toronto to manhattan

Projects outside Toronto hold a special allure for me, and this project in Manhattan explored boundaries and tested limits from day one. In every way, it was about a collaboration grounded in transparency and built on trust, with each member of the team working toward a shared vision. 

Coordinating a project like this requires meticulous organization, a heightened level of foresight, and a deep understanding of city codes and by-laws. The team and I made several trips throughout the project to meet with our clients who brought a sense of enthusiasm and trust that has been so invigorating. Their appreciation for the journey as much as the outcome created an easy collaboration and workflow.  Weekly Zoom calls with the client and builder in New York allowed us to talk about and solve issues so we could move forward quickly and efficiently. Locally, we worked with our makers to create the custom pieces that would make their way to their new home in New York. 

When it came time for load in, Sarah (designer + project lead), Morgan (operations producer) and I flew to New York to ensure a seamless experience for our client. Movers maneuvered furniture up three flights of stairs when the small elevator couldn’t accommodate. Each piece gracefully found its way into the space, where the abd team, trades, and a few hands-on helpers all buzzed to make every detail come together in real-time.

The first to arrive, a custom-designed sofa in the most gorgeous shade of blue. The journey of this piece from its concept to its arrival in New York, was remarkable, with every curve and edge shaped to our exact vision. There’s a subtle structural rigor to it—each curve, each line designed with a softness, yet it doesn’t shy away from making a bold statement. We love it so much. We placed a custom bed frame carefully with its counterpart–the built-in headboard and bedside shelves that all come together like they’ve known each other all along. And then there’s the custom abd dining table, born in Toronto, disassembled, and meticulously reassembled to meet its 15-foot bench made to fit like two puzzle pieces.

As we wrapped up the load-in process, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of each decision, and careful detail, settling into place. Pieces crafted with precision in Toronto had finally made their way to New York, a result of the abd team overseeing every aspect, from concept to completion, the complex logistics of transporting custom pieces to navigating city ordinances and narrow stairwells. Yet, as the last screws are turned and the last pieces find their place, a sense of calm washes over the space, amplified by the view from the windows of the city that never sleeps. It’s a city that reflects our ambition and mirrors the excitement and grit that it takes to get the job done. In that moment, with the client and team around, I could feel the culmination of our shared journey—a space not just completed but brought to life. 

xx ashley