10?s | brendan charters, eurodale developments & mod256

Brendan Charters is one half of the dynamic duo that make up Eurodale Developments, one of Toronto's leading builders in the custom home and renovation market.  Eurodale has worked on high profile projects in the Nation’s Capital, Montreal, the Muskokas and throughout the Greater Toronto Area.  Formally educated at the University of Ottawa, Brendan entered the field as a carpenter and having apprenticed with true craftsman in the Muskokas, he maintains a keen sense of traditional building practices and a critical eye for quality. Constantly researching the newest technologies, techniques and ideas, Brendan brings insight and experience to all of Eurodale's projects and this ultimately lead to the founding of Mod256 Inc in 2010, a new modular building system that is advancing the methods of prefab building.  As a member of the Board of Directors for the BILD Association, he is helping to forge the path of the industry, as well as his companies. Often seen in the media spotlight, Brendan’s work has been featured on 2 seasons of RONA Dream Home on Global and the 3rd season of The Designer Guys on HGTV. He is frequently called upon for editorial and interviews concerning pressing topics around the design and building industry by major trade publications and television networks such as Mike Holmes Magazine, CTV, HGTV and  National newspapers.

Although young, Brendan has reached a level of success through hardwork, determination, high quality work and fantastic customer service.  Brendan and Eurodale have a long list of satisfied clients and from personal experience, working with Brendan is a dream he's one of the most easy going and charismatic people in the business.  Brendan and Eurodale will be exhibiting this weekend [January 28-30] at IDS11 in Toronto and for more on Eurodale Developments and Mod256, please check out their websites at www.eurodale.ca and www.mod256.ca.  Here's 10?s with Brendan Charters.


1. What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

The most rewarding aspect of what we do in my eyes has been delivering on what we promise to our clients. It sounds cheesy and righteous, but in an industry commonly shrouded with stories of rip off artists and projects gone “sideways”, it is really rewarding to know that the client has walked away from the experience feeling happy with the process and the product we have delivered. As someone in sales and management, it really makes me feel good that we can walk the walk of what we talk. While it was satisfying to achieve this when working for someone else, that feeling is exponentially multiplied when it is done under your own banner and full direction. It ensures longevity of the firm and a future for me and everyone that works with me.

2. Favourite time of day?

The end – some combination between the feeling of achievement and knowing I can soon crawl into bed…I love sleep.

3. Star Wars or Star Trek?

Wars – seriously, I can’t imagine this could be a close comparison. Han Solo and Luke survive inside a ton-ton. Captain Kirk sports a mock neck.

4. What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do?

I would change the offering of free – I am not sure when it developed, but it is a horrible way to do business. If a prospect were prepared to pay a fee for the time and efforts of a consultation, they would be able to get much more from it. In the end, the consumer does pay for consultations, but only those that do a project. If there is a project to be built, it’s worth a few hundred dollars to for an education session. It also eliminates a bit of the wide spread tender process in search only of a number. This would be a great evolution!

5. What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do every day?

The routine is critical and mine is currently out of whack. I moved out of the house and am in full reno mode which has killed my schedule. It used to be Gym at 6, office at 8, home at 6-7 and bed by 11.  Now its roll out of bed at 7:30 like a zombie, scramble all day and crash. It’s amazing the clarity and energy a little exercise puts in your day. Plus it helps my pants to fit…

6. If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

I would be a classic corporate raider…it was a close toss up shortly after university. I think I made the right choice though. The shirt and tie gives me beard burn…and the corporate breakfasts give me a gut!

7. Favourite Colour?

Rust – it’s a perfect symbol of both growth and decay, deep and rich often accompanied with rough texture.

8. Favourite board game?

Hands down its Guesstures. If you want to actually have fun with a group of adults on a rainy night at the cottage this is a must have in the collection. Monopoly is like watching paint dry in comparison! We still laugh about old times from games gone by. Its deadly.

9. Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years?

Unfortunately, the industry will be in a similar state as it is today, when it comes to the consumer service side. There have been a massive number of new technologies come to market over the last 10 years and as a result I think we will be in a major state of flux removing those which have proven to be more “greenwashing” than really beneficial to the process of energy conservation. At the same time though, I do strongly feel that this will be a critical step in moving forward with the ones that have proven to be successful. The new home market will continue to evolve at a fast pace as new policies are put in place to govern the way we build. The existing housing stock will be forced to catch up as we begin to truly look at how a home performs as a system and not just what brick or stone graces the façade.

10.  What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time?

A big house is trendy. As we continue to gobble up resources, the not so small house movement will continue to grow.

