II BY IV DESIGN first made its mark in the UK last year, and is back again dominating the highly prestigious ABB LEAF (Leading European Architecture Forum) Awards. The international design studio, with offices in Toronto, New York and London, just won notable accolades among an ambitious field of projects. In a competition primarily focused on architecture, with only two interior design categories, the ABB LEAF Awards sets the benchmark for the future of the industry.

Last Thursday, September 21, 2017 during a gala dinner at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, a landmark Victorian building in London, the ABB LEAF Awards revealed the winners of its 16^th annual competition, celebrating some of the best new international architectural projects. II BY IV DESIGN was honoured as the winner of the Interior Design Award – Future category, sponsored by Axolight, and also garnered profound recognition as the Overall Winner of the Year for The Residences of 488 University Avenue. The overall winner was selected from among 78 shortlisted entries across 17 categories, with projects spanning the globe from over 25 countries.

Judged by an impressive panel of 10 jurors including Michele Pasca di Magliano and Viviana Muscettola of Zaha Hadid Architects, Kai-Uwe Bergmann of BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, and Vanessa Brady, President of the SBID, The Residences of 488 University Avenue is recognized as the best architecture and interior design of 2017.

This recognition comes almost one year after winning the remarkably competitive Show Flats and Development category at the 2016 SBID (Society of British and International Design) International Design Awards for the Marketing Centre of the same project, The Residences of 488 University Avenue, a huge accolade for the charismatic firm. With its extraordinary attention to detail, the Marketing Centre is chic, luxurious and thoroughly modern. High-end and sophisticated, the interior atmosphere lives up to the iconic nature of the final building.

The success of both the Marketing Centre and final development are the result of an amazing and rewarding collaboration with the client, Amexon Development Corporation and the building’s architect, CORE Architects. Amexon Development is a leader in the luxury residential development industry with an appreciation and understanding for the value of exceptional design. 

Project Description

Every great city has its iconic Avenue, rich in history and heritage. New York has Park Avenue, Paris has Avenue Champs-Élysées and Toronto has University Avenue, the ultimate landscape of society, culture, and commerce.

Slated for completion in 2018, the Residences of 488 University Avenue will be a radiant 55-storey tower of glass and steel that ascends from a jewelled podium. A feat of engineering, underground parking was excavated, the perimeter foot extended and the building exterior completely re-clad. A new 37-storey condominium with 453 luxurious units will rise above the office tower, with construction occurring while the offices below remain open and operational.

The offices are accessed through the commercial lobby at grade that features floor-to-ceiling glazing and affords a direct connection with the exterior and public transit. Connected to the residential lobby, the combined volumetric space is reminiscent of a jewelry vitrine, merely separated by a mirrored partition, making the voluminous space feel even more grand and ceremonial.

Inside the stunning residential entrance, the design team set the stage with rich wood paneling, glowing glass walls and Art-Deco inspired furnishings. Stepping off the elevators into the 19th floor SkyLobby, the soaring view sets the serene tone and displays Toronto’s downtown lights. The residential tower features two full floors of light filled space, opening into the sun and swim terrace. Residents enjoy a spacious state-of-the-art fitness centre and private SkyClub – a place to indulge in a light meal and a drink at the SkyBar. With over 30,000 square feet of lifestyle amenities, this condominium is designed to be an urban oasis.

Each suite combines the lavishness of sophisticated design with the serenity of modernism, offering tomorrow’s urban lifestyle today. Boasting beautiful layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, oversize terraces and impeccably detailed finishes, design elements incorporate Art Deco-inspired aesthetics in rich tones and textures creating an expansive feel to each suite. Opulent and timeless finishes include exquisite marble countertops, iridescent mosaic backsplashes and rich walnut cabinetry that celebrate refinement and indulgence.

About ABB LEAF Awards

The annual LEAF Awards brings together an audience of more than 100+ leading senior figures from the world’s elite architectural design community to celebrate and honour some of the best new international architectural projects. Now in its 16^th year, the LEAF Awards is partnered with ABB, a global leader in power and automation technologies. 

About II BY IV DESIGN

Founded in 1990 by partners Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook, II BY IV DESIGN is a multi-faceted creative studio that is fuelled by passion and dedicated to constant innovation. For over 27 years, Menchions and Rushbrook have been creating iconic designs which capture the imagination; they have the singular ability to distill the essence of a brand, understanding its unique character and translating it into the physical form.

Renowned as industry leaders II BY IV DESIGN celebrates an international portfolio that is distinguished by a balanced approach which captures each client’s vision rather than a predictable ‘signature’ look. They are credited with over 350 Design Awards and the studio has been extensively published. Their expertise is reflected in collaborations with industry leaders such as Crystal Cruises, New York Yankees, Saks Fifth Avenue, Four Seasons, Tishman Speyer, Hines and Amexon Development Corporation.

With studios in Toronto, New York and London, II BY IV DESIGN possesses strong business acumen and an adept understanding of the markets they compete in, tempered by a pure love for design. They create approachable luxury with timeless appeal for retail, hospitality, residential and contract interiors, as well as product markets.