110-year-old Vancouver company looks to future in new South Vancouver design hub, Launches celebratory rug collection

One of Vancouver’s most enduring businesses, Burritt Bros. Carpet & Floors, has officially announced its relocation to the up-and-coming interior design hub of South Vancouver. The company is marking the move to its new Fraser Street and SE Marine Drive home with The River Design Quarter Rug Collection, a series of rugs that celebrates the shared history of Vancouver and Burritt Bros.

“There’s a renewed energy in South Vancouver today. Along with major residential development, the area is attracting top-notch design-related businesses – it’s being dubbed the River Design Quarter,” says Harvey Burritt, co-owner, Burritt Bros. Carpet & Floors and Colin Campbell. “Opening a beautiful showroom in this central and accessible neighbourhood is the perfect way to launch Burritt Bros.’ next 110 years.”

Burritt Bros. is joined in the new location by Colin Campbell, providers of fine flooring to the design and architecture trades. The two shops sit side-by-side with a stunning showroom, offering retail and trade customers an unparalleled selection of high quality, high fashion floor coverings. The spacious showroom boasts soaring ceilings, a flood of natural light, and an artfully displayed collection of fine area rugs, carpet, and hardwood flooring.

Burritt Bros.' Main Street shop, 1967 - 2016

Burritt Bros. has a longevity that is rare in Vancouver. The company was founded in 1907 by Ed Burritt, grandfather of current co-owner, Harvey Burritt, and the company’s story is interwoven with the city’s history. Over the past century Burritt has covered the floors of the city’s most iconic buildings (including all three incarnations of the Hotel Vancouver, the Marine Building, and the Orpheum Theatre), laid linoleum on troop ships in World Wars I and II, and installed flooring in countless family homes throughout Greater Vancouver.

The River Design Quarter Collection includes the Aerial ‘48; a rug that celebrates Burritt’s new home on the Fraser River. The rug was inspired by a City of Vancouver archival photo depicting the 1948 flood of the Fraser, with farms on either side, absent of any of today’s industrialization. The rug pays homage to the mighty Fraser, which has powerfully shaped the region’s geography and economy but is rarely celebrated.

Ariel '48 from the River Design Quarter Collection

“Through our custom rug design process we use historical artefacts to celebrate our connection to Vancouver and the region,” says Keith Donegani, co-owner of Burritt Bros and Colin Campbell. “Aerial ’48 is an ode to our new home on the river, and we’re certain Vancouver history buffs and B.C. enthusiasts will adore it.

The full River Design Quarter Collection is on display online www.burrittfloors.ca and at the Burritt Bros. shop in South Vancouver.

The new combined showroom and offices are located in the River Design Quarter at #60 (Burritt Bros.) and #55 (Colin Campbell) 8385 Fraser Street in Vancouver. 

Everyone is rushing to check out the new Suquet Interiors. Read all about the beautiful new Yaletown shop in these publications:

WESTERN LIVING

WESTENDER

VITAMIN DAILY

BLUSH

Our client Meetingmax today had their op-ed featured in the Vancouver Sun. Check out President and CEO Jeff Duncan's thoughts on why the meetings industry should embrace the collaborative economy.  

We're thrilled to see our good friends at Carter Hales Design Lab featured on Hey There. 

If you haven't checked out Carter Hales before, you really should. They do incredible design and branding work. In fact, they just delivered a new identity and website to NYC's La Guardia Airport, which is pretty big time if you ask us!

We are thrilled to bits to be working with the fine folks at Suquet Interiors on their PR launch.

Check out our news release to learn about the great story behind this Vancouver interiors brand:

Suquet Interiors Unveils Yaletown Retail Shop

New gallery-style shop features an eclectic collection of objects for the home

Vancouver, BC; June 13, 2016 – Suquet Interiors has announced the official opening of its new Yaletown showroom. The stunning space is as much a gallery of striking design pieces selected from around the world, as it is a shop offering luxury furnishings and objects for the home. The 4,200 square foot Homer Street space beautifully demonstrates how to artfully blend rustic, traditional, modern, and edgier style elements. 

