In landscape or interior design, the resonances of cultural heritage should seamlessly merge with modernity. At Studio 1NINE1, our work respects how historical roots can profoundly influence contemporary spaces. We must celebrate the past while paving the way for futures.

"Our design philosophy purposefully transcends aesthetics; it's a dialogue between eras," shares Emilia Wisniewski's, Partner and Creative Director at Studio 1NINE1. "By embedding historical elements into modern frameworks, we create spaces that are not just visually striking but are narratives."

Wisniewski’s partner at Studio 1NINE1, Pete Kiriakopoulos, notes, "In landscape design, integrating the natural and cultural context is a sustainability imperative. We draw from diverse landscapes to forge designs that respect both history and the environment."

Our recent project involved revitalizing a townhouse in Toronto. The challenge: to modernize while preserving historical integrity. Our solution: reconstructing period and restoring character to a space that was over renovated in the past. We created custom lighting to crown the space and used richly stained wood to house super modern appliances.

before and after of our village town project. photo: valerie wilcox

If we are guilty of ascribing to any philosophy, it’s our value of simple functionality with aesthetic beauty. This basically guides our approach to enhancing spatial efficiency and purity in design.

The biophilic design trend in urban areas represents another nexus of history and modernity that we’re excited with. By incorporating elements of nature into building designs, we improve not just aesthetics but also the well-being of occupants.

Our commitment to designing spaces that respect and rejuvenate their contexts is unwavering. Each project includes discovering how cultural legacies can illuminate and inspire the design narratives.

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