They supported me by helping identify key areas where people face barriers to accessing spaces and services, and emphasized the importance of inclusivity in design. They also taught me to always keep an open mind, reminding me that design doesn’t need to be rigid but instead should adapt to the needs of all users.

This mentor has ultimately changed the way in which I approach a design problem moving forward. 

17. What professional values guide your work?

Integrity, Collaboration, Quality, Adaptability, Communication

18. How can people connect with you? What is your preferred method of communication?    

Instagram
LinkedIn

ARIDO Spotlight

The purpose of the ARIDO Spotlight is to spark meaningful conversations.

We think honest and real conversations are at the heart of community building. Every voice matters and that there is a place for everyone in these conversations.

We feel it’s far more touching and honest to hear from the members who make up our design community – from members at large firms to small business owners, students, newcomers and independent creatives.

Would you like to be featured? Complete this form at the link below: 

-The ARIDO Communications Committee

Don’t hesitate to contact Maia Stamatov at mstamatov@arido.ca if you have questions.

A modern minimalist haven overlooking downtown Toronto

Sansa Interiors is proud to unveil one of our recent residential projects, the Shangri La condo, a testament to modern minimalism blended with warmth and functionality.

Interior Designer: Jude Kamal, ARIDO
Design Firm: Sansa Interiors Inc.
Photographer: Jagged Lens

This luxurious unit harmonizes natural elements like wood and textiles with a vibrant palette, creating a bright and airy living space. The kitchen features dark wood accents that contrast beautifully with light countertops, while a cozy, light-colored banquette offers a serene spot to overlook the bustling Toronto city scape.

The dining area is accentuated by colorful wallpaper, adding a touch of playfulness to the neutral walls. In the bedroom, vibrant floral wallpaper brings life and color, perfectly framing the iconic view of the CN Tower. The entertainment unit, a masterpiece of sleek wood millwork, seamlessly integrates a modern design with a TV and fireplace, offering both style and comfort.

Our design prioritizes a well-planned layout that ensures smooth circulation and meets the client’s needs. Balancing the existing condo shell with spatial requirements, we strategically positioned priority rooms along the expansive windows to maximize natural light and city views. To enhance privacy, the two bedrooms form separate wings at the end of the entry hallway, while the open-plan kitchen and living area create a central social hub.

Shangri La embodies our commitment to creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and inviting. Each element is thoughtfully selected to enhance the living experience, making this condo unit a true sanctuary in the heart of Toronto.

Wabi Sabi inspired interior celebrates the beauty of the perfectly imperfect

When our clients, two eloquent writers, sought to redesign their home, they envisioned a space that reflected the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi—an aesthetic celebrating natural beauty, imperfection, and craftsmanship. Their clear brief called for a tactile, natural, and thoughtful design that avoided the overly polished or glam while honoring the craft of the maker. The result? A home that feels like a breath of fresh air—light, harmonious, and grounded in nature.

Interior Designer: Cori Halpern, ARIDO
Design Firm: Cori Halpern Interiors
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox

A hanging shelf on a narrow diding room wall meant to display coctail glasses and details with modern simple artwork hanging above
A simple white lamp sits on a small wooden table and a bamboo chair in a corner by the kitchen window. Colourful artwork hangs above.

Our design began with a focus on natural materials and a soft, earthy color palette inspired by a vase filled with seaside rocks. These muted tones grounded the space, creating a calming backdrop while allowing the texture and craftsmanship of each element to shine. Durable materials and understated finishes were prioritized, ensuring the home would age gracefully over time—true to the Wabi Sabi philosophy of embracing what is durable and enduring.

The layout was another critical component of the redesign. The existing furniture arrangement was impractical for both entertaining and daily living. A new configuration improved the flow of the living spaces, seamlessly blending comfort with functionality. Built-in shelving flanked a large window, providing much-needed storage while adding architectural interest. A floating quartz-topped shelf on the opposite wall offered a versatile surface for entertaining or displaying curated objects, reinforcing the balance of practicality and design.

A custom brass branch-motif light fixture hangs above the wooden oval dining room table with blue upholstered chairs around it. The built in shelf is visible in the back, next to the large window adorned with sea foam coloured curtains.

Lighting design was a key focus in transforming this home. The existing ceiling, which featured an awkward ridge, was leveled and painted a uniform color to create a seamless, cohesive look. This thoughtful adjustment eliminated visual choppiness, allowing the eye to move naturally through the space.