Design-savvy Vancouverites will be familiar with the Suquet Interiors name. Originally founded by architects Georgina Tapia and the late Ramon Masana, Suquet was known for the magnificent and massive stone fireplaces and facades that it first imported from Mexico and Europe, and then began producing locally.  Suquet’s beloved stonework can still be found in homes and restaurants, and on retail exteriors across the city.

The new Suquet Interiors is a retail-focused operation helmed by the original founders’ son, Ramon Masana Tapia, and his business partner, Rick Bohonis, co-founder and past-president of national interiors chain, Urban Barn. While the original handcrafted Suquet stone fireplaces have pride of place in the new shop, they sit alongside diverse range of furniture and housewares selected by Masana Tapia and Bohonis.

“Suquet has a rich history. What we’ve created in this new space is both an ode to my parents and a leap forward into something much more eclectic,” says Masana Tapia. “Our collection reflects a design aesthetic in which rustic and traditional pieces nestle perfectly alongside modern, even edgy pieces.”

The collection is diverse and luxurious, whether it’s a live-edge teak table from Indonesia, a ceramic urn from Vietnam, leather camp chairs from Texas Rover Company, or a superhero-inspired surfboard mosaic by artist Jason Dussault. 

“Our collection reflects the way people are designing their home today,” says Bohonis. “It’s no longer about the strict adherence to a single style or era, but rather a focus on beautiful, singular pieces, collected over time, that together make the home an expression of self.”

“And while we’ve certainly chosen the pieces that inspire us in that way, part of our vision is the act of creation with our customers,” continues Bohonis. “Discovering the things that bring our customers joy will play a big role in how Suquet evolves.”

 Suquet’s selection of fine art is curated by Art Director, Jennifer Angers Daerendinger. She has lovingly selected pieces from respected local and international artists, including Justin Oglivie, Jason Dussault, and Tanya Slingsby.

 Suquet Interiors is located at 1014 Homer Street in Vancouver. The shop is open from 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday. http://suquetinteriors.com

Carter Hales Design Lab has joined forces with Hong Kong-based Distinguished Den Distribution Ltd. to create the identity and packaging for Four Fox Saké, a new entry into the saké market.  The premium beverage is poised to transform the perception of the traditional Japanese rice wine from staid to upscale and hip.

Distinguished Den tasked Vancouver-based Carter Hales with delivering a brand that honours Japanese saké tradition, but appeals to trendsetting, upwardly mobile consumers with a penchant for premium products and high-end nightlife experiences. The brand was recently unveiled in Hong Kong and can now be found in some of the city’s most fashionable clubs, bars, and restaurants. 

Carter Hales handled all the branding aspects including the visual identity (logo and associated elements), website (fourfoxsake.com), print and digital collateral, and custom bottle design. 

“Our task was to bring saké into the 21st century to a high-end clientele. The packaging needed to honour the ancient traditions, but turn heads in a nightclub setting,” says Sean Carter, Director of Design at Carter Hales Design Lab.  “Another challenge is that saké only has a one-year shelf life, which is exacerbated by ultraviolet light, so it is important that the design protect the saké. The result is a bottle which gives a nod to tradition, but exudes modern cool: a two-piece construction, with an LED light that illuminates the bottle in the darkness of a nightclub.”

For inspiration, Carter Hales looked to Japanese mythology and the figure of Inari Okami, the ancient God of rice, saké, swordsmiths, and foxes. Legend has it the fox spirits of Inari were entrusted to guard the Torii gates, only allowing the purest of spirits to pass. Four Fox Saké represents this purity and perfection. The crest on the bottle features four foxes guarding the Torii gate with snowfall overhead and rice fields at their feet. The Samurai swords, elegantly embossed in the profile of the bottle, pay homage to the ancient swordsmiths to whom Inari was god. The chrome finish, combined with the wooden cap, produces a modern take on an ancient classic.

“We gave Carter Hales a difficult assignment – creating an aspirational brand within a category in need of revival,” says Neil Hosie, Co-Founder, Distinguished Den Distribution Ltd.  “To say that Carter Hales crushed this project would be something of an understatement. They listened intently to what we wanted to achieve and delivered us something so unique and beautiful that it was beyond our wildest expectations.”

Made in Niigata, Four Fox Saké is brewed according to centuries-old methods. Using Niigata’s pure, melted snow and highly-milled Gohyakumangoku rice, it is classified as Junmai Daiginjo – the highest grade of saké available.

