ECLECTIC WATERFRONT LIVING in LAKESHORE, ontario
Welcome to OUR ‘WATERFRONT’ RESIDENCE
A Fateful Encounter: Brewing Design Brilliance Over Coffee
In the world of design, sometimes the most extraordinary projects unfold in the most serendipitous ways. Allow us to share the captivating story behind the transformation of a newly acquired waterfront home, which began with a chance encounter at a Starbucks.
A Conversation Brews
One sunny afternoon, I found myself at Starbucks, savoring my usual Tall Americano, no room. As I placed my order, I shared my name, "Dory." The barista, with a twinkle of recognition, queried, "Azar? The Architect?" Stunned, I affirmed my identity. She proceeded to reveal that she had emailed me that very morning, inquiring about the possibility of a major overhaul for their waterfront abode. I expressed keen interest, still somewhat taken aback by the serendipity of the encounter.
A Brewed Beginning
Yet, when I checked my email, there was no trace of her initial message. Not in my inbox, nor in our general mailbox. So, before leaving, I approached her once more and handed over my business card, explaining that her message had mysteriously disappeared. Time passed, and that elusive email never arrived. However, subsequent messages did, marking the commencement of our remarkable journey to reimagine their new home.
Designing Dreams
This young and effortlessly cool couple, bursting with marvelous energy, embodied everything necessary for the success of a project of this magnitude.
Our vision for their home unfolded in three distinct phases. First, we envisioned an addition that would enhance the welcoming presence of the home from the road. Then, a covered patio with a master bedroom balcony took shape. Lastly, we embarked on a comprehensive interior overhaul, featuring an expanded kitchen, a bespoke staircase, and a dedicated space for music appreciation.
The project found itself under the watchful eye of the local conservation authority, ERCA, necessitating meticulous attention to detail to meet all compliance requirements.
This is a story of design born from a chance encounter, where coffee at Starbucks became the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation. It is a testament to the remarkable journey that is architectural design, where the unexpected can lead to truly exceptional results.
Photography by Devon Pastorius