A custom branch-motif light fixture became the focal point of the living/dining room area, adding an organic, sculptural element that tied the design to nature. Complementing this centerpiece, thin brass fixtures and well-placed recessed lighting ensured the home felt bright and welcoming at all times of the day. This careful layering of light, both functional and decorative, contributed to the home’s fresh, airy feel.

The mostly original kitchen is modernized with a linear brass lighting that hangs above the new, modern large island. The bamboo stools bring a touch of nature in.

The kitchen posed unique challenges, as the clients wanted to avoid a full renovation. The existing cabinetry and appliances were retained, but the space was elevated with a new, larger island featuring a quartz countertop. A handmade-look backsplash complemented the earthy tones of the cabinets, while cane bar stools echoed the natural aesthetic. 

The finishing details brought warmth and personality to the home. Custom drapery with a soft, wave-like pattern unified the living spaces, adding height and movement without overwhelming the design. Performance-grade fabrics were selected for their durability, ensuring the furniture would withstand everyday use while maintaining its luxurious feel.

A new wooden unit was brought in under the new Frame TV surrounded with art work. A black coffee table is in the centre of the living room couch and two chairs, ll in neutral colour scheme except one chair upholstered in a blue wavy patterned fabric.
A detail of the black coffee table with a platter of dark purple figs and a small bouquet of flowers in a dark blue glass vase.

Personalization was also key. The clients’ cherished photographs from Scotland were transformed into bespoke artwork, adding a meaningful, personal touch to the space. Even existing pieces were thoughtfully repurposed, such as a beloved rug now relocated to the office, blending the old with the new.

This redesign is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design. Rooted in the timeless principles of Wabi Sabi, the space celebrates natural beauty, craftsmanship, and the art of imperfection. By prioritizing light, flow, and texture, this home now feels like a serene retreat—designed to inspire, nurture, and endure.

Inclusive Design in Action: Ottawa City Hall’s Gender-Neutral Washrooms

LWG Architectural Interiors had the opportunity to work with the City of Ottawa in transforming their public washroom facilities into the first fully inclusive gender-neutral washrooms in City Hall.

Interior Designers: David Gibbons, ARIDO, Melanie Tracey, ARIDO and Lori Trask, ARIDO
Design Firm: LWG Architectural Interiors

Toilet stall doors are on the left and accros from them on the right is the barrier free sink area.

The traditional male and female washrooms, original to the building which opened in 1990, were integrated into one single gender-neutral facility, incorporating fully private individual toilet rooms, universal washroom facilities and a nursing lounge.

These washrooms have been well-received by City of Ottawa staff and the public alike, and have been referenced numerous times by public washroom advocates on CBC radio as an excellent example of what a public washroom facility should aspire to be.

The sink area across from the toilet stalls, with barrier free sink, three well lit mirrors above the three sinks, all hanging on a wood finish
White stone top barrier free single sink that hangs off a wall with horizontally laid wide plank wall tile in a neutral grey

The LWG design team, led by Principal/Interior Designer David Gibbons and designed by Associate/Interior Designer Melanie Tracey and Interior Designer Lori Trask, paid close attention to the lighting design, with the intent of creating a warm, welcoming respite from the hustle and bustle of the very busy City Hall. Materials, finishing and detailing were carefully selected and articulated with longevity in mind, both aesthetically and practically.

Inclusion Initiative at Ottawa City Hall

ARIDO Award: Misoya Ramen Shop

Misoya Ramen, a culinary time capsule spanning 552 square feet, opened within CIBC Square’s upscale food hall in Toronto’s financial district. This intimate eatery seats 13 patrons, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Category: SHOP

Interior Designers: Tracy Ho, ARIDO; Joanne Chan, ARIDO; Glenn Cheng, ARIDO
Design Firm: SDI Design

Photographer: Mike Black

Environmental graphics are integrated in the wooden surround to detail the ramen shop experience, alongside the use of iconic Japanese elements such as the "Noren" fabric divider. Wooden countertop enhances the ambiance

The design strategy aimed to authentically capture the essence of Japanese culinary artistry, specifically
focusing on the traditional Ramen shop experience.

The design brief centered on ambitious directives: transporting guests to Japan’s Edo Era, ensuring accessibility and respect for all diners, creating a scalable kiosk prototype for future expansion, and championing sustainability while nurturing culinary talent. These pillars formed a strategy transforming the modest space into a portal to Japan’s rich culinary heritage.

