Ashley Rumsey is founding partner, along with Stanley Sun, of Mason Studio. The Toronto-based interior design firm combines art, science and human experience to create a wide array of projects. From award-winning luxury hospitality, retail and multi-unit residential design projects all the way to experimental exhibitions, Rumsey’s practice spans the world. International experience and a unique perspective helps her create meaningful experiences to enrich her clients’ lives. She’s also a member of the Cosentino Design Alliance. Today Ashley Rumsey joins us for Friday Five!
Photo: Creative Commons
1. Habitat 67
Through our work as interior designers, we recognize the responsibility to improve social interaction within the spaces we design. Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie, is a pioneering example of how this is achieved through architecture. The development reimagines multi-unit residential design expressing the importance of balancing residential density with quality of life.
Photo: Tom Arban
2. Public Art
Art plays an essential role in our work. This public art installation, Two Circles by Micah Lexier, is an excellent example of how art can impact a space. Stunning in its simplicity, the two black and white circles make a bold statement from afar, but up close you realize each circle is made up of hundreds of thousands of handmade ceramic tile sticks. This duality of simplicity and complexity based on perspective is a powerful message.
Photo: Garrett Rock
3. Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion
Travel is a great way to experience architecture and design. I traveled to Norway last year and got a chance to hike to the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Pavilion by Snohetta. The pavilion is an exquisite example of a structure that supports and respects the surroundings. The minimal form of the building encourages the experience of appreciating the landscape.
Photo: Jaime Hogge
4. Office Dogs
This is our office dog, Oak. He is a retired professional athlete, and while he officially belongs to Stanley, he is also our studio mascot and greeter. We find that having a dog in the studio contributes to an approachable and casual atmosphere.
Photo: Thom Fougere
5. Tyndall Stone
We discovered this stone on one of our first projects in Winnipeg as a newly formed studio. Quarried mostly in Manitoba, Canada, it’s an example of how a simple material can be imbued with significant meaning and sense of place. Its unique texture and pattern provide a striking visual impact and can often be found in public buildings. Tyndall Stone has also been used to great effect in objects, such as the vessels created by Thom Fougere Studio.
