Words by Thomas Albrighton
Photos provided by Jeffrey Liu Studio

Jeffrey Liu Studio is a local Vancouver creative consultancy offering full-scale interior and product design services. I have been admiring their work and Studio for some time now, discovering Jeff through mutual friends at Studio Faculty. What instantly drew me to look deeper into his work was his unique use of innovative materials throughout his projects. As Jeff states "Pushing the boundaries of natural materials. Jeffrey Liu Studio prioritizes collaboration with clients to create spaces and objects that are functional, refined, and show unexpected expressions of creativity. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff to hear about his practice and the road that it took for him to get were he is today.

Thomas: "Jeff thank you for taking the time to connect. I have been admiring your work for a while now and I am very excited about this journal feature. Your background is both impressive and clearly reflected in your work. Could you share a bit about yourself, your studio and the journey that brought you to where you are today?"

Jeff: "I originally wanted to be a visual artist. I spent most of my free time in high school painting or in the ceramic studio. It wasn’t until I attended Emily Carr University where I took a furniture class that I took an interest in design. I fell in love with wood work, working with my hands and the process of conceptualizing a product to create something tangible.

I pursued further studies in industrial design at Lund University in Sweden and then returned to Vancouver to work as a freelance designer. I started as a furniture designer creating bespoke furniture and then partnered with my friend Roberto Vestri to start a product design firm. We consulted on a diverse range of projects from shoes, medical devices to eyewear.

In 2016 I met Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds at Falken Reynolds Interiors through a mutual friend. They invited me to tour one of their projects and I was fascinated by their signature style and how they were able to use design on a bigger scale. The impact that interior design had on people’s everyday lives helped me to realize that this was what I wanted to do. I worked there for six years, soaking up everything there was to learn about residential design prior to starting my own firm.

Our studio offers services ranging from new builds and renovations to curation of furniture. We focus on creating spaces that are refined and highly individualized through a tailored process."

Thomas: "Collaboration is at the heart of your studio’s approach. What’s your process for working with clients to realize their vision?"

Jeff: "Collaboratioon is imperative to our approach especially in the early stages of a project. I get to learn about how clients live, what they value, what spaces they spend the most time in and areas that are not being utilized to its fullest potential. We all have different lifestyles and values. Afterall a client’s home is a reflection of their personality and what drives each project to be unique."

Thomas: "How do you strike a balance between functionality and creativity in your designs?"

Jeff: "To me functionality and creativity go hand-in-hand. How a space or object should function gives me set of constraints which drives me to think creatively. Not all projects have the same constraints whether it be square footage budget or nature of materials. Once we see these “limitations” as opportunities then it opens the door for creative thinking."

Thomas: "Your work is has been described as refined with unexpected creative expressions. How would you define your design aesthetic?"

Jeff: "I think a lot about the contrast and intersection of forms and materials and how these elements work together to create a cohesive space. I also love resolving details when someone walks into a room it should not only feel and look impressive but also have well-considered details upon close inspection. Having a furniture background I enjoy diving into minute details that make a space feel special. With every project my aim is to inspire my clients with a finished space that goes beyond their expectations."

Thomas: "Are there particular materials or elements you enjoy working with to achieve this aesthetic?"

Jeff: "I enjoy pushing the boundaries of natural materials. This involves working closely with contractors and trades who share the same passion for innovation which can come from exploring new techniques and fabricating materials in a different way."

Words by Thomas Albrighton
Photos provided by Jeffrey Liu Studio

Jeffrey Liu Studio is a local Vancouver creative consultancy offering full-scale interior and product design services. I have been admiring their work and Studio for some time now, discovering Jeff through mutual friends at Studio Faculty. What instantly drew me to look deeper into his work was his unique use of innovative materials throughout his projects. As Jeff states "Pushing the boundaries of natural materials. Jeffrey Liu Studio prioritizes collaboration with clients to create spaces and objects that are functional, refined, and show unexpected expressions of creativity. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff to hear about his practice and the road that it took for him to get were he is today.

Thomas: "Jeff thank you for taking the time to connect. I have been admiring your work for a while now and I am very excited about this journal feature. Your background is both impressive and clearly reflected in your work. Could you share a bit about yourself, your studio and the journey that brought you to where you are today?"

Jeff: "I originally wanted to be a visual artist. I spent most of my free time in high school painting or in the ceramic studio. It wasn’t until I attended Emily Carr University where I took a furniture class that I took an interest in design. I fell in love with wood work, working with my hands and the process of conceptualizing a product to create something tangible.

I pursued further studies in industrial design at Lund University in Sweden and then returned to Vancouver to work as a freelance designer. I started as a furniture designer creating bespoke furniture and then partnered with my friend Roberto Vestri to start a product design firm. We consulted on a diverse range of projects from shoes, medical devices to eyewear.

In 2016 I met Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds at Falken Reynolds Interiors through a mutual friend. They invited me to tour one of their projects and I was fascinated by their signature style and how they were able to use design on a bigger scale. The impact that interior design had on people’s everyday lives helped me to realize that this was what I wanted to do. I worked there for six years, soaking up everything there was to learn about residential design prior to starting my own firm.

Our studio offers services ranging from new builds and renovations to curation of furniture. We focus on creating spaces that are refined and highly individualized through a tailored process."

Thomas: "What unique challenges and opportunities do residential projects offer compared to other types of design?"

Jeff: "Building or renovating a home especially in Vancouver is expensive. Every square foot matters especially in small spaces. A common problem that I hear from clients is the lack of storage space. Another common issue is growing families who are running out of room for their kids. Creating a functional layout through space planning is crucial in laying a solid foundation for design work. The greatest opportunity is the ability to enrich the lives of our clients by translating their vision and personality into a home.

Thomas: "Is there a particular project that you recently took on that stands out to you? Could you share a favourite and what made it special?"

Jeff: "I recently completed a renovation of a 870 sq ft condo in Fairview. The clients who are close friends of mine entrusted me to take full creative control throughout the entire project. The existing kitchen hardly had any counter space and the bathroom was cramped and outdated. We completely re-worked the layout for both spaces while incorporating impressive stonework and millwork in bold colours and textures. The biggest joy for me was seeing how much they enjoyed using the space… and the many dinner parties they’ve hosted since the renovation."

Thomas: "Are there any dream projects or collaborations that you hope to take on in the future?"

Jeff: "I still have a passion for furniture design and would eventually like to launch a collection of furniture and accessories."

Thomas: "Would you define yourself as a modern designer? How would you define what makes a living space/home modern?"

Jeff: "Modern to me is less about style and more to do with longevity and sustainability. Trends come and go but how useful a space is and how much joy you get from using that space are things that last. We can achieve this by using enduring materials considering the interplay between the indoor and outdoor environment the use of light and finding elegant solutions to complex problems."

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www.jliustudio.com