Since 1999, Johnson Chou Inc. has developed into an interdisciplinary design practice encompassing architectural and industrial design, furniture and interiors, graphic identity and corporate communications – a body of work characterized by conceptual explorations of narrative, transformation and multiplicity.
While the search for the elemental is the defining aspect of the diverse, yet consistent body of work, elements of drama and engagement on intellectual, emotional and physiological levels of experience exemplify the firms projects.
The creation of a narrative forms the conceptual point of departure for all of the firms work and is essentially a story inspired by the client. Be it about the quirks of the client, an image they wish to project, or even delved from a literary source,it is an interpretation of the client image, culture or brand what the firm likes to describe as narratives of inhabitation.
The firm’s award-winning and internationally recognized projects include advertising offices for Grip Limited and Zulu Alpha Kilo,Head Offices for Red Bull Canada, and private residences in 10 Bellair and the Candy Factory condominiums.
Other projects include Blowfish Restaurants,the Museum of Canadian Contemporary Art (MoCCA), and clothing boutiques TNT and 119 Corbo.
Residential development projects include Sixty Colborne and 155 Redpath, both multi-storey condominium projects with Freed Developments, the former in downtown Toronto’s historical St. Lawrence district and the latter in the Yonge/Eglinton residential district.
Another condominium development project, currently in construction, is 383 Sorauren with Gairloch and Centerstone Urban Developments. A new project with Diamondcorp and Cityzen Development Group is The Selby, a 500 unit development project at 592 Sherbourne Street, site of the historic Gooderham Mansion (currently the Selby Hotel). Another new project, Venue with Greenpark Homes, will be a 400 unit development located in the heart of the entertainment district.
Current projects include the redesign of the showrooms and public areas of the headquarters of the furniture manufacturer, The Global Group; the design for the Chicago offices of advertising agency, Mosaic; and the residences for Yee Hong Garden Terrace.