Recent years have seen increased international interest in saké amongst discerning consumers seeking a sophisticated alternative to champagne, vodka and scotch. Exports of saké from Japan have more than doubled since 2001[1] with worldwide exports reaching record-breaking levels in 2014[2].

Four Fox Saké is currently available in select Hong Kong nightclubs, restaurants and specialty liquor retailers.  It will be launched in nightclubs in London and New York later this year.

About Carter Hales Design Lab

Carter Hales Design Lab is a multi award-winning branding, graphic design, and digital firm. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the studio is headed by noted Vancouver designer Sean Carter and agency account veteran Ross Hales. Carter Hales helps businesses and organizations thrive through inspired design. Clients include YVR, TransLink, The City of Vancouver, The Wickaninnish Inn, BC Place, Vancouver Convention Centre and ScotiaMcLeod.

Website: http://carterhales.com

Twitter: @CarterHalesLab

Facebook: Carter Hales Design Lab Inc

Instagram: carterhalesdesign

###

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lorna Allen - Elettra Communications                                   

O: 604.738.3870 

C: 778.858.8805                                      

lorna@elettra.ca                                               

[1] http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/rice-wine-makers-hope-to-promote-sake-overseas

[2] http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Economy/Japanese-sake-exports-reach-new-record-high

Harbour Centre is one of the most iconic towers in the Vancouver skyline, and never is it more radiant that at Christmastime when the top is decked with festive red lights. It's a downtown holiday tradition that's spanned more than 30 years.

Yesterday, the Elettra team took Vancouver Sun up to the very top of the tower to see the hanging of the lights. It's a massive job for the Harbour Centre crew. They fearlessly hang 1,100 lights 200 metres above the city streets. Be sure to enjoy their hard work by looking up when you're walking around downtown this holiday season.

Vancouver’s first ever Literacy Month is in full swing. Decoda Literacy Solutions kicked off events with a flag-raising at Vancouver City Hall on UNESCO-designated International Literacy Day.
 
Local dignitaries including City Councillor Kerry Jang joined Decoda representatives at the Commemorative Flag Plaza to launch Literacy Month and Literacy is Life, the literacy organization’s month-long awareness and fundraising campaign. 
 
What’s more, BC Place, Canada Place, Science World and the main entrance of the provincial Legislature in Victoria lit up in Decoda purple that evening in support of Iiteracy in BC. 
 
The Literacy is Life campaign will run through the end of September and features a fun team trivia challenge to raise funds to support the provision of literacy resources in 400 communities throughout BC. Companies, organizations, and members of the public are encouraged to get a team together in support of the campaign. 
 
The Vancouver Literacy Team Trivia Challenge takes place on September 29 at Red Card Sports Bar & Eatery on Smithe Street from 6-9pm.
 
The campaign also offers a letter writing contest whereby children, youth and adults are asked to explain what literacy means to them, how it has impacted their lives and what they have done to increase literacy in their community. 
 
To get involved and learn more about the resources available go to www.literacyislife.ca or keep an eye out for #literacy is life!

Opening day is here for this summer’s YVR Take-Off Fridays. Every Friday from today until August 28, the terminal will come alive with music, entertainment and family-friendly activities.

We stopped by to check things out, and we weren’t disappointed. Today’s event had a DJ, live musicians, caricaturists, balloon artists, mascots, face painting and more. You can enjoy these activities between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Each Friday there will be delicious food samples and great deals from airport shops and restaurants. On select days there will be on-site activities with The Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, and the Vancouver Canadians.

For the aviation buffs, in the Public Observation Area there are interactive displays, quizzes, and behind the scenes videos. Tours are also available to learn about YVR’s history, art, and operations.

We’ll be back soon and hope to see you there too!

Here’s what you need to know:

WHEN:               Every Friday from July 3 to August 28,             9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE:             Vancouver International Airport, Domestic and International Terminals, Departures – Level 3

COST:                 Free event. Reduced parking rate available for $5 for up to four hours. Parking vouchers available at the Customer Information Counter, International Terminal, Level 3

ONLINE:            Website: www.yvr.ca | Twitter: @yvrairport | Facebook: Vancouver International Airport

#YVRTakeOffFridays

For the past couple of months, Elettra Communications has been working with the Industry Council for Aboriginal Business on planning and preparation for the launch of its new communications program. Today the first piece of that communications program was unveiled - a brand new website. The Industry Council for Aboriginal Business is BC's go-to organization for connecting industry and the Aboriginal business community. ICAB works to foster a vibrant BC economy where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people work together and form meaningful business partnerships.

