Joel Gilbert Anderson

What do you think about the circular economy? Check out my article for NextHome in Reno & Decor. While you are at it, follow the work of Meredith Moore, who leads the way in deconstruction in the GTA. https://lnkd.in/ew-UY9RW.

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How do we decarbonize landscape design? In ‘Redefining Beauty: Embracing Circularity in Canada's Material Culture’, Amelia Hartin, Renée Nadeau and I provide examples at the residential and public/commercial scales on the promise of circularity to redefine ways of doing business as usual and create a new aesthetic to account for planetary health.   Read more in the latest issue of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Landscapes | Paysages magazine (p. 44): https://lnkd.in/gCrptqj4

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Despite all the rhetoric spewing from the business community about housing affordability in Canada and their ideas on how to solve the crisis and lower the cost of housing - reduce development charges, eliminate 'red tape', reduce immigration, lower borrowings costs, silence community input and more - the one aspect of the housing affordability equation that never seems to be discussed are "profits margins". https://lnkd.in/gDP33iix

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A New Era for Toronto’s Main Streets? Last week Council approved as-of-right zoning permissions on some of Toronto's Avenues. And with that, Smart Density's original award-winning concept the mini-mid-rise becomes easier than ever! Want to know what's changing? We summarized the important information for you in this blog post, check it out! https://lnkd.in/gCbmGXCK

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This is exactly what localization looks like. Working with the people to build an experience that’s inclusive of them - their cultures, needs, behaviors, etc. Localized designs like this ensure people feel catered to and considered. It improves their experience. And in the case of this hospital, even improves healthcare and saves the lives of Indigenous people who according to a study felt discriminated against at Canadian hospitals. This is exactly the kind of inclusive experiences we seek to empower through localization and inclusive research at DIAL Design. Well done to Cowichan District Hospital. #Localization #UserExperience

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Life truly is the best teacher, and through my experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons about approaching our final chapters with intention and grace. Death by Design: Your Legacy Blueprint is more than just a guide on what to do—it’s a space to document your family’s story, your wishes, and your unique legacy. It empowers you to organize your thoughts, plan for the future, and create a meaningful record that can be passed down to your loved ones—a legacy blueprint that helps you organize your past for future generations. For me, this is a natural continuation of living your best intentional life in your silver years—a continuation of your Silver Style—but it’s not just for those years. This workbook is for anyone who wants to take control of their future by leaving behind an organized and intentional past. It’s about living with intention today and ensuring peace of mind for tomorrow. Let’s make the inevitable a little less daunting by planning thoughtfully and preserving what truly matters. Click the link below to learn more and grab your copy of Death by Design today. 15% off until Oct 3 with code: READER15. https://lnkd.in/gU2rXMRs

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Pumped to be doing another guest lecture at Langara College this month! 🚀 I'll be diving into design systems and we'll even build a mini one together. 🛠️ My goals are for the students to: • Understand the concept and benefits of a design system. • Define the components of a design system. • Create a basic design system for a hypothetical project. Interested in learning more about design systems? Stay tuned for a recap of the session! #designthinking #uxdesign #designsystems #langaracollege

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Bidets & Intelligent Toilets are the Secret to a Happy Relationship. Alright, folks, let’s get down to business – bathroom business. You’ve heard of the bathroom revolution, but forget about new tiles or fancy faucets; we're talking about a different kind of upgrade. Bidets and intelligent toilets are taking over, and they're the next must-have to save your relationship. Yes, you heard me right! Jamie Banfield Design is here to guide you through this porcelain coup d'état with a cheeky twist. Check out our newest blog post where we reveal why bidets and intelligent toilets are the unsung heroes of domestic bliss! Yes indeed, you're hearing it straight from me! I'm letting you in on why upgrading your bathroom throne could be the cheekiest solution to ensuring peace and sparking joy in your relationship. Intrigued? Click through to our latest article and find out why your next romantic gesture could very well involve a smart toilet. Because truly, what says 'I love you' more than a heated seat during those chilly midnight escapades?

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Last week, we cohosted the Kelowna Infill Middle Housing Symposium. In our discussions, one of the developers on the panel mentioned how we might have to build "high-quality simplified boxes". As I looked around the room, I saw some faces displaying signs of sheer horror. But this makes for a fascinating discussion as city builders are balancing many priorities in an environment where costs, fees, and processes continue to work against the delivery of all housing. This is particularly challenging amidst the housing crisis we find ourselves in, where affordability and the number of housing we need is a pressing issue. What's encouraging is the growing unity in our industry, with professionals across the country coming together to effect change. By working collaboratively and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic processes, I believe we can expect to see a cost reduction over time. However, the macro-level cost of housing production will not meaningfully decrease in the immediate future. I've spent most of my career trying to deliver projects that I hope are inspiring. And I understand that not every project may resonate with everyone. When architects call me and say, "We're excited to work with a developer who values architecture," it makes me cringe. Yes, some may not value robust design or human experience, but I would say the vast majority of developers do. Now more than ever, the fields of architecture and urban planning are crucial. Those who can navigate the current macro-level context and deliver high-quality projects while considering the interests of all stakeholders will thrive. As professionals, it's our responsibility to grasp the technical and cost aspects of our designs. *Yimbyland posted this photo on X, inspiring me to believe it's possible. 

