A Walk Down Memory Lane: Gilmore Place
Photo Credit: Luke Potter Photography
I recently reconnected with an old colleague from my days in Interior Design at Onni Group, and as we caught up on life - family, travel, business - our conversation drifted to the nostalgia of working together.
One project quickly came to mind: Gilmore Place.
Back then, it was just an ambitious vision - an idea taking shape on paper, with land secured and a development application in motion. Today, years later, Phase One is nearing completion, and future phases are well underway.
This was my first taste of what I would call a massive development project, and it left a lasting impact.
A Master Planned Community Unlike Any Other
Spanning multiple city blocks in Burnaby, BC, Gilmore Place is a transformative development that will ultimately comprise nine towers. Phase One set the foundation with three striking towers, seamlessly integrated with a major stop along the Millennium SkyTrain Line - a true example of transit-oriented development at its finest.
Phase One at a Glance:
Number of Towers: 3
Unit Breakdown:
Building One - 64-storey tower: 643 units
Building Two - 51-storey tower: 510 units
Building - 43-storey tower: 410 units
TOTAL: 1,563 units
Rethinking Unit Design
As the lead interior designer, my role extended far beyond coordination - I was deeply involved in designing the interior suites for over 1,500 units. We approached the planning differently, pioneering a strategy that redefined how we tackled large-scale developments. Instead of designing units first and fitting kitchens and bathrooms within them, we flipped the script:
Design the kitchens and bathrooms
Standardize their dimensions
Space plan each unit around these fixed elements
This approach revolutionized efficiency during construction - reducing the number of shop drawings required for internal review, and systemized cabinetry production and install. It also elevated the consistency and quality of the final product. Every unit passed through my hands - I collaborated closely with structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure each space was functional, beautiful, and livable, despite the market-driven demand for efficiency.
Amenities That Redefine Condo Living
The amenity spaces at Gilmore Place were unlike anything we had designed before. The sheer volume - 75,000 square feet - was staggering, and the market demanded more than just standard common areas. Buyers were trading private living space for high-end interiors and expansive shared amenities, creating an entirely new way to experience condo living.
With this in mind, the project incorporated a diverse range of spaces that cater to every lifestyle:
Sky Lounge – Soak in breathtaking city views.
Professional Gym & Basketball Court – A fitness enthusiast’s dream.
Olympic-Sized Indoor Pool – Complete with hot tubs and cold plunge pools.
Golf Simulator – Practice your swing year-round.
Lounge & Co-Working Spaces – Ideal for both socializing and productivity.
Outdoor Retreats – Featuring an outdoor pool, lush green spaces, and designated areas for both children and pets.
Gilmore Place is more than just a landmark development in Burnaby - it represents a harmonious blend of thoughtful design, innovative planning, and community-focused amenities. This project has been an incredible journey of collaboration and creativity. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life, it’s a privilege to contribute to such a transformative project.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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