Rewind Design

In this captivating episode of the Rewind Design podcast, host Katy McNabb engages in a heartfelt conversation with architect Meredith Robb. Growing up in Toronto and spending summers at a Georgian Bay cottage, Meredith shares her journey from those formative experiences to becoming a renowned architect specializing in cottage design. Meredith discusses the evolution of cottage architecture and the importance of sustainability in modern designs. The episode dives into her professional path, including collaborations with other architects and her unique approach to integrating cottages into Ontario's stunning landscapes. Whether you're fascinated by architectural design, love cottages, or seek inspiration for your own projects, this episode promises insights and stories that resonate. Find here here! https://www.meredithrobbarchitect.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meredithrobbarchitect/

In this episode of the Rewind Design podcast, Katy sits down with Kyle and Morgan of Stratton Homes to delve into their journeys from construction backgrounds to pioneers in sustainable building. Discover how their partnership blends traditional building techniques with forward-thinking sustainability, aiming to create energy-efficient homes without sacrificing quality or comfort. Learn about their strategic approach to site development that respects the natural environment and how they handle the challenges of establishing a systematic approach in speculative and custom home markets. Additionally, the episode explores the structure and roles within Stratton Homes, the importance of building a legacy beyond profit, and their commitment to community-based projects, including their collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Join the discussion on how Stratton is setting new standards in the home building industry by focusing on sustainable practices, efficient project management, and community impact. https://strattonhomes.ca/

In this episode of the Rewind Design podcast, Katy sits down with Kyle and Morgan of Stratton Homes to delve into their journeys from construction backgrounds to pioneers in sustainable building. Discover how their partnership blends traditional building techniques with forward-thinking sustainability, aiming to create energy-efficient homes without sacrificing quality or comfort. Learn about their strategic approach to site development that respects the natural environment and how they handle the challenges of establishing a systematic approach in speculative and custom home markets. Additionally, the episode explores the structure and roles within Stratton Homes, the importance of building a legacy beyond profit, and their commitment to community-based projects, including their collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Join the discussion on how Stratton is setting new standards in the home building industry by focusing on sustainable practices, efficient project management, and community impact. https://strattonhomes.ca/ FOLLOW REWIND DESIGN! Instagram - www.instagram.com/rewind.design/ Webstie - www.rewinddesign.ca

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Rewind Design podcast as we delve into the world of landscape architecture with the renowned Virginia Burt. Hosted by Katy, this episode takes place in Virginia's home, where she shares her journey from growing up on an apple farm to becoming a leading landscape architect specializing in healing gardens. Virginia discusses the importance of connecting with nature in design, her approach to sustainable building, and the concept of rewilding. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration among design professionals and the need for early involvement in projects to ensure harmony with the environment. Throughout the episode, Virginia shares insights into her design ethos, the challenges and rewards of working in fragile ecosystems, and the creative process behind her projects. Whether you're passionate about sustainable design or simply curious about the world of landscape architecture, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. For more details, visit our website and follow us on Instagram. Thank you for tuning in! https://vburtdesigns.com/profile/ FOLLOW REWIND DESIGN! Instagram - www.instagram.com/rewind.design/ Webstie - www.rewinddesign.ca

Welcome to the Rewind Design Cottage History Podcast! In this week's episode, host Katy McNabb, a registered interior designer, delves into sustainable energy solutions for cottage country with special guest Benjamin John, Climate and Energy Programs Manager at the Georgian Bay Biosphere. Explore the various types of green energy, from solar to wind power, and discover practical ways to reduce your energy bills. Learn about the benefits of switching to LED lighting, installing energy-efficient appliances, and utilizing government energy-saving programs. Benjamin shares insights on the latest in cold climate air source heat pumps and the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology. Join us as we discuss the importance of energy audits, the impact of building materials, and the role of townships in promoting energy efficiency. Whether you're a homeowner or a cottage enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips and expert advice to help you make informed decisions for a more sustainable lifestyle. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that aims to empower you with the knowledge to create a greener, more energy-efficient home. For more details, visit our website and follow us on Instagram. Thank you for tuning in! https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/ FOLLOW REWIND DESIGN! Instagram - www.instagram.com/rewind.design/ Webstie - www.rewinddesign.ca