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Architects, in a highly competitive industry like architecture, it’s important to communicate your unique value to stand out. If you don’t want to solely compete with other firms on price, you need a unique brand positioning to differentiate yourself. Part of working out a website strategy is to figure out your unique value. I usually do this with my clients through a fun exercise. Called "the onliness statement". With this method, we mutually try to find your unique value. The unique value that sets you apart from your competitors. This could be: — you deliver fast — you’re fun to work with — you solve a very specific problem — you can solve a variety of different problems — you make your clients feel confident and in good hands and a thousand other reasons... Figuring this out and communicating this effectively will enable you to differentiate yourself. So you can stand out. And don't have to compete on price. — Hi, I’m Johannes 🙋‍♂️ I create effective websites for architects. Websites that help architects to find the right projects they want work on. And that help them to find the right clients they want to work with. I’m taking on new clients in July to build them effective websites. If you are ready to grow send me a DM to save your spot.

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Alex Bozikovic raises really good points in this critical analysis of government procurement. The bad practices involved extend to procurement of construction services with the focus on “low bid” rather than life cycle costs and a full understanding of value.

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Great article by John Lorinc in Spacing. We need to have a critical rethink on who is best positioned to deal with matters now dealt with by these Committees. In my view, minor by-law relief, severances and other matters currently under COA purview would more appropriately be delegated to City staff who are professionally trained, qualified and best positioned to deal with these matters. But maybe we hold off on any more substantial legislative changes for a few weeks :)

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Interesting developments…

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After the 'Great Flood of 2024 in Toronto' Andy Delisi 's Rebuilding the Office Through Circularity Podcast on #CanadianInteriors seems more fitting than ever. Interior Designers, Architects and specifiers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to consider their Embodied Carbon (a role unlike many others) when selecting materials. The take, make, waste business model is one that we're feeling the impacts of many years later. There are amazing tools to capture your total embodied carbon, such as the EC3 tool https://lnkd.in/gpTs_bYt + amazing take back programs + remanufactured programs to support Circular Economies. https://lnkd.in/gSEneZij

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#Infill #housing faster| Fast-track permit application approved within days* A real case example provided by City of Kelowna demonstrates creative and intelligent ways to address the lack of housing where is needed. This innovative initiative can deliver 7000 units within next year*. This is one step forward for better access to housing with less planning barriers. Pre-approved design layouts for 4-6 unit per lot can be a great game changer for individuals and small developers accessing to the housing market. *notes: further detailed explanation in the link below.

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Yep, Imma 'bout to post about knobs... come with me for a minute... I am particularly amused by these types of realizations. Even as a designer, usually drawn to sexy minimalism, I can't argue with this dude's assessment. Sometimes we just overdesign some shit. My wife and I had our first experience with an induction stove just this past month. We marveled at the speed of heat up, but it didn't take long for my wife (an excellent cook) to declare, "these buttons are annoying." This is function following form, and it's a UX botch. Did anyone stress test this with people that actually cook? I dunno 'bout y'all, but everyone I know that makes amazingly delicious things are not tidy and mechanical in their food prep. There's always a little chaos in pursuit of the delicious. I speak from experience as the head eater and cleanup crew in my home. Why all the knob hate? Picture this... mid-to-low profile puck shaped knobs, about 3-4cm in diameter. Perhaps with a dimple on the knob surface, where you can place your finger tip to spin the dial, toward your desired heat, accompanied by the most gorgeous, subtle haptic response to each level. The edges of the knob, adorned with precise ridges. Then, these knobs pry off with a minor pull, so the space underneath can be cleaned. Oh! And the knobs include a super thin light up ring, that activates a tiny light next to the corresponding burner. Sexy right? 😈 #ux #productdesign #design #sexyknobs

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Thanks for raising this issue. Too often, the Canadian public sector builds uninspiring buildings . And in general, Canadian companies could probably charge more and be more competitive internationally if they increased the design quotient of their products. Few do it well, and they tend to be in BC and Québec. What about Ontario? How do we spread the value of good design?

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Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is celebrated for its low-carbon footprint and ability to store carbon while replacing carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel. However, its sustainability hinges on healthy, biodiverse forests. The widespread use of glyphosate in forestry—a practice that suppresses hardwood diversity to favor softwoods—undermines the low-carbon case for CLT. Glyphosate reduces biodiversity, weakens forest resilience, and increases vulnerability to forest fires. To truly align with low-carbon construction goals, forestry practices must prioritize ecosystem health over short-term gains. https://lnkd.in/gM-vhbky

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