It's been a pleasure working on this website partnership with ICAB's Executive Director, Lana Eagle, as well as Brett and Nicole from the Suite Apps team who did the design.

Take a peek at the new site!

Earlier this week, Pacific Centre officially open its new retail expansion. New shops include Ted Baker, Kate Spade, TUMI, Weekend MaxMara, Hugo BOSS, and Vancouver's first AllSaints. More retailers will be opening later this summer and into the fall.

To celebrate the opening, Pacific Centre charged Elettra Communications with planning and executing an outdoor fashion event on Granville Street. Thirty stunning models walked our open-air catwalk and 300 ft red carpet, showing gorgeous looks from Pacific Centre's newest shops.

Here are some pics of Elettra's event set up and the fashion show. Enjoy!

A university degree is part of our identity in the working world, and often stands as common ground to make a new connection. Even years after the degree hangs on the wall, our network of peers continues to grow.

UBC has a strong penchant for alumni relations and believes in supporting the lifelong community you join when becoming a UBC student. Their new complex, the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre was born to facilitate relationships of likeminded students and alumni.

The centre, located at the corner of University Boulevard and East mall in the Vancouver Campus, is home to classrooms, social spaces, a lounge library and café. Its other main function, a selling point for those who aren’t Thunderbirds, is as a conference and events venue.

The 41,700 square foot facility can house anything from corporate meetings to fundraisers and weddings. The smallest space, ideal for meetings or web-conferences, is an intimate size of 350 square feet. For those looking to host a larger-scale event, parties of up to 400 can fit inside the reception-style space.

Although built in the spirit of alumni relations, the complex was designed to accommodate all types of events. Its diverse selection of spaces boasts advanced technology for audio, video, telecommunication services, digital signage and web-conferencing.

To ease the process of event preparation, the centre provides front-of-house staff to support planning. In-house kitchen and catering staff are also available.

Check out this article from Meetings Canada for more info!

One of the most common pieces of advice I received at the start of my career in public relations was to read - A LOT. Pick up everything and anything and pay attention to tone and voice. Then, continually practice your own writing. With this advice in mind, I picked up Margaret Trudeau’s new book - The Time of Your Life: Choosing a vibrant, joyful future. She will be in Vancouver May 21st to speak at The Kettle Society’sMaking a Difference Luncheon and I thought I would try to better understand her in advance of the event.

Given the intended audience of the book is women over 50, and I am in my early twenties, I was surprised how often I could relate to Trudeau’s words. The following are three of my favourite ideas from the book: 

1) “The cognitive unconscious cannot tell the difference between a physical threat and a threat to the ego.” Ever notice that whether we are hurt physically or mentally we exhibit the same symptoms? We become short of breath, our heart rate elevates, and we become nauseated. Next time your ego is taking a hit, try and keep your rational brain in control by remembering how your brain is deciphering this ‘threat.’

2) “Leave aging gracefully to out grandmothers, it’s time to age proactively.” What we do in our young lives affects how we feel as we age. Exercise and nutrition can be used as a preventative practice for disease and injury. Eating right and exercising regularly when you are young is an investment in your body and will help you dramatically as you age.

3) “The term mental health has become synonymous not with health, but with illness.” There is a great deal of sigma that surrounds the issue of brain health. People fear being labeled as mentally ill and this fear often hinders them from seeking help. The fear and stigma can create a bigger barrier to a satisfying life than the illness itself, in many cases. Trudeau will cover this and more mind opening matters during her keynote speech at Kettle’s Making a Difference Luncheon.

After reading Trudeau’s book, I am excited to listen to her speech on May 21st. Want a little inspiration in your life? Join us at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver for insight into Trudeau’s struggle with overcoming a mental illness. Then after the event, have a copy of her latest book signed to take home and enjoy.

For tickets to Kettle’s Making a Difference Luncheon visit: http://www.thekettle.ca/2015-making-a-difference-luncheon/