The test of time is found in natural materials. Stone and wood, etc. Manufactured or created products come and go.

Stucco is trendy but is awful as it stains over time. There is a trend that I hope will fade! Especially coined corners.

10?s | emma, exhibit designer, marion melbourne, the marion house book

The 10?s series took a bit of a break over the holidays, but it's kicking up this week and the first 10?s of 2011 is from one of my favourite designers and bloggers Emma Redddington.  A Toronto based designer, Emma splits her professional career as both an Art Exhibit Designer at the Art Gallery of Ontario and Designer with Marion Melbourne on top of juggling family life and blogging at the The Marion House Book.   To say she is talented at what she does is an understatement.  Highly respected in the art and design industries, readers, both local and international, are getting to know more about Emma, and her neighbours really, through the Marion House Book, which is how Emma fell onto my radar.  Since stumbling across her blog several months back, I tune in daily for gorgeous inspiration from her work, her home and that of her neighbourhood through her Hello! Neighbour series, which not only features gorgeous interiors of her neighbour's homes, but the creative and interesting people who make up the great community of Parkdale here in Toronto.

A wonderful person to chat with on all topics of design and the business, I highly admire Emma's design sensibilites and keen eye.  For more on information please visit Marion Melbourne and her blog The Marion House Book.  Here's 10?s with Emma.


1. What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

To be truthful with you, I feel like I'm in the middle of about three "careers" right now (not sure, which one is going to win out - maybe none, maybe all!) so I'll answer for each one.

a) Exhibit Designer - it is totally selfish but the most rewarding aspect for me is that I basically get a private art history lesson every time I start a new exhibit. Art History was always one of my favorite classes in University so to be able to sit side by side with a curator or the living artist (even better!) and hear them talk about art is pretty amazing.

b) Designer - the most rewarding aspect is definitely that moment when your clients see something in your work they never imagined for their space but absolutely love. You can see it in their eyes - it's like they are looking at their home with new appreciation.

c) Blogger - the most rewarding aspect is definitely the world of people it has opened up for me. I can't believe the amount of interesting, talented and creative people I have been introduced to since starting The Marion House Book.

2. Favourite time of day?

Twilight, especially in the summer.

3. Star Wars or Star Trek?

Neither. Give me Sigourney Weaver in Aliens.

4. What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do?

The endless amount of emails.

5. What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday?

Depends on the day but it always starts with my son Henry coming into bed for a little snug and ends with a hug and a kiss from him.

6. If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

I would love to be a dancer. Dancing for someone like La, La, La Human Steps would be a dream.

7. Favourite Colour?

White – white sheets, white towels, white walls, white floors, white t-shirts, white jeans.

8. Favourite board game?

I’d rather read a book.

9. Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years?

I don’t expect to see much change in the exhibit and interior design world but I think the landscape of blogging will look totally different. It’s like the new frontier out there. I only see the blogging world becoming more influential and more powerful in 10 years time. Although, it might look totally different than it does today.

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time?

“Trendy” is such a horrible little word. Once something becomes trendy you want to run as far away from it as possible! Trends, on the other hand, I’m totally fascinated by. If I couldn’t make it as a dancer, a trend forecaster would be a close second choice. I think if you look at the last ten years or so the trend has been towards the handmade, the crafted, the primitive. It’s about a return to natural, organic materials and individual expression. Probably not the direction most people would have expected at the turn of the millennium!

10 ?s | shae-lynn bourne, professional figure skater

Shae-Lynn Bourne is a part of figure skating royalty. Of the thousands of skaters who try to make to the top of the podium, Shae-Lynn was one of the few who has. Known for her strength, speed, athleticism and "deep edges and soft knees", Shae-Lynn and her ice dancing partner Victor Kratz revolutionized the sport, with daring tricks, intricate footwork and performances that set the bar for today's skaters. Shae-Lynn hails from my home town of Chatham, Ontario where she started her skating career. In 1991, she was first partnered with Victor in ice dancing and in their first season they won the Junior Canadian Nationals. By 1996, they were on the podium at the World Championships, winning bronze. They won bronze again in 97, 98 and 99, improving to a silver in 2002 and in 2003 Shae and Victor were the first North Americans to ever win a Gold at the World Championships. Following their gold, they retired from competition and Shae began her professional career skating with Champions on Ice, Dreams on Ice and more recently, has appeared on both seasons of Battle of the Blades, where she has proceeded to the finals on both occasions. Shae has used her celebrity to speak out against child abuse. She and Victor skated in numerous charity shows such as "Dreams On Ice". Bourne was the honorary chairperson for the "Every Life Counts" campaign for Chatham-Kent and has performed shows in Chatham to raise money for the charity. Bourne and Kraatz received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Crosses for courageously speaking out about unfair judging practices so that the sport could be improved for all competitors. Along with skating in various shows, Shae had moved into coaching and choreography. She is currently the coach of Canadian ice dancing team Kaitlyn Weaver & Kevin Reynolds. She has previously coached Cathy Reed & Chris Reed. She has choreographed programs for many skaters including Jeremy Abbott, Joannie Rochette, Akiko Suzuki, Daisuke Takahashi and Yun Yea-Ji. Up next for Shae, she's will be appearing in the NBC Figure Skating Special of Riverdance on Ice, airing February 19th, which you may recall as one of her and Victor's most memorable performances.

