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Backlogs Grow, Business Remains Solid
Despite growing challenges, members rate the future industry outlook highest in a year; 55% said the scope of their average project had increased in Q1 versus the same period in 2021, while only 7% reported a decrease. Nearly twice as many…
Progima Acquires CADmech Design
Progima recently announced the acquisition of CADmech Design, a Toronto-based engineering firm specializing in product development and manufacturing support across Canada. This acquisition will enable Progima to support its customers in…
Press Play: 5 Woodworking Podcasts to Try
Looking for something to listen to in the shop? How about some informative entertainment on the drive between job sites? Audio podcasts are a fun and easily-accessible way to stay up to date on woodworking trends and learn a thing or two.
What’s Old is New Again in the Kitchen
Kitchen design styles from a bygone era are also returning with a new, contemporary spin in the home. People look to incorporate simple comforts from the past into their humble abode to evoke an uplifting and welcoming ambiance.
International Trade Rebounds
International trade in goods rebounded significantly in 2021, following the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020. The value of Canada's merchandise exports and imports rose to record highs in 2021, while the number of…
Return On Design Investment: Money
RODI can be quantified in money saved, productive employees, and increased profitability. This article will show you how we have achieved these results for our clients based on the hundreds of commercial design projects. Small improvements…
Creating The Space For Possibilities
Within 200 years, we have taken a forest of 100% original growth and reduced it to under 3%, and only a fraction of the value from this extraction has remained here for future generations. High-quality wood from other places seems more…
Bridging the Gap Between Home Office and Guest Bedroom
When the pandemic hit, many people converted guest rooms into home offices, but now that the world is adjusting to the new normal, people are starting to travel again, visiting friends and family. Many homeowners are looking for a happy…
Prices And Profit
Many people would think that someone in business for over 35 years would know everything, right? But Gerald Van Woudenberg, President of Van Arbour Design, knows there’s always more to learn.
“Start with being curious and open,” explained…
A Case for Colour in the Kitchen
White cabinets remain popular after dominating the kitchen design scene for the past decades. They’re considered failproof, offer a clean and timeless look, and fit in with various styles, from farmhouse to minimalist to traditional. This…
Custom Made Concepts Hits the Road
“I was approached by a man in his sixties planning to travel all over North America in this van. He had hired somebody to do an initial concept of what he wanted and reached out to me for help because he’d seen my millwork and liked what I…
The Total Package is Dynamic
Dynamic Kitchens produces, on average, eight to ten full custom kitchens per month and are heavily focused on retail, which accounts for about 70% of their business. The other 30% is made up of a few select builders, renovators, and…
Integrating Tech Into Kitchen Design
Rapid advances in home technology are changing the way designers think about kitchen design and the expectations of their client base. This is especially the case concerning Millennials — the ones driving the integration of technology and…
6 Popular Backsplash Trends
Sometimes overlooked in renovations, the backsplash is a key detail in kitchen décor. When properly matched with cabinets, countertops, and accessories, it sets the tone and mood of the central room of the home. The backsplash is practical…
Return On Design Investment: Quality Of Life
Ask your client if they’re excited to go to the office, if their workspace inspires them, if the environment supports the staff in their effectiveness in their jobs. We don’t always relate our built environment to our state of well-being,…
Mental Health in Small Business Report
The pandemic has significantly impacted small business owners after two years of rolling lockdowns and business restrictions. According to a new report, Near the Breaking Point: Mental Health in Small Business, half report difficulty coping…
10 Marketing Objectives To Start Your Strategic Planning
When companies look for help with marketing, they often want a way to optimize their effectiveness at different levels. They face specific issues such as lack of time, expertise, and staffing to develop their sales and marketing. They want…
Coaching Customers To The Perfect Countertop
Over the years, countertops have evolved from simple surfaces to functional design elements with contemporary fittings, storage, sinks, and even designated seating areas. When working with a customer to design their perfect kitchen, there…