ARIDO Awards

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.

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.

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.

ARIDO Award: The Parker

The Parker brings next level luxury and a carefully curated living experience to the rental scene. A shining example of Figure3’s unique design approach to purpose-built rentals, The Parker places emphasis on social connection and community, coupled with an extensive upscale amenity offering.

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

Design Firm: Figure3

Photographer: Scott Norsworthy and Adrian Amariucai

The reception desk and the textured glass wall visible on the right and a small lounge area on the left, tall ceilings. The entire space is designed in light, silvery blond and cream colour scheme

Infused with cool Nordic design elements, the lobby features a stunning frosted glass wall and silvery
blond woods that emphasize the dramatic verticality of the space. The textured glass behind the reception desk is back lit for a diffused, icy glow, while biophilic elements in the lobby bring in year-round greenery. These cool finishes flow into the 10 Dean café, creating a continuity of design that encourages guests to naturally flow into the hospitality space.

A unique hospitality partnership with hip urban café 10 Dean amplifies the engaged lobby experience, which features a seamless flow between public and private spaces. In contrast to how rental lobbies were laid out in the past (bare and transient), the approach here focused on connection and convenience; a perfect complement to this amenity driven lifestyle.

A view of the cafe with the bar on the left and seating booth on the right, the space is filled with cool finishes and biophilic touches

The space looks beautiful, but is ultimately packed with strategic elements, branded experiences, warm materials, and intimate furniture groupings that influence desired behavior and elicit emotional responses and positive outcomes for our clients and their tenants.

ARIDO Award: 10 Bay – McMaster Graduate Student Residence

Responding to ever growing demands for quality student housing, 10 Bay – McMaster Graduate Student Residence – fosters a thriving community in the heart of Hamilton’s evolving downtown core.

Category: LIVE TOGETHER

Interior Designers: Iva Radikova, ARIDO; Laura Le Lievre, ARIDO
Design Team: Nicole Wong, Intern ARIDO

Design Firm: Diamond Schmitt Architects
Co-Design Joint Venture: SRM Architects

Photographer: Lisa Logan

On the left is an image of the lobby area showing large windows and between them bright pink wall details, while above each window is a slatted wood details. On the right is a photo a view of the building from the street.

The new residence reflects the university’s commitment to creating a vibrant campus that promotes academic excellence and the health and well-being of student life. Rising at the corner of Bay Street and King Street, the 30-storey building is home to over 644 graduate students and their families.

A study room in the library with wooden patterned ceiling panel detail

The design transforms student housing by recognizing the pivotal role of amenities for community engagement, and the impact of purposefully designed units. Multiple shared spaces are included and nurture a balance between learning and connection, while carefully detailed, light-filled, and inviting living spaces support a range of accommodations and accessibility needs.

A group of students playing music in the music room with a bright yellow accent wall, and music posters on the other wall, and interesting geometric light fixtures

ARIDO Award: Project Eglinton Loft

In the Eglinton Loft project, the building was home to offices and was converted in the early 2000’s giving a very spacious layout and 11 foot ceilings to play with.

Category: LIVE

Interior Designers: Luca Campacci, ARIDO; Vinh Le, ARIDO
Design Firm: Level Studio Inc.
Photographer: Vinh Le, ARIDO

A look toward the front door and entrance, featuring bright coloured runner that goes perfectly with bright pink artwork on the wall

Black kitchen with flush doors, no hardware and industrial elements

We completely renovated and reconfigured the kitchen appliance locations to create a more functional flow. The client had a bold vision for an all-black kitchen which we balanced with a white island. A large yellow sectional was the perfect choice for this project to balance against the kitchen. Black metal was chosen to work with the loft feel and was incorporated in the many legs of the furniture and accent pieces such as drink tables, side tables and chairs.

A custom window and door system was designed to bring as much natural light into the den as possible and incorporate the industrial aesthetic with custom designed shelves that house our clients extensive book collection.

ARIDO Award: UnCover / ReCover House

The project is a full renovation of an 1890 Victorian semi-detached single-family dwelling in the west end of Toronto, Canada.

Category: LIVE

Interior Designer: Nadia Cannataro, ARIDO
Design Firm: Large Medium Design Office

Photographer: doublespace photography

A view of the living room from the dining area, all is in predominantly white colours scheme with some warm wood details, brass light fixture and leather furniture pieces

The house was layered with several modifications over its one-hundred-and-thirty-year history and had most recently sustained damage due to a small fire. The interior was peeled away to the exterior load bearing masonry walls, and a reconfigured set of contemporary spaces tailored for a married couple with two active young boys was layered within this existing envelope.

Underside of the wood finished staircase in contrast to the surrounding white walls and a brick wall visible on one side under the stairs

White modern kitchen in all white cabinetry , long island and minimalistic black pendant lights above it

The interior demolition uncovered many hidden spaces and opportunities to reshape the volume and recover space within the building shell. The project intertwines historical artifacts, contemporary interpretations of the past, with contemporary living, construction, and materials.