Charity partners, Salvation Army and ‘Boundless’ (a community centre and spiritual guidance organization), were quickly outgrowing their facility as the community was increasing and requiring more services.
While they were unable to expand the size of their building, they called upon AK Interiors to find design solutions within the structure’s existing parameters.
After many meetings with staff, we were able to define their functional priorities and work processes with the end goal of providing the community with comfort, nourishment, spiritual guidance and safety. Through this assessment, we developed feasibility layouts to reconfigure room sizes, designed a commissary kitchen, added a service lift, relocated universal washrooms, and created a dynamic community room and reception area. These design developments also organized their food storage and preparation, expedited workflow for sorting and packing donations, and improved flexibility of rooms for staff collaboration and community events and programs.
The design aesthetic replaced dark, low ceiling, cluttered and aged spaces into a bright, welcoming centre for all families and individuals to claim their own. We incorporated Salvation Army brand colours along with warm light wood tones throughout. Durable flooring, wall and countertop finishes were included for long term and frequent use. Comfortable and warm toned furnishings that folded or stacked allowed flexibility to re-configure for various events. Building HVAC, lighting, video and technology systems were also updated to suit energy codes, adaptability and flexibility.
STATS:
- Tenant Improvement: 7086 sq ft
- Design Construction Timeline: April 2022 – April 2024
- Interior Design Services Included: Programming, Design Concept, Design Development and Construction Documentation, Coordination with Architect and other Consultants, Millwork detailing, Commercial Kitchen coordination, Furniture Concepts, Specifications, Layout and Order Coordination, Contract Administration.
Photography: Kim Muise