Our design solution for this Ramen shop effectively addresses the client’s goals and objectives through various strategic choices and features. It was important to provide cultural immersion through integration of environmental graphics to detail the ramen shop experience, alongside the use of iconic Japanese elements such as the “Noren” fabric divider (traditional Japanese fabric dividers hung between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows) and authentic Japanese uniforms. The wood countertop further enhances the ambiance and provides a tactile connection to Japanese craftsmanship.

The design of the dining counter considers accessibility requirements, ensuring all patrons can enjoy the ramen experience without feeling excluded or singled out

Creating an engaging dining experience was another of our client’s objectives, achieved through the strategic placement of the ‘wok’ that ensures guests have optimal sightlines to the captivating “fire show” during food preparation. This aligns with the tradition of open kitchen designs in Japanese ramen shops, enhancing transparency and authenticity while offering a dynamic dining experience.

The design of the dining counter considers accessibility requirements, ensuring all patrons can enjoy the ramen experience without feeling excluded or singled out, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The overall design aesthetic of Misoya Ramen transcends trends, providing a sustainable long-term investment, as shown through the material selection such as the roof cladding, wood and the Japanese artisan-style tiles.

Misoya is inside the CIBC Square's upscale food hall in Toronto's financial district. This intimate eatery seats 13 patrons, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Our design solution accommodates both dine-in and take-away options, offering versatility for various settings such as standalone kiosks or within food court environments; maximizing operational flexibility and overall customer convenience.

By blending cultural authenticity with modern values of inclusivity and sustainability, Misoya Ramen aims to provide an unparalleled dining experience that honors tradition while embracing contemporary ideals.

ARIDO Award: Indigo, The Well

In the years leading up to this endeavor, Indigo had embarked on an exploratory path, expanding its product offerings, which altered the appearance of its stores. Recognizing the need for change, the strategy was to create a timeless design with maximum flexibility, transforming the store into a haven for booklovers and culture enthusiasts of all ages.

Category: SHOP

Interior Designer: Winnie Leung, ARIDO

Design Firm: Indigo Books & Music Inc.
Co-Design Joint Venture: Dalziel & Pow

Photographer: KH Images & BDP Nick Caville

Customers are welcomed by black-and-white photographs of celebrated culture-makers that adorn the wall fixture uppers. In the centre is a round display table for books and several floor book shelves arranged in a diagonal fashion throughout the space

The envisioned store design for Indigo at The Well in Toronto’s west end is a captivating blend of literary
wonder and creative inspiration.

Indigo’s new flagship at The Well, Toronto, marks a brand evolution. This 16,000-square-foot space embodies Indigo’s ethos, offering a community hub for book enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. It’s a sanctuary for reflection, a treasure trove for discovery, and a beacon of design and beauty.

A striking pop of red shelving and hanging pendant lights featuring Manga illustrations in the manga & graphic novel shop

Upon arrival, customers are welcomed by black-and-white photographs of celebrated culture-makers that adorn the fixture uppers. Intricate paper art and dioramas bring classic children’s book tales to life.
The beautifully designed wood book cases line the walls and shelves 40,000 curated books that beckon readers with their enticing covers and intriguing titles. The new fixture system ensures optimal flexibility for merchandise presentation. Well-displayed products lead to delightful discoveries during customers’ exploration journeys.

In the cooking section, a large green book shelf adorns the wall, with a beautifully arranged display table in front of it and more smaller book shelves on the sides

There are playful activations throughout the store interior offering something captivating at every corner to explore. A striking pop of red for the manga & graphic novel shop. A paper and stationery shop, where creativity flows freely. A home fragrance counter infuses the air with delightful scents. And a music corner, complete with a jukebox that invite you to select your favourite tunes. IndigoKids Haven lets little bookworms find solace in the IndigoKids department under the cloud-shape lights, where colourful, low seating welcomes them to immerse into cozy reading times.

This Indigo store pulses with life during special author events, captivating Storytime, and creative demos.
It truly lives up to its title—a “happy place” where stories unfold, creativity thrives, and community gathers.

ARIDO Award: Keilhauer NYC Showroom

Located in a historic building at the New York Design Center, the Keilhauer Flagship showroom exemplifies innovation and hospitality-inspired design, redefining the traditional showroom experience.