This immersive episode of the Rewind Design Show is a rich dialogue with dynamic duo Kelly and Robert from the acclaimed architectural firm, Akb Architects. We delve into their architectural interests, personal paths, and outstanding work in cottage property design. Born and raised in different parts of Toronto, they shed some light on their early influences and formative expferiences that inspired their architectural pursuits. Kelly, the Creative Director, shares insightful thoughts about her meticulous approach to design decision making. In contrast, Robert, the Technical Director, enamors listeners with his passion for building structures and finding practical solutions to architectural challenges. The episode also intricately unfolds their personal lives, painting a vivid portrait of their harmonious work partnerships, family life, and sustainable architectural practices. A remarkable highlight is their work on the Whistling Wind Project, an innovative island cottage property beautifully balanced with the surrounding nature in Pointe du Baril. Despite the challenges, they have created a functional, and luxurious cottage that stands as a testament to their architectural rigor and environmental concern. This insightful discussion with the founders of Atelier Kastelic Buffey is a must-listen for all architecture and design enthusiasts. It provides extensive knowledge about sustainable architecture practices and the role of architecture in enhancing the quality of life. Discover an inspiring world where architecture, personal journeys, and sustainability meet. LINKS Akb Architects - https://www.akb.ca/ Rewind Design - https://rewinddesign.ca/

In today's episode of the Rewind Design podcast, host Katy McNabb welcomes experts Katrina Krievins and Tianna Burke from the Georgian Bay Biosphere for an intriguing conversation on ecology, conservation, and sustainable living. This compelling episode examines various topics like the impact of certain construction on the environment and the importance of adopting sustainable building practices, shedding light on the organization's initiatives and programs. The discussion deep-dives into the 'State of the Bay' report - an effort encapsulating changes in the Eastern Georgian Bay's environment. Katrina, a significant contributor to the report, walks us through the key findings related to water quality, fish communities, and coastal wetlands. Further, this episode explores how citizens can contribute to conservation and focuses on fostering a sustainable co-existence with the myriad species within the natural ecosystem. The podcast also delves into sustainable development and its increasing relevance in the wake of intense construction activities in the area. We discuss the need to respect the land and learn about helpful tools such as the Biosphere Habitat Screening Tool and the Life on the Bay Guide that encourage mindful construction practices. We conclude by highlighting simple, implementable practices like maintaining natural shorelines and habitat restoration for a healthier bay. In this enlightening discussion, Katy McNabb, together with her guests, explores the balance between respecting natural habitats and developing new land. We look into the construction permitting processes, learn about safeguarding soil from erosion during construction, and stress on the vitality of considering wildlife nesting seasons. We learn about the current awareness of invasive species among cottagers, the importance of native species, and the influence of local plant genetics. The episode ends by emphasizing the need for environmental awareness, respect, and coexistence. It encourages listeners to get involved and contribute in their own way to preserving the environment, leveraging opportunities like the iNaturalist Project, or even volunteering their time and efforts. It serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to nurture our backyards for the future generation. https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/ FOLLOW REWIND DESIGN! Instagram - www.instagram.com/rewind.design/ Webstie - www.rewinddesign.ca

Welcome to a unique episode of the Rewind Design Podcast, where we dive into the fascinating world of the Georgian Bay Biosphere. Today’s episode of the Rewind Design podcast is being brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team. https://thinkboyd.com/ In an informative and enlightening conversation, we speak with Becky Pollock, the Executive Director of the Georgian Bay Biosphere. We explore the Biosphere's history, designation by UNESCO and its mission to preserve and enhance the area while ensuring sustainable development. Walk with us through the world of conservation and the role of the Biosphere in preserving the Georgian Bay region from invasive species, climate change, and uninformed development impacts. Understand how every action, big or small, influences our environment and biodiversity. We also discuss the Biosphere's intentional respect and acknowledgment of the Anishinaabeg people, and the efforts made to incorporate their culture and language in various initiatives. This journey culminates with our observation of the development and leadership opportunities provided to Indigenous youth, namely through the Georgian Bay Anishinaabeg Youth initiative. Be a part of the engaging conversation about sustaining our incredible natural landscape and the significant emphasis on relationship-building in our work. Draw inspiration from our visioning project and understand the importance of education for rectifying misconceptions. Conclude with us on the note of preserving our natural resources for our future generations, encapsulating the true aims of the Biosphere. https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/ FOLLOW REWIND DESIGN! Instagram - www.instagram.com/rewind.design/ Webstie - www.rewinddesign.ca

