box portfolio 2015

With the desire to create evocative interior design solutions that resonate and inspire, BOX takes a collaborative, client-focused approach to its wide array of projects. Established in 2002 in Vancouver, Canada by partners in life and business, Jay Brooks and Cynthia Penner, the boutique firm specializes in hospitality interiors and offers a full range of service including space planning and interior architecture complete with custom décor and lighting. Our tight team of designers is characterized by their joy for life and service. Their passion, curiosity, and imagination is tempered by intense focus, rationality, and thoughtfulness which has allowed us to successfully participate in a wide variety of projects including restaurants and bars, corporate offices, nightclubs, spas, gyms, private and multifamily residences, retail stores, and lifestyle and luxury hotels.

Source: Trump Vancouver

TRUMP International Hotel & Tower, Vancouver



Hotel Lobby

Trump International Hotel & Tower: Vancouver BC

Situated in downtown Vancouver, the famed Arthur Erikson designed tower will be a mixed-use development featuring

premier residences and a luxury hotel



Hotel Guest Room

Building Relationships We listen. BOX places an immense value in building a deep personal relationship with you, your property and its goals. We are team players; facilitators of your vision to produce environments that are unique, immersive, holistic, and thoughtful. It is our privilege to be good stewards of your resources, be technically proficient, timely, and make the journey together an enjoyable one.

Our Philosophy “Curiosity is the intellectual need to answer questions and close patterns. Story plays to this universal desire by doing the opposite, posing questions and opening situations”. (Chip and Dan Heath)

This symbiotic relationship between curiosity and satisfaction is what our work is all about. Hotels and restaurants form an integral part of the social fabric in any city – in many ways frequenting these establishments has become a leading type of social currency. These spaces unite and define the communities they serve. Our driving motivation is to create in guests a sense of belonging; to emotionally connect with them in a way that is authentic and meaningful and in which they can reciprocate with their loyalty. Developing a strong narrative is pivotal to making this connection. This storytelling defines the aesthetic direction from space planning to the smallest detail. Our house does not follow a particular artistic style but instead responds to the nature of the project to create distinctive and unique solutions.

Black + Blue Restaurant, Vancouver BC

Black + Blue Restaurant, Vancouver BC

Project Description "From juicy steaks to crisp service, classic cocktails to sumptuous décor, Black + Blue brings decadence and glamour back on the Vancouver dining scene“ Winner: IDIBC award of excellence for Black+Blue 2012 Winner: IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter: InAwards 2012 Design in Hospitality - Best in Competition

ADARA Hotel, Whistler, BC

Project Description Renovation of an existing 41 room, profoundly underperforming and tired strata hotel into a hip, boutique property and the creation of a highly distinguishable and memorable character/ brand identity, regionally appropriate, standing apart from other local Whistler resort properties Winner: IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter: InAwards 2006 Design in Hospitality - Best in Competition “the décor of the Adara hotel, the first designer boutique in the ski resort of Whistler BC, features distinctive rustic mountain style that wittily mixes whimsy, contemporary design and glamour” Hospitality Design Magazine

ADARA Hotel, Whistler, BC

COAST Restaurant & O-Lounge Vancouver BC

COAST Restaurant & O-Lounge Vancouver BC

Project Description Creation of a new modern 7,000 sq. ft. seafood restaurant with a sense of tradition and the adjoining 1,200 sq. ft. O-Lounge Winner: IDIBC award of excellence for Coast Restaurant 2009 Winner: IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter: InAwards 2009 Design in Hospitality - Best in Competition “…deep turquoise tones, mosaic-tile floors and lush leather banquettes define a breathtaking, new Vancouver aesthetic and extends a respectful nod to historic San Francisco…”

SANCTUARY Hotel, Miami Florida

Project Description Renovation of an existing Art Deco apartment building into a 30 suite hotel c/w restaurant, lounge, spa & salon and rooftop lounge “…a luxurious weekend retreat and personal hideaway for its owners and guests complete with a spa” Hospitality Design Magazine “its safe to throw Sanctuary onto your weekly repertoire and spread the word that it’s a winner.” Ocean Drive Magazine

SANCTUARY Hotel, Miami Florida

The Fish Shack, Vancouver BC

The Fish Shack, Vancouver BC

Project Description Inspiration drawn from commercial fishing wharfs, worker’s cabins, and DIY cafes on the waterfront to create the aesthetic of “dockside chic”. Winner: A.R.E. Design Award 2013: Outstanding Award of Merit for the Fish Shack Winner: IDIBC award of excellence for the Fish Shack Restaurant 2013

MARKET by Jean-Georges, Vancouver BC

MARKET by Jean-Georges, Vancouver BC

Project Description Creation of a new 6,000 sq ft. contemporary restaurant exemplifying restrained luxury and glamour for international chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten Winner: IDIBC award of excellence for MARKET by Jean-Georges 2009 Winner: Vancouver Magazine: Best Designed Restaurant, 2010 for MARKET by Jean-Georges “To walk into Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, is to enter effortless elegance. Nothing overstated, but you feel that little bit special just being there.” Nuvo Magazine

