Working with Interior Designers to create the perfect piece of art for their projects, is a passion of mine. I only accept a limited number of commissions each year, and commission work is exclusively offered to the trade (Interior Designers, Architects and Art Consultants). The process of customizing art can be tricky when it comes to understanding the client’s vision. I adjusted my business early on to involve interior designers in the “custom art process” to avoid any miscommunication between all parties. This may seem unnecessary to some, but for my method of creating, working with Interior Designers on commissioned artwork has become the key element to my studio’s grown and integrity of clientele.

I could go on for days explaining how this practice has benefitted my business over the years, but it has also allowed me to develop relationships with designers and their firms that have taught me so much about how other creative businesses operate and excel.

Madison Taylor is one of those designers that brings a level of professionalism to the industry, while maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor. Working with Madison Taylor and her firm is always streamlined with open communication and clear direction. I have worked with Madison Taylor on at least half a dozen projects, and still more projects are scheduled for the future. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Madison Taylor Design!

Hi Madison! Thanks for being part of the LW Designer Spotlight Blog Series.

Tell us a little bit about you and why interior design is your career of choice.

I’m Madison Taylor and I run Madison Taylor Design, an high-end residential and commercial interior design and architectural firm from Barrie, Ontario, Canada. We focus on creating environments for individuals and organizations that exemplify their corporate culture, values, health and productivity and are inspired by smart, simple, design excellence achieved through the use of shapes, materials and textures inspired by the natural environment

I love beautiful things as most people do, however even at a young age, the forces of color, shapes, form and texture in nature have always mesmerized me.  I was always thinking about it.  It wasn’t long before I realized that I wanted to be able to use the things I see to recreate that same perfect balance of function and form in spaces that we use in our every day life.

You have designed a range of homes and commercial spaces with varying designs. What is your process when approaching a new project?

 We have developed a proprietary process over the past 10 years that is both effective and very efficient.  Regardless of the scope of work or whether it is a commercial or residential project, we complete each step of our detailed planning process with meticulous precision.  This results in very successful projects that are on time and on budget.  In general terms, our process includes research, design development, construction drawings, specifications, procurement and construction design management, however we detail task our phases to a level that not many firms can match.   The first step and most important step of our process is always the research.  When we say “research” we mean gathering every last bit of information available to us from all sources and then analyzing that information correctly.  Gathering information, listening and understanding what your client is telling you is the key to starting a successful project.

Your designs are so luxurious. Is there a common element that you use to create this feel?

The company vision statement is simply “Inspired Design.”  For us, Inspired Design is the use of materials, textures and colors that are drawn and inspired from the natural environment.  No matter the style, we use this vision or “common element” to develop features and give an overall feel of luxury, but with a natural subtlety.

Tell us about "Integrated Design" and why it is important to you.

Integrated Design is the practice of bringing together multiple disciplines to complete a single project.  MT has refined this practice and made it the core of our services.  This unique and efficient method begins by bringing together the necessary experts early in the design process allowing for better communication and coordination.  This eliminates the requirement for traditional outsourcing and compartmentalized planning, which leads to buildings and homes that not only function flawlessly without wasted space, but are also uniquely designed to provide a positive emotional response. 

Let’s talk ART! How do you incorporate one-of-a-kind art pieces into your designs?

Artwork plays into our process as it is placed and selected in the initial planning phase as opposed to “final staging” and is implemented right into the architectural and interior designs plans. It is important to incorporate art as part of the initial design as opposed to completing a project and then sourcing pieces to fill in the blanks.  So often our artwork is a unique and custom piece that is part of the original conception, and all the details that are required to display it in its best form, such as lighting, background and line of sight, are designed into the space. This allows us to really create a custom look and ensures that we choose the correct art, and how it should be displayed.

Whether it is a large or small-scale environment, any kind of art can really enhance a commercial space and provide a dramatic focal point.  Creating emotional response in our design is very important to us, and this can often be achieved or enhanced with the correct piece of art.

One of our projects that we plan to use a Lauren Williams piece is a luxury Nordique Spa, named “Vetta”. We have specified the art in a restaurant as a large focal point.  It is a custom piece that is approximately 20’ long and combines the colours and natural elements that are signature to Scandinavian design.   The interior of this relaxation haven will feature calm soothing tones, an integration of natural materials, flowing imagery, and cozy inviting textures, which makes Lauren’s work a perfect fit. More to come later this year…

In the Modern Timber Residence we included Lauren’s “Blue Ridge” in the master bedroom. The custom timber home incorporates warm and cool elements used within the space to create a welcoming feel. Lauren’s piece fit perfectly by tying in the natural elements of the home with texture and cool colors.

We have also used Lauren’s “Ascension” in The Faris Team realty office and have her “Our Copper Lines” in our own home office.

You will find Lauren Williams’ work in a good number of our projects as it works so effortlessly with our design philosophy.  Not only does Lauren use natural materials to create her art, but she is also using the natural environment to create the different colours, patterns and design.  It is “inspired Design” at its finest!

Let’s talk a bit about your commercial projects. What are the pros and cons of designing for commercial spaces?

We find that when designing for commercial spaces, we can often really push the limit on unique design and features that may not work in a residential setting.   The down side to that is those same commercial spaces may have high traffic and heavy wear and tear, so that sometimes limits us to certain products that we can specify.

Are there any products you’ve found are durable for commercial and residential projects alike?

We use Caesarstone in home and commercial project countertops (as seen below) for interest and durability.

Brag on your firm! Tell us about your proudest moment!

One of my proudest moments is witnessing the joy and excitement shown by a client after they drove up to their house for the first time after hiring us from Vancouver, over 4000 km from their newly transformed home.  Six months prior to that, we were left with the keys to a home in need of a full renovation and a great deal of trust in our design and process.  

 Tell us about your worst design fail. What wisdom was gained from that experience?

What we have learned most is not specifically about design, but the implementation process.  There are many designers and design firms that do excellent work, however we focus on the way we communicate that work to all of the stakeholders involved in a project. Our design package is known throughout the industry as being extremely detailed, which removes all assumptions from the entire process. This is what has made us successful.

Our readers want to know: What is your best advice for someone looking to hire an interior designer?

There are many great designers out there who have great portfolios and great reputations, so finding a talented designer is not that difficult.   My advice when choosing a designer or a design firm is to get an understanding of their implementation plan and how they will communicate the design to the necessary trades to get the work completed.

 Madison, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! What is the best way for our readers to follow your future projects?

The best way for readers to follow our design is on Instagram and our website:
@madison.taylor.inc
www.madisontaylordesign.com

INSPIRED BY MADISON TAYLOR?

Check out the pieces below to get the look!