Category: SHOP

Interior Designer: Suzanne Wilkinson, ARIDO
Design Team: Heather Woods, ARIDO
Design Firm: Figure3

Photographer: Steve Tsai

Colourful chairs and furniture are on display through the large window by the main entrance to the showroom leading to the reception desk

The interior is a dynamic, hospitality inspired retail environment that supports collaborative work to redefine the typical showroom experience, catering to the architectural and design community. The entryway features illuminated brand signage on a limestone feature wall with linear ridged paneling that evokes texture and the craftsmanship of a tailored suit, drawing in visitors from the hallway where the open layout showroom welcomes with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

a Kitchen like area in the showroom, with a large square island in the centre, with interesting multi light fixture above, and the furniture displays are visible in the background

Once inside, the new open layout serves as an inviting backdrop, with large windows that flood the space
with natural light, enhancing the overall experience. Radiating a timeless elegance and refined materiality, the showroom is basked in a warmth that deviates from a typical gallery-like furniture showroom environment. The design makes use of spatial irregularities and the unconventional floorplan within the historic building by hiding much of the column grid to evoke a sense of openness throughout. Clear circulation paths were prioritized to establish furniture groupings and maximize accessibility in the space.

At the heart of the showroom, guests can enjoy the stunning feature bar with an undeniable hospitality-like feel that encourages intentional guest interaction and can easily be activated to host events and product launches within the interior.

several lounge spaces and collaborative work spaces are visible, featuring Keilhauer furniture, in many different tones and colours, and materials

A variety of flexible workspaces highlight Keilhauer’s diverse range of contract furniture solutions, intended to facilitate sales appointments, and creative co-working sessions. From warm lounges to collaborative workspaces and private offices, visitors can experience for themselves how Keilhauer products can enhance any workspace environment in context of use.

ARIDO Award: FH Farmhouse

The standard for fast casual salad concepts in North America has somehow aligned fresh produce-based dishes with acid green accent walls, clinical white counters and loud graphics. FH Farmhouse reimagines this concept by embracing farming culture and sustainability.

Category: PRESERVE+RESTORE

Interior Designer: Dyonne Fashina, ARIDO
Design Firm: Denizens of Design Inc.

Photographer: Scott Norsworthy

A view of the entire shop looking toward the entrance, with the slaes and display caounter on the right and on the left the large wooden dining table against the large window.

Located in a converted heritage chapel, this calming, contemporary salad bodega caters to diverse demographics—from moms to trendsetters craving healthy options. The space is envisioned as a modern interpretation of a farmhouse, blending natural light, verdant greenery, and warm wood tones to evoke a welcoming ambiance.

The design harmonizes minimalist aesthetics with tactile comforts, featuring bespoke curved details like the planter wall with integrated cove lighting and a ceiling gently arching towards the service bar. These elements, from the reclaimed oak posts to the communal harvest table, reflect both rustic charm and urban sophistication, echoing the spirit of Canadian farm life in a city oasis.

A view of the entire front counter and display section, looking in from the main entrance direction. The entire spaces is covered in natural wood, in contrast to the clean, white counter base

Our design team avoided the typical clinical whites, acid greens of other salad/health concepts and focused instead on a space the reflected the roots of farming tradition. The interior needed to be somewhere people wanted to visit, stay and return to.

It was important to us and the client to reuse materials, so we worked to strategize on how we could improve the condition of existing elements and blend them in with what was going to be new.

We played with the idea of retail display as adaptable to other uses such as dining. The space is
grounded with an oversized harvest table with backless seats to facilitate the communal experience for
diners but can also double as a display table for merchandise depending on the locations needs.

Wooden built in shelf displaying potted plants and wooden rustic pieces and woven baskets
Arched door opening done in wood finish and beautiful green tile covers the wall to the left of the door

The design offers a setting where guests can truly stand out, infusing the space with life. It’s not about
following passing trends or flashy gimmicks; instead, every detail and decision reflects a deep sense of
thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect for the space’s history.

With 3 additional locations since this flagship project, we have been able to adapt the kit of parts to
other locations so that even more modern sites still reflect the ideals of the brand.

ARIDO Award: Conestoga College Cowan Centre for Medical Sciences and Biotechnology

Designed for the Health Sciences Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology and Medical Laboratory Science Programs at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener, the Cowan Centre transforms existing academic classrooms into state-of-the-art laboratories for cutting-edge research.