Embark on a fascinating journey with us in this special episode of "Rewind Design" as we discuss shoreline management practices with an industry expert, Amanda Kellett, from Tatham Engineering. Get a detailed tour of the firm's extensive history and understand its contributions to various engineering fields such as land development, municipal engineering, structural and water resources engineering. We delve into an array of engaging topics including risk mitigation, design adaptations, and protection measures that span across boathouses, docks, and shorelines. Amanda discusses insights into the world of shoreline protection and erosion mitigation, exploring traditional methods and uncovering innovative, nature-based solutions. We go deeper, discussing the incorporation of 'gray-green' practices, the effectiveness of vegetative revetments as well as the resilience of shoreline vegetation. We end with an insightful question-answer session, leaving no stone unturned. Dive into an in-depth discussion regarding the symbiosis of architectural design and sustainability, a conversation that focuses on the important concept of sustainable shoreline conservation. Learn about the two-sided coin of material choice and placement while discussing the successful Sunset Point eco shoreline project. The episode concludes by mapping out future perspectives in sustainable shoreline management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between stakeholders. Tune in and uncover the secrets of building and living better, sustainably in cottage settings!

Welcome to a captivating episode of Rewind Design featuring John O'Connor from Basis Design Build, the genius behind some of the most sustainable and unique cottages in Cottage Country. In this episode, we delve into John's architectural journey, from his initial foray into the industry to developing his own Architecture Firm. Unpack the mysteries of architectural decisions as John shares invaluable insights into the thought processes and challenges involved in crafting residential spaces. Learn about the crucial role of effective communication and proper coordination in architecture, and the factors that can affect the course of a project. Explore the intriguing world of cottage design with an emphasis on sustainability. Discover how size, energy conservation, and maintenance costs impact the construction process, and how principles of sustainable living can be creatively integrated into the design of stunning cottages. Dive deep into 'Project 22', a remarkable example of innovation, comfort, and meaningful contact with nature. John shares the unique design features and architectural decisions that went into creating this exceptional waterfront cottage. Finally, embark on a thoughtful discussion about future-proof architecture, with a focus on designing for a comfortable and luxuriant old age. This stimulating conversation offers visionary solutions for future homeowners. Whether you are a cottage enthusiast, a budding architect, or just fascinated by sustainable design, this is a must-listen episode. Immerse yourself in the remarkable world of architectural brilliance! Basis Design Build - https://www.basisdesignbuild.com/ Rewind Design Studio - www.rewinddesign.ca

Welcome to Episode 8 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the cottage country. In this week’s bonus episode, I have a cottage story to share! I had the pleasure of meeting with Julien LeBourdais, his daughter Lisa and his son in law Matthew. As far as his cottage history goes, Julien is a multigenerational cottager spanning back to the late 1800s. In this emotional episode, we discover how each generation has enjoyed the wonder and solitude of Georgian Bay – through three different locations. He is now known in the community as the local historian, writing articles for the Sans Souci Copperhead association. We love to see his updates pop up online with a snippit from the past! Before his retirement he had an wonderful career as a photojournalist, photographing sports, celebrities and even royalty! He freelanced for the Toronto Star, then the United Press International to the United Press Canada! IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS: What is a Georgian Bay Girl? - Will you pass Lisa’s grandmother’s test? An island that was purchased for $25 Lisa remembers returning retuning to L’Islet island decades later and discovering something her cousin had left hidden in the cottage…

Welcome to Episode 7 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the cottage country. In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Scott Mifflin from Sustainable Cottages - www.sustainablecottages.ca Here is a quick summary of Sustainable Cottages from their website: Welcome to Sustainable Cottages, your trusted leader in solar pv design and installation. We supply industry leading Solar PV equipment and work with a team of engineers to design a system that meets all of your energy needs no matter how remote your location. We are a turn-key solution for all your Solar pv needs. Sustainable Cottages has provided Georgian Bay, Muskoka, lake of bays and The Kawartha Lakes with the highest quality Off-Grid, Hybrid, and Grid-Tie Solar PV equipment, system design, and installation since 2011 Kamryn Elkin works with Scott as a client liaison in Pointe au Baril + design assistant. You can find here here: www.instagram.com/kam.elkin ! IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Solar installation on Georgian Bay’s off grid islands The different types of solar design + batteries How Scott founded Sustainable Cottages + his love of sustainable design