Our Work Process Jay and Cynthia are our company visionaries. Together they guide the design team in creating powerful narratives that define the personality and character of each project. Parallel with this, is developing effective space planning that meshes the desired qualities of the space with the functional requirements. With an approved floor plan and vision, our design team becomes more deeply immersed in developing the conceptual identity and iconic signature details. We make the process as collaborative with the client as is their preference. Our approach is a complete blend of spatial and material considerations. We have no set style, but design according to the aesthetic appropriate to the goals. We believe in customizing as much as possible to give our clients the most personal and distinctive environment. It is normal for us to do our own lighting plans and create custom lighting solutions. We avoid the use of reproduction FF&E items, preferring to customize or find unique / less known pieces to bring projects in on budget and with integrity. We are able to express our ideas through high quality renderings in a variety of styles. Our designers are trained to handle all aspects of a project. They are part of the initial creative process and design development. They create the construction documents to execute the design vision including in-depth coordination with MEP Engineers and Certified Professionals, and armed with this intimate knowledge of the job, are able to offer excellent and comprehensive project management. Thorough documentation and attention to detail, coupled with warm rapport with the construction team bring successful execution of the job. As the design team remains consistent from start to finish on a project, should there need to be cost savings or changes due to unforeseen site conditions, appropriate and timely suggestions can be put forward with greater ease and understanding of implications. During construction, a senior member of the design team will lead the project management for the project. They will be in daily correspondence with the project team. This person continues to be supported by the other members of the design team as necessary. A principal attends most project team meetings and important site reviews to support the design team. BOX has successfully completed projects outside of our local region: from nearby cities such as Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton, to Washington, California and Florida States, and to major cities in China. Our team is comfortable travelling as well as meeting virtually, such as through Go To Meeting. We believe in personal, in-depth service from start to finish.

H. Jay Brooks, BFA, BID, RID Principal Jay’s abilities as a highly creative and thoughtful interior designer have been proven through numerous international awards for design over his 24 year career. His current role as Design Director is a natural progression from his initial training in fine art and art history at the University of Victoria to his studies of interior design in the faculty of architecture at the University of Manitoba. Jay began practicing as a designer in Toronto with Yabu Pushelberg before returning to Vancouver. In these early years he lead the design of an international array of custom retail stores, restaurants and hotels including three distinct brand concepts for Westin and was recognized for his achievements from the International Interior Design Association, the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, and the Interior Design Institute of BC. With BOX, Jay is able to synthesize his high concept interior experiences with refined editing to create environments that uniquely resonate. His sense of wit gives lightness and grace. He is discriminating and known for clarity of vision that defines the soul of a project. Through Jay’s design guidance, Box has been recognized three times for Best in Hospitality by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the IIDA and brought home Best in Show and Best in Hospitality for BC. Jay has sat on the advisory board of the Art Institute for interior design curriculum and serves as a guest critic and mentor to the Interior Design Department of Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Cynthia Penner, BID Principal Founded BOX in 2002 in the Pacific Northwest with the goal of surrounding herself with other design professionals passionate about creating evocative and immersive interiors for clients equally impassioned Fascinated from childhood with the concept of transformation, Cynthia brings an idealist vision to her work. Her steadfast belief in the quality of storytelling and subtlety of meaning in every design choice brings an integrity and nuanced depth to her varied clientele. A University of Manitoba graduate, Cynthia went first to Toronto to establish her career in commercial interiors. She returned to the west coast to begin her solo practice followed by launching BOX with partner H. Jay Brooks. Since then, the studio has enjoyed working with clients in Canada, the US, and China . With over twenty years of experience, her current role as managing partner and designer allows Cynthia to balance her sense of style and grace with her entrepreneurial spirit. A sensualist, she advocates for solutions that are textural, emotional, and visually lush. Cynthia is frequently invited to speak and write to share her perspective with the hospitality design community.

Select Current Projects

Westcorp Hotel, Kelowna, BC 200 key luxury hotel on a prime downtown, waterfront location.

Opening 2017

Restaurant and Lounge, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, Bellevue WA, 5,000sf complete renovation of luxury restaurant. Opening Q3 2015

Restaurant, Glowbal Telus Garden, Vancouver, BC 14,000sf, fine dining, multiple floors with outdoor patio. Opening Q3 2015