Category: PRESERVE+RESTORE

Interior Designer: Valerie Gow, ARIDO
Design Firm: Gow Hastings Architects

Photographer: Scott Norsworthy

The design needed to meet highly technical requirements while also supporting Conestoga College’s vision to “put science on display.” The team created bold and bright showcase laboratory spaces that featured the innovative research being done. Being very efficient with organizing the floorplan, the team quickly discovered that the shallow building footprint offered a unique opportunity to layer glazed openings, creating visibility into the laboratories, views to adjacent laboratories, and views out to the woodlot.

Another view from the lab, showing the green glass wall partition looking onto the hallway

By colour-blocking with brightly coloured doors and flooring, individual laboratories are given their own
identities helping visitors to navigate the space. Strategically placed panels of floor-to-ceiling green coloured glass provide framed views of the outdoors, heightening the experience of the woodlot. While
inside the labs, scientists can refresh by looking up and out to the tree line. Atypical of most research
spaces, scientists are encouraged to peek into adjacent laboratories, transferring the energy and
excitement from the research being conducted by their peers.

Hallway outside one of the laboratories, features a seating area with a brightly coloured wall right above the bench

Large, bold graphics were incorporated to facilitate wayfinding and create a clear identity in a sterile
laboratory environment. Vibrant greens are featured in lettering on the ground, spelling out “Biotechnology” and “Medical Science,” creating an abstract floor pattern, providing the program with an identifiable character and intuitively drawing users in through passive wayfinding. A feature wall anchors the space with an abstracted and magnified split tissue cell sliced by a microtome, one of the key instruments of the lab. The colourful graphic playfully connects back to the research conducted and brings presence to the Health Sciences Wing.

The design strategy resulted in bright, colourful, light-filled research spaces that are not typical of laboratories and generated a unique condition where research could be displayed and celebrated.

ARIDO Award: Rhythm

Rhythm distinguishes itself as a premium rental community, offering striking contemporary design and exceptional modern amenities tailored for a youthful Gen Z and Millennial demographic with a dynamic lifestyle.

Category: LIVE TOGETHER

Interior Designer: Dominic De Freitas, ARIDO
Design Team: Nadine Burdak, ARIDO; Megan Hayward, Intern ARIDO

Design Firm: Figure3

Photographer: Gleb Gomberg

Gaming room in a monochromatic base with yellow and blue accents like the small coffee tables and seating against the wall. There are fun details like the blue LED neon gaming controller on the wall and a Pac Man like pattern on the ceiling.

The design solution was inspired by the feeling of stepping into a hip urban hotel; a thriving community
where each amenity space adds value and convenience and allows guests and residents to
thrive.

Established with a clear brand vision from the onset, the design looked to seamlessly translate the energy and movement inherent to the brand, into the physical space. The design translates the essence of Rhythm, and the brand values and identity into the physical space, placing emphasis on community, and providing ample opportunities for residents to socialize. 

Another area meant for socializing, games and fun. The wall on the left is inspired by Scrabble letters with small round tables against it, and o the right there is a long bar top with stools facing a floor to ceiling windows.
Another area meant for socializing, games and fun. The wall on the left is inspired by Scrabble letters with small round tables against it, and o the right there is a long bar top with stools facing a floor to ceiling window. On this side there is another play area with a large table

With a strong brand presence to guide our design team, an impressive 3-dimensional fin installation is placed along the ceiling in the lobby, drawing attention to the double height space. This is a direct representation of the wave pattern, a recognizable element of the Rhythm brand that provided inspiration throughout the visioning process.

Another gaming area with table soccer and a few arcade games against the wall that had a fun neon signage that says 'forever young'

Unlike conventional rental lobbies, Rhythm prioritizes resident connection, enriching the amenity-driven
lifestyle. Strategic design choices, from warm materials to intimate furniture arrangements, shape
behavior and evoke positive emotions.

A mid-tone monochromatic base creates a timeless foundation, full of warm wood and terrazzo, that feels
both comforting and familiar. Eye-catching details such as custom wall graphics, bright furniture, and
dynamic patterns are layered onto the neutral base; inspired by pop art, and retro 60’s design elements
that appeal to this youthful demographic.

Large yoga room in a calm colour scheme with a bunch of bean bags in the corner placed against a floor to ceiling mirrored wall

The design and amenity programming introduce a unique, socially driven lifestyle previously unparalleled in Ottawa.