Welcome to Episode 6 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the cottage country. In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Hofstra dein Zinco Canada. Here is a quick summary of Zinco from their website: For over 50 years, ZinCo has been committed to incorporating nature back into the urban landscape through the manufacturing and supply of the most advanced green roofs available. Green roofs that will work to offset the environmental impact of building structures, cool micro-climates by up to two degrees, capture and manage storm water and alleviate noise pollution for decades to come. IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Green rooving systems in Cottage Country, will they withstand the elements? What type of planting do you use for green rooves? What makes a green roof so sustainable? What is a sedum plant?

Welcome to Episode 5 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are new to this podcast, my name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the cottage country. In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Christine Lolley, the visionary co-owner of Solares Architecture, along with her partner Tom Knezic. She takes us behind the scenes of her breathtaking Kahshe Lake Cottage project + reminisces about her century-old Muskoka island cottage project on Lake Joseph. Discover how they are transforming the world of sustainable architecture and cottage design in our interview below. Here is a quick summary of Solares from their website: Solares Architecture is a Toronto-based studio specializing in sustainable, low-carbon residential design. Since our founding in 2005, we have earned a reputation as experts in energy efficiency and building science. Fully licensed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), we focus on custom residential new-builds (both single-family and multi-unit) and major renovations across Ontario. Our complete turnkey process guides you through every stage of creating your custom home, renovation, secondary suite, or multiplex, from the first ideas to the final move-in day. We believe the fundamentals of sustainability are passive solar design, all-electric/low-carbon energy, airtight and ultra-insulated building envelopes, and high-quality construction.

Welcome to Episode 4 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are new to this podcast, my name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the cottage country. Today we have Vanessa Fong, from VFA Architecture speaking about sustainable cottages + historical restoration. Here is a quick summary of VFA from their website: Principal Architect Vanessa Fong, an Ontario Architect with over a decade of architectural experience at a variety of scales, from interior design to master planning, established VFA in 2014 and assembled a team of energetic creators with a commitment to thoughtful and beautiful design no matter the budget, scale or medium. As individuals, the team, brings a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences which inform our projects in unique and unexpected ways. What brings us together is a shared passion for great architecture at a human scale – elegant in form and eminently pragmatic. At the heart of it, we are problem solvers – preferring to work within contexts and situations with challenging constraints that require innovative approaches to arrive at beautiful, practical and finely crafted solutions. (https://www.vf-a.com) IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Vanessa’s journey to cottage design + opening up her own firm in 2014 (almost 10 years!) The Bigger is Better Trend in Muskoka (hot topic) Historic Restoration in Toronto VFA Website: https://www.vf-a.com/ VFA Instagram: www.instagram.com/vfarchitect/

Welcome to Episode 3 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are new to this podcast, my name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the area. I have been waiting to share this episode for many months and am finally able to release it. This week we have Scott Weir, an Architect, a cottager and a history lover. Scott is a partner with ERA Architects, and has been with the company for over a decade. I was referred to Scott by many people in the PAB area, and it was a dream come true to connect with someone so like minded as myself. Here is a quick summary of ERA from their website: ERA Architects Inc. (ERA) is an award-winning architecture and planning firm focused on conservation through reactivation. Working across a lively spectrum of scales and locales, we develop heritage planning approaches that renew and improve the built environment. Creative adaptive reuse strategies and building conservation techniques are a core expertise established at the firm’s founding in the 1990s by Edwin Rowse and Michael McClelland. Since then, we have expanded our in-house expertise to encompass a broad range of consulting, design, and advocacy work. For over 30 years, we have provided a high level of professional service to the public and private sectors from our offices in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The more than 130 talented individuals who comprise our integrated, multidisciplinary team have memberships in an array of professional associations and advocacy organizations. We nurture professional integrity and skills enhancement through industry-wide conversations, research, education, and mentoring. We frequently collaborate with other firms and organizations. ERA delights in finding solutions to the challenges of city building and reactivating buildings and places in ways that shape a more engaging and sustainable future. You can find their work at https://www.eraarch.ca/ IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Heritage preservation, highlighting the Ojibway Club Historic Restoration - Scott’s Cabbagetown home in Toronto, and his early 1900’s cottage in PAB Scott’s journey to becoming a cottager in Pointe Au Baril and his love of the area