Select Completed Hospitality Projects 2010 - 2014 Trump International Hotel & Tower, Vancouver 500,000sf new construction luxury residential tower and upper upscale hotel. Construction budget: estimate $350 million Completion of all residential space planning, design, and construction documentation; hotel rooms and public spaces planning, design, specifications, and construction documentation. Anticipated opening 2016. Nightclub, Celebrities, Vancouver 8,000sf complete renovation of existing dance club Private Residence, Tian Residence, Beijing 10,000sf (specialty areas within 20,000+ sf new home) Construction budget: $5+ million Hotel Lobby, Hyatt Regency, Vancouver Repositioning/renovation of guest entry lobby F&B venues, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Rogers Arena, Vancouver New premium concourse food and beverage venues and private box renovations Airport Restaurant & Bar, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, YVR, Vancouver 4,000sf new full service restaurant and bar for a premium club experience Golf Clubhouse Renovation, Blackhawk Golf and Country Club, Edmonton AB Full renovation of dining room, lounge and public spaces Restaurant & Bar with Outdoor Patio, Orrange Kitchen & Bar, Port Coquitlam BC 5,000sf plus large patio. Flagship concept for neighborhood premium casual dining Restaurant, Fish Shack, Vancouver Constrained budget conversion of upscale Moroccan-style restaurant into casual fish eatery Restaurant and Bar, Nineteen, Edmonton AB New, chef-driven fine-dining restaurant with separate lounge experience Hotel Ballrooms, Sheraton, Calgary AB Renovation of Function Rooms Restaurant and Roof Deck, the Trattoria, West Vancouver Evolution of brand concept to create casual modern Italian room complete with outdoor dining Hotel Outdoor lounge, Reflections Lounge Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver Renovation of existing under-performing outdoor lounge to create more intimacy and warmth Restaurant and Roof Deck, Black & Blue Steakhouse, Vancouver $5+ million, 10,000sf steak house with custom salt-walled meat locker and fire-lined outdoor roof deck

Select Hospitality Projects continued Private Gym, Studeo 55, Vancouver 15,000sf bold and evocative personal training gym Hotel Upgrades, Hotel 540, Kamloops BC Guest Room, Function Room, Restaurant, and Lobby upgrade visioning Restaurant & Lounge, The Yaletown Distillery and Paulies Kitchen, Vancouver $3 million, 6,500sf flagship bar and associated restaurant to promote clients’ distilled spirits.

Current Hospitality Projects 2015+ Westcorp Hotel, Kelowna, BC 200 key luxury hotel on a prime downtown, waterfront location. Opening 2017 Night Club, MIA by Blueprint, Vancouver 4,750sf underground 70’s inspired dance club. Opening Q1 2015 Hotel Restaurant, C Prima, Century Hotel, Vancouver 6,500sf restaurant renovation. Opening Q1 2015 Charter Yacht, Sunset Bay II, Vancouver Renovation of luxury 110’ yacht. Opening Q2 2015 Private Dining Room, Top Table Group, Whistler BC Premium wine-themed private dining room for 60 seated guests. Opening Q2 2015 Restaurant, Top Table Restaurant Group, Whistler BC Tapas restaurant with alpine twist. Opening Q2 2015 Arbitration & Mediation Centre, Kamloops BC Customized meeting room facility. Opening Q3 2015 Restaurant, Glowbal Telus Garden, Vancouver 14,000sf new construction, fine dining, multiple floors with outdoor patio. Opening Q3 2015 Luxury Sport Bar, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Rogers Arena, Vancouver 14,000sf new premium sports bar complete with VIP box suites and 100’-long bar. Q4 2015 Various Restaurants and Bars, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Rogers Arena, Vancouver New and renovation premium full-service restaurants, lounges, and bars 2015-2017 Restaurant and Lounge, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, Bellevue WA, USA 5,000sf complete renovation of luxury restaurant. Opening Q3 2015

Testimonials “We've had the pleasure of working with BOX Interiors on numerous projects, both professional and personal. Cynthia, Jay and their entire team combine great energy with a high level of detail and always add their flare of exceptional style and taste! We've been able to build a strong relationship with BOX and look forward to working on more jobs with them.” Shannon Bosa & Emad Yacoub Owners Glowbal Restaurant Group: Black+Blue, Coast, Italian Kitchen, Society, Trattoria, Fish Shack -all designed by BOX “The assignment was to improve/renovate /modernize and upgrade an already existing successful business. The challenge that caused most serious consternation was to retain the existing key elements that were most wonderful and unique to the location. The sensitivity and understanding to ensure that we did not " throw out the baby with the bath water" and yet create a" new fresh look "that was shown by the Box design team throughout the collaborative process was truly exceptional. The entire process from start to finish was only positive ;the results and end product speak for themselves.” Mark James Owner Yaletown Brewing Company & Yaletown Distillery Bar + Kitchen “…I’ve worked in real estate development for more than twenty years, during which time I’ve encountered a startling number of designers that seem to have lost sight of what the ultimate objective is: To make their clients’ projects more successful. BOX have not. BOX has an uncanny ability to find THE right design solution, balancing brand, budget, concept, function, style and timeframe to best advantage their client’s business…” John Kuharchuk Alchemy Project Group Inc (Sanctuary Hotel & Adara Hotel)

Please Contact Us

BOX Interior Design Inc. 17 East 6th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, V5T 1J3 T +1 604 738 2990 E [email protected] W www.boxinteriordesign.com

Cynthia Penner +1 604 738 2900 extension 101 E [email protected] H. Jay Brooks +1 604 738 2990 extension 102 E [email protected]

box portfolio 2015

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