Shae-Lynn, despite all her celebrity, has remained down to earth, generous and extremely personable. And did I mention stunning - she's gorgeous. It was a pleasure to her meet at Battle of the Blades [and see her skate!] and I was thrilled to conduct a telephone interview with her the following day.  An outstanding performer,  and an absolute doll, you can stay up date with Shae and in contact via her website at http://www.shaelynnbourne.com/.  Here's 10 ?s with Shae-Lynn Bourne.

1.  What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

Being able to perform for people, to entertain and see their reaction.  Winning the World's in 2003 opened the door for me to do that and sometimes I pinch myself, to be able to make money doing what I love, it's amazing.

2.  Favourite time of day?

Sunrise and sunset.

3.  Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars, especially the first three, they are classic.

4.  What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do?

In the competitive world I would make judging a full time job.  Most judges are volunteers and have full time jobs, so they are unable to really dedicate the time and energy needed to judging.  It would help to make it fairer for both the skaters and for themselves.

5.  What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday?

I dance everyday.  I love to dance.  It feels so good to get up and move around.

6.  If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

I would be a performer, either acting or dancing.  I love to express myself.  Maybe I'd work at a school for the Arts.

7.  Favourite Colour?

I don't really have favourites.  All of them.  Including black.

8.  Favourite board game?

I don't get to play a lot of board games.  Monopoly, I'd say.

9.  Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years?

Professionally I see myself continuing to coach and doing more choreography.  Personally,  married and a mom.

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time?

Trendy - disposible fashion, replicas, pop music

Classic - Chanel, Gucci, the Eagles, the Beatles - music with a great rhythm and meaniful lyrics.

10 ?s | steven and chris, tv hosts

It's almost embarrassing to tell you how much I love Steven and Chris.  I set out into the working world during the heyday of Designer Guys, Steven and Chris' very first series.  I watched religiously and memorized just about every finish, every detail, every DIY, in fact, Steven Sabados was [and still is] my DIY guru.  My favourite episode was a spa bathroom that combined both old world style with modern touches.  The episode featured pale blue walls, a wall of sheer curtains suspended on tension wire, DIY'd frosted doors, and boston ferns on mirrored cabinets.  My first apartment ended up having ALL of those elements.  My friends and coworkers had quite a bit of fun teasing me about my Steven this, Chris said that, that when we spotted Steven on the sidewalk one day, they pushed me to go talk to him.  21 and starstruck, all I could say was "I'm a huge fan" and turned and almost ran away, my face bright red.

Most of you already know the story of Steven and Chris, Steven started in display design for Eaton's and Roots, Chris was a makeup artist.  Although both were successful, it was their teamwork forming The Sabados Group, handling events and interior design that propelled them forward resulting in Designer Guys.  After Designer Guys, they starred in the series Design Rivals and from there went into the world of fashion and style [on both high and low budgets] with So Chic with Steven and Chris.  Furniture design and linen, lighting, and accessory lines followed, and just recently, a wine label.  They really do handle it all.  And now Canadians [and this year Americans] welcome them into their homes everyday on CBC's The Steven and Chris Show where they talk, cook, DIY and style everything from bedrooms to the latest fall fashions. Charming, funny, handsome and down to earth, in person, they are exactly who they are on TV, open and honest.

To say I was excited to meet them at the Steven and Chris Show a few weeks back was an understatement.  And this time when I met them I got beyond "I'm a huge fan".  I said it again, but this time I followed it up with a fully formed question.  And now, 10 more.  Here's 10 ?s with everyone's favourite Designer Guys, Steven and Chris.

1. What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

S&C: For so many years we made TV in a vacuum where we never got to meet the people who watch us. Now everyday we get to meet people in our studio audience and they're an equal part of the show. It's so much fun!