Welcome to Episode 2 of Rewind Design Season 2! I am beyond excited to share this episode with all the cottage lovers out there. I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with David Ballentine, owner of Ballentine Construction, all about cottage design, restoration + his unique approach to building on the Bay. David is a lifelong cottager in Pointe au Baril, and a longtime Parry Sound resident. Ballentine Construction provides renovation, construction and maintenance services throughout Pointe au Baril and Georgian Bay. They are known for their high quality craftsmanship, their client relationships as well as their sympathetic approach to cottage restoration, with David claiming they “save everything” they possible can to be repurposed. They can lovingly renovate a generations-old cottage, maintaining its ambience while subtly incorporating modern touches to make it more comfortable, as well as more cost and energy efficient. You can find their work at ballentineconstruction.com In this week’s episode we discuss: Historic Restoration - what is possible to restore and repurpose Environmental impact of cottages + how we can design and build with less impact Challenges of building on island properties

On this weeks debut episode of Rewind Design - Season 2 - we have a very highly regarded guest from the Georgian Bay Association (GBA) Rupert Kindersley. He has been the executive director of the GBA for the last 5 years and I had the honor of speaking to him last summer. Born in London England, Rupert was educated at Eton College and the University of Toronto, however he has now officially spent more than half of his life on Georgian Bay - so he’s a honorary local now! __ ✨I am extremely honoured to receive the King Family Bursary in support of my project Rewind Design, Season 2. I am a huge advocate for sustainable design and architecture on Georgian Bay’s shorelines. Development on Georgian Bay is inevitable, however it is my goal to help current and future generations become more educated on sustainable ways of building and designing to protect our treasured Georgian Bay shores and ecosystems for generations to come.✨ __ GBLT Article: https://www.gblt.org/news-item/king-family-bursary-winner-katy-mcnabb/ Website: www.rewinddesign.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewinddesign.interiors/ --- You can send me an email at katy@rewinddesign.ca to be added to my email list for episode notifications!

Rewind Design is the recipient of the Georgian Bay Land Trust King Family Bursary for 2023! 🍾✨🎉 . 🌊While season 1 focuses on intimate stories of cottage history, season 2 will focus on sustainable design along the shores of Georgian Bay, with an emphasis on protecting the shoreline via green energy, green building methods and the maintenance and preservation of natural landscapes. . 🌊With support from the Georgian Bay Land Trust, I will be interviewing a variety of guests for my podcast, including builders, contractors, architects and landscapers, to discuss best practices when building sustainably on Georgian Bay. The purpose of season 2 is to educate Georgian Bay cottagers and locals on the benefits of sustainable design, presented through my podcast and blog in an accessible and easily understood conversational format. . ✨I am extremely honoured to receive the King Family Bursary in support of my project Rewind Design, Season 2. I am a huge advocate for sustainable design and architecture on Georgian Bay’s shorelines. Development on Georgian Bay is inevitable, however it is my goal to help current and future generations become more educated on sustainable ways of building and designing to protect our treasured Georgian Bay shores and ecosystems for generations to come.✨ GBLT Article: https://www.gblt.org/news-item/king-family-bursary-winner-katy-mcnabb/ Website: www.rewinddesign.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewinddesign.interiors/

Welcome to Rewind Design, a Cottage History Podcast - dedicated to discovering the stories of Cottage Country in Ontario! I am your host, and local Interior Designer, Katy McNabb. On this week’s episode, we have Rebecca Hay from Rebecca Hay Designs (www.rebeccahaydesigns.com). Not only is Rebecca an Interior Designer like me, she is also an entrepreneur, a mom, a mentor, a podcast host and a lifelong cottager! In this week's episode, we discuss Rebecca’s journey to becoming a designer, her life experiences that led her to design, and what she loves most about cottage country. We discuss the differences in designing for an urban environment like Toronto, and how we design cottages differently. Link to Blog portion of this episode: www.rewinddesign.ca __ Rebecca Hay Designs Design Website: https://www.rebeccahaydesigns.com/ Mentor Website: https://rebeccahay.com/ Podcast: https://rebeccahay.com/podcast/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccahaydesigns/