Journal

Explore how the integration of art amplifies the value of design. This discussion uncovers the dynamic relationship between design and art, showing how art infuses meaning, emotion, and cultural significance into projects, making them more impactful. Learn practical strategies for collaborating with artists, curating art, and using art to solve design challenges. Whether you're a designer, architect, or developer, discover how art elevates design, creating spaces that are not just seen, but felt and remembered.

Mason Studio Design Director, Marti Gallucci, will moderate a discussion with Jiyeon Hong (Director of Art & Culture, Mason Studio), Teresa Aversa (Principal, Art and Objects Inc.) and Amy Pouliot (Creative Director, GZ Art Co).

RSVP to hold your spot here - limited seats available - first come, first served.

About Mason Studio Masterclass:
A series of conversations for and with the experts, the interested, and the curious; an opportunity to network, learn, share, and engage in meaningful dialogue about design, art, and other disciplines that help shape our built environment. The spaces we create and inhabit are reflections of our collective identity, aspirations, and values. Our talks will delve into the profound impact that design and art have on shaping the culture of place, exploring how they influence everything from the vibrancy of urban landscapes to the subtleties of community dynamics.

Members of ARIDO and OAA are eligible for 1 CEU Credit.

Moderator: Marti Gallucci | Mason Studio, Design Director

Panelists:
Jiyeon Hong | Mason Studio, Director of Art and Culture
Teresa Aversa | Art and Objects Inc., Principal
Amy Pouliot | GZ Art Co, Creative Director

About Marti Gallucci | Mason Studio, Design Director
Marti Gallucci is a Design Director at Mason Studio based out of Toronto. Over the past 11 years, she has watched her studio grow from three people to 25 richly diverse designers. Her multidisciplinary work ranges from hospitality—designing for hotels, retail, and restaurants—to residential projects, like condo developments to exhibition work and trade shows. Marti specializes on the importance of design to create meaningful human experiences. In addition to her work, Marti is a longtime volunteer in support of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and is a studio course instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University.

About Jiyeon Hong | Mason Studio, Director of Art and Culture
Jiyeon Hong-Doherty is a multi-disciplinary designer, researcher, and Director of Art + Culture, specializing in art consultancy, interior design, styling and project management. She holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Art, Media, and Design from OCAD University, where she graduated with distinction. She also earned a Bachelor of Design in Environmental Design (OCAD U) and an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design (Sheridan). As a seasoned director, team leader, mentor and creative designer, Jiyeon brings a critical eye and deep understanding of art and design to every project. She has a proven track record of envisioning, producing, and executing projects of varying sizes and budgets from luxury hospitality to independent businesses, consistently exceeding client expectations. Her work is characterized by a strong narrative, woven from her diverse skills and knowledge, which instills a sense of luxury, purpose, and refinement. Each project she undertakes is a visual journey, where the client’s story is brought to life in an invigorating and intriguing manner.

About Teresa Aversa |Art and Objects Inc., Principal
Teresa Aversa is a contemporary artist and art consultant based in Toronto. She received her BA in Criticism and Curatorial Practice (2009) from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), graduating with honours. As a classically trained artist, she has an in-depth knowledge of fabrication techniques and materials, coupled with a keen interest in contemporary art and design. Having cut her teeth in artist studios, galleries and art consulting firms, she leads with a diverse range of experience, envisioning and executing projects of varying sizes, scopes and budgets. Teresa founded Art and Objects in 2012 offering the interior design and hospitality industry a bespoke art experience and unique insight into the world of art and design.

About Amy Pouliot | GZ Art Co, Creative Director
Amy’s background and experience is a culmination of over 10 years in the art, design and hospitality industry. After graduating with a BA in Interior Design, Amy spent time working in residential design where she specialized in FF&E, art and styling. She began forging her eye for art consulting while acquiring artworks for residential clients, leading her to formally transition into the art consulting industry. Before joining GZ, Amy spent 6 years as Design Director of an art consulting firm where she was responsible for overseeing the development of art programs for leading hospitality brands such as Park Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria, Bellagio and Conrad Hotels.

Building on this experience, Amy joined GZ in 2020 as Creative Director. She is responsible for developing and overseeing GZ’s art programs to create impactful and thoughtful guest experiences that reflect the unique identity of each space. Amy oversees the artistic journey from concept to installation ensuring the project vision is carried through all phases. She also regularly collaborates with a network of global artists, studios and suppliers on bespoke commissions and site-specific installations. Fuelling Amy’s creativity is a passion for art, design and exploration, which leads her to regularly attend art fairs, trade shows and industry events to discover new talent, applications and advancements. Whether it’s an intimate boutique hotel or a chic restaurant, Amy possesses the transformative prowess to turn spaces into living canvases.

The foundation of our thinking is that strong design, strong social impact, and strong businesses are interlinked. While these pillars can live independently, they provide a powerful approach to fueling successful projects when they act together.

To stand behind our philosophy, Mason Studio is now a B Corp certified interior design service provider. B Corp – the ‘B’ representing ‘Benefit For All’ - is an international network of businesses that act in ways that benefit society as a whole and a belief that the purpose of a company is not just profits but to promote social, economic and environmental good.

B Corp certification validates a business's holistic efforts to generate positive social and environmental impact across all areas of their operation. It focuses on five key sectors of Governance, Customers, Community, Environment and Workers.

To create strong design, we carefully consider the people, communities and businesses involved in the project. To fuel strong social impact, we consider the project as a whole and are very thoughtful about each choice we make. We act as agents for our client’s clients to make strong businesses. We understand and consider the impact this has on people experiencing art and design.

Interested in taking the step to make a positive difference with your business? Reach out to us to explore the transformative journey of becoming B Corp certified and learn about the incredible benefits we've gained at Mason Studio. We'd love to chat with you.

Designing spaces that reflect the lifestyles of a community is one of the greatest achievements.⁠ Our Runxi Towers project in Shenzhen, China, continues to receive praise. The project was recently awarded three honours from Interior Design Awards (IDA), celebrated for being a beautiful, welcoming residence for people to thrive.⁠

Last year, the project was also awarded Best in Residential Developments by the Architectural Press Release, World Interior News Awards and the Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association.

We extend our gratitude to the Mason Studio team, our clients, and the countless consultants, tradespeople, and craftspeople for your collaboration and support. ⁠Connect with us to learn more about how we create compelling spaces.

Bringing extraordinary people together to form connections and spark new ideas is the core of our Cultural Hub.

On March 7, we hosted the celebration of a collaboration between Omar Gandhi Architects, Aaline Lighting and Acoustics, Filo Timo and Donohoe Living Landscapes, who launched a new lighting product line at Mason Studio’s Gallery.

Magic happens when we collaborate with fellow designers that embody our shared values - our space is flexible for hosting an array of programs.

From product launch to party, the Cultural Hub is a space where we can support collaborator's vision and needs - ensuring the build up is effortless - brick by brick.

We're always open to new opportunities to collaborate and share a space for big ideas. Opening our doors to their teams, industry members and friends provided a sense of place where projects and people shine.

See a recap of the event here.

The Cultural Hub at Mason Studio fosters the communication of ideas that contribute to greater discourse through limitless mediums.

This month, the Gallery hosts Body of Aesthetics, curated by interior designer and MFA graduate student at OCAD University Sara Dagovic. The exhibition presents the works of artists Orus Mateo Castaño-Suárez and Artemis Han, who respond to the injustices suffered by the body as it is isolated from the collective and reduced to a means of production, as it is subjected to the medical gaze. Castaño-Suárez and Han turn to digital multi-sensory mediums – including an ASMR experience booth upon entry into the space, and a digital audio-visual installation - to explore meaning-making while navigating the world through illness. Learn more here.

Body of Aesthetics is on from March 15 through 28 - Visit The Gallery at 91 Pelham Avenue, Toronto.

Gallery Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Join Sara, Orus and Artemis on Thursday, March 28 for an artist talk from 6-8 pm. RSVP here.

Photo courtesy of Hansen Brown

The Gallery at Mason Studio is a space where people gather to experience art, connect with others and learn about their community.

We are thrilled to host Jovial from February 8 through 29, 2024 - an exhibition curated by J’don McSween of Capsul Studio. The exhibition features photography by Jerawl Jordan and a large-scale painting by Jade Amaya.

Jovial is a celebration and acknowledgment of Caribbean culture through imagery, calling upon the history of Carnival and stories that make up the heritage of the Caribbean islands. The artists invite community to indulge in the history that made the people of the Caribbean so joyful.

Opening Reception: February 8, 2024 - 7 to 10 pm
The Gallery at Mason Studio - 91 Pelham Avenue, Toronto

On until February 29 - Gallery Hours - see full schedule here.
Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 4 pm
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm.

Presented by Mason Studio at the 91 Pelham Ave Cultural Hub
As part of DesignTO 2024

Food has an incredible power to connect people. Mason Studio gathers the stories, histories, and traditions of many cultures through one dish that connects them all: the dumpling.

From the Polish perogy to the Chinese wonton, explore how various celebrated Toronto chefs and restauranteurs prepare dumplings that reflect their heritage. Each restaurant will share some of their cherished dumpling recipes for you to try at home.

For two interactive evenings, Mason Studio pairs leading chefs and culinary experts to discuss how food connects people. They will also demonstrate, provide samples, and teach you how to make their dumplings with a hands-on experience.

The Open House event will celebrate all the chefs and provide dumpling samples from some participating restaurants.

Interactive Evenings:

• January 20 and 27, 6 to 9 pm
• Limited seats available
• RSVP for January 20 here
• RSVP for January 27 here

Open House:

• January 24, 6 to 9 pm
• RSVP for tickets here

Lighting sponsor: LightForm
Interactive evenings: AnthroDish, Pastaio, The Depanneur, Lokum Eats
Gallery exhibitors: Café Polonez, Chubby’s, ChopTime Catering, The Daily Dumpling Wonton Co., Chef Taylor Parker, DaiLo and Garleek Kitchen.

Special Events – by RSVP (Eventbrite):
Capacity: Limited seating
Entry Fee: Free, but a Pay What You Want donation is welcome. All proceeds go to The Stop Community Food Centre.

For questions about accessibility or other details, please contact ola@masonstudio.com

The Gallery at Mason Studio | 91 Pelham Ave, Toronto
November 14 through December 11, 2023

an art exhibition in collaboration with Making Art Making Change
and Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre

Inspired by the artwork made by participants in Long Life: Positive HIV Stories, an art project directed by Jonathan Morgan (2003, Cape Town, South Africa) Making Art Making Change (MAMC) facilitated eight two-hour participatory workshops for clients of Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre (DPNCHC).
Participants from the DPNCHC +55 community group met weekly to share their stories, lived experiences, memories, and identity in their artwork. Each participant traced their body maps on corrugated cardboard and began to add rich details, textures, imagery, and text as they enthusiastically developed their visual storytelling. Using artist-quality materials, the group built their own “body of work” each week, adding layers of meaning while exploring different techniques.

Visit The Gallery at Mason Studio Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm daily, to experience these incredible art pieces.

Accessibility: The Gallery is located on the first floor, which is accessible from the front entrance of 91 Pelham. Our washrooms are not fully accessible, and upper levels are only accessible via stairs. For questions and more information, please contact ola@masonstudio.com and we would be pleased to discuss how we can help support your visit. 

"Mason Studio puts a fresh spin on the classic bistro."⁠

UK-based interior design magazine, The Spaces, recently featured our design of Alobar Downtown. Highlighting the colour selection, furnishing and intentional elements across all programming areas, the piece takes a look at the central themes that make this dining destination unique. ⁠Read the feature here.

Toronto’s Alobar Downtown defines world class in its food, hospitality, and environment. A staple dining locale within the Alo Food Group brand, and its Michelin Star-rated sibling restaurant, Alobar balances an upscale experience with a laid-back spirit, comfortable structure and tactile details. For the fashion-forward, business savvy individual with good taste and broad knowledge of cuisine and libations.

Mason Studio recognized integral design elements aligned with the Alobar identity, and sought to shape this to its new form. Intentional lighting, to contrasting marble with natural wood, curvature and smooth surfaces make the signature dining experience while highlighting function for both staff and guests.

Mason Studio | Work From The World with Erin Kinninmont, Project Designer
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Going Dutch (by design). Amsterdam, Netherlands was Mason Studio Project Designer Erin Kinninmont’s locale of choice for her Work From The World venture. From pedaling through the city streets on bicycles or traversing canals, to perusing pops of colour and examining adaptable, sustainable living, Amsterdam offered an abundant learning experience. Always taking it back to their roots, with a vision for the future, Erin grasped Amsterdam’s preservation of heritage in the midst of their human-centred forward-thinking approach.

“Traveling to new places broadens your perspective and exposes you to new cultures which ultimately enhances your understanding and appreciation for design,” Erin says. “An important takeaway for me is that historical contexts and traditions inform design choices, helping designers to adapt and innovate.”

Read more about Erin’s journey below and connect with her at @erin_kinninmont.

How has this trip to Amsterdam contributed to your understanding of design?
Traveling to new places broadens your perspective and exposes you to new cultures which ultimately enhances your understanding and appreciation for design. In Amsterdam the long history of canals has greatly influenced the city’s architecture and overall urban planning. The expansion of the canal network in the 17th century led to its dense urban layout resulting in tall, narrow canal houses that the city is now recognized by. An important takeaway for me is that historical contexts and traditions inform design choices, helping designers to adapt and innovate.

What innovations did you witness, experience, engage with?
Amsterdam’s floating homes represent an innovative approach to urban living by embracing the city’s extensive network of canals. These homes built on floating platforms offer several benefits including adaptability to rising sea levels, create an efficient use of urban space, and offers a sustainable lifestyle to its residents. This innovative housing solution integrates harmoniously with the city’s waterways and provides its residence with a unique way of living.

Tell us about any signature elements synonymous with Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is known for its signature architectural elements like narrow, gabled houses with red brick facades with line the city’s canals. Dutch design is also characterized by simplicity, repetition, and functionality. They combine historic architecture with modern furnishings often featuring clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Amsterdam blends historic charm with contemporary design elements to create a distinctive style that feels laid back and effortless.

Is there an element of design you’d like to integrate in your practice?
I visited an exhibition created by Dutch design studio Raw Color whose central focus is on the investigation of colour through interdisciplinary projects. The show featured a selection of their work which explores different aspects of colour including density, proportion, translucency and blending. Colour theory is a tool that I would like to integrate into my practice because of its ability to influence people’s perception of space. It can change the way we experience light, size, temperature and mood. This is a design strategy that isn’t often used in Canadian interiors but a practice that I hope to see integrated more often.

How has this travel experience contributed to the way you think, act and live?
Amsterdam embodies a relaxed, socially connected, and environmentally conscious way of living which inspires me to make changes in the way I live back home. The city’s bike friendly culture promotes physical activity and a sustainable way to commute which is something I would love to integrate into my routine. Amsterdam’s relaxed and community centric values also encourages me to adopt a slower pace and a greater focus on work-life balance.

What aspects of community, inclusion and belonging did you witness or experience within the Amsterdam, and the local culture?
In Amsterdam, community is a central focus in their design approach and takes precedence over aesthetics. This reflects the city’s commitment to fostering strong social connections through design by promoting pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods with shared public spaces such as parks, co-working spaces, squares, and community gardens. Amsterdam’s emphasis on sustainable, accessible and people centric urban planning helps create an environment where residents are more likely to engage with one another and build a strong sense of community.