2. Favourite time of day? 

S:  Morning – I like to get a headstart on the day 

C: Dinner – I like to come home, cook dinner and unwind with our dog Maxi 

3. Star Wars or Star Trek? 

S&C: Star Wars! 

4. What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do? 

S&C: We wish people weren’t so intimidated by design and had more confidence in their personal style 

5. What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday? 

S: Mix and drink protein power shakes 

C: Meditate everyday 

6. If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do? 

S: Set design for films 

C: Open a décor store 

7. Favourite colour?

S:  Orange 

C:  Black 

8. Favourite board game? 

S: “SORRY”, I used to play it with my grandma all the time 

C: Snakes & Ladders – I play it with my nephews 

9. Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years? 

C: In a perfect world retired on a beach.
S: Ditto 

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time? 

S&C: We never put that much pressure on trends and classics. We use what we enjoy. And if over time we change our minds, then we change our minds.

For more on Steven and Chris's S&C collection, go to http://www.stevenandchris.com/ and for more on CBC's Steven and Chris Show go to www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris.  A huge thanks to the guys for participating.

10 ?s | adele, modernemotive

Meet Adele.  A Brit living here in Toronto with her boyfriend and gorgeous dogs.  She left her corporate graphic design position to explore new adventures including photography, blogging and opening up her own eco-friendly design shop, modernemotive.  If you haven't seen her stationary popping up all over the web, well, Where have you been?  Adele designs and sells gorgeous graphic stationary, notepads, calendars and notepads that have been handmade on papers that are FSC certified and many of them are made from 100% post consumer waste.   Graphic, colourful and bold, with a touch of humour, the stationary is perfect for your everyday and makes a great gift for the listmaker in your life.  My favourites include the bookplates, To Do lists and I've been perusing the holiday card collection for a week now trying to decide which ones to order.

I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from Adele, her line of stationary has just been picked up by a retailer in Boston and I'm sure there will be many more to follow.  In the meantime, I'll continue to satisfy my hunger for beautiful photography, humourous stories [many of which include her dogs] and witty interviews conducted over a lunch date on the modernemotive blog.    And for all of you who haven't been introduced to Adele yet, here she is with 10 ?s.


1.  What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career? 

The most rewarding aspect is knowing that people in all corners of the world are using my products. Now that I’ve launched the notepads, when I realize that people may be using them on a daily basis it kinda blows my mind and makes me feel like a proud momma!

2.  Favourite time of day?

Definitely morning, more so in the Fall/Winter as I like to wake up while it’s still dark out. I tend to wake up anywhere between 5:30 am and 6:30 am and I just love the smell of fresh coffee coming from the kitchen as I just lay there enjoying the warmth of my bed. Then, that first cup of coffee while I listen to the news, check email, Twitter etc as I plan my day is simply bliss. 

3.  Star Wars or Star Trek? 

Neither. 

4.  What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do? 

I can’t change the industry, so I just try to adapt myself so that I’m not as affected by any of the negativity or ugly sides. Forge on as they say. 

5.  What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday? 

Routine is something I need in my life and I’m working on it. I’m naturally a planner/organizational nut but I find without any bosses breathing down my neck, I can derail my day quite easily and scatter myself everywhere. 

6.  If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do? 

If I thought I could handle what my eyes/heart would see/feel, I’d be a paramedic. I almost went back to school for it. Almost. So, I’d probably work in counseling of some kind. My boyfriend James has FASD [Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder] and if I were to work in this field, I would focus on teenagers/young adults who are extremely susceptible to entering the criminal system repeatedly. I’d also focus on young women with this disorder as sadly they often repeat the circle of having children with FASD. Again, Ialmost pursued this and perhaps one day I will, but for now, I realize I can’t make it my life. 

7.  Favourite Colour?

Oooh, this is a hard one. My automatic answer used to be green and while it’ll always be a favorite of mine, my preferences change. As I re-do my condo I’m finding myself drawn to grays, teals, reds and yellows. Ask me next week and I’ll likely give you another answer.

8.  Favourite board game?

Scrabble. 

9.  Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years? 

Hopefully happy, with healthy kids and doing what I love, whatever that may be. 

10.  What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time? 

I’ve no clue. When it comes to buying items for my home or myself, I just buy what I love regardless of whether it’s considered a trend, an overdone trend, classic or otherwise. I live with my choices and if I continue to love them, that’s all that matters to me.

**I had to include one last shot of Adele's dogs.  How cute are they?