The decision (or at least one of the first big decisions) and free sh*t

So, for all of you who were waiting up for the past few nights to hear about our decision re: architects, you can now get your fix and enjoy a peaceful night of rest. We opted in the end to go with Bruce Carscadden Architect.  We'll be working primarily with Ian McDonald, who is the brother of one of my old colleagues from WWF. He's been super helpful since day one (he was in fact the one that recommended us to many of the other firms), plus he wears a lot of Fluevog, so heck, we KNOW he's got good taste. (NOTE: should introduce him to Zeha Berlin...which, while crazy expensive, are crazy comfortable and classic-ly stylish to boot, no pun intended). You can see the playful element of his (and Bruce's) work in some of these examples of their projects. They seem to be particularly adept at doing fun things with stick men. While Ian's an Ontario boy, Bruce has also spent his fair share of time in the big smog, and in fact came recommended from another architect I know of in Toronto - Levitt Goodman - whose house I actually toured in Toronto during Doors Open one year. Kris and I went and had drinks over at Bruce's house on Friday which, I think, reassured both of us of the fact that architects can do design on a budget as well (vs. the $10 million dollar scale which seems to be what most projects are).

So, with architect chosen, general contractor (or "GC" as the cool kids say), its on to surveying, demolition, and gathering of stuff. And the miracle that is craigslist/freecycle.

In case you were wondering, yes, it IS possible to outfit an entire house in old Ikea furniture in a matter of days for free. It's quite impressive actually. The amount of ivar, malm, ektorp and other sverge-termed stuff out there is truly amazing. Who knew particle board and laminates could endure for so long and be so ubiquitous!?

But yes, between free online things, and the generousity of our next door neighbour (who also happens to be moving/doing a renovation), we've managed to pick up doors, mirrors, cabinets - go Malm line!, bookshelves, a stove, a dishwasher, a vanity/sink, and a really nice soaker tub - kinda like this one, plus all sorts of other things (an awesome danish milk jug - in turquoise, a retro Swingline Cub stapler, some potted bamboo, and a vice to name but a few - older looking version of this). And we've got two other things that we may yet get - two modern chairs, and a desk unit (not for free, but great price). In fact, we've realized that we're going to have to start to be pretty picky about what we get because in one week we've almost managed to get more than we can handle. The real challenge will be in tracking down a decent murphy bed for less than $500. That and beginning to find building  materials. Thrilling eh?

Ok. That will do it for now - a more interesting blog soon when we actually get into the guts of this work.