Design Within Reach - Zink Magazine

King Street West is Toronto’s answer to New York City Cool

According to urban entrepreneur, Zark Fatah, King Street West is the “hottest street in Canada.” Located in downtown Toronto, the King West area has been flooded with high end condos, trendy restaurants and bar-lounges for the beautiful people.  “It’s the city’s version of New York City’s Meatpacking District,” he says.  Architect/designer Antonio Tadrissi agrees, “People who want something different are coming here,” he explains.  “They’re buying into a lifestyle, a community. 

Here’s the real reason why the area is so high up on the hip-list: Umbrella Lifestyle Concepts, run by Fatah and Tadrissi, has commenced a not-so-subtle takeover.  Housing seven different lifestyle businesses under one very well-dressed roof, Umbrella Concepts covers furniture and interior design, health and wellness, public relations, social entertainment, architecture and fine dining. 

Tadrissi, who calls himself an “interior architect”, is responsible for the look of their various businesses.  He uses an industrial design approach to his work and sites Karim Rashid as an inspiration.  Building his designs in digital form, at his Prototype Design Lab (a multi-faceted facility that uses advanced CAD/CAM technology for its engineering processes), Tadrissi spends at least an hour of each day researching and testing out new materials – crucial, he says, in learning how to push boundaries and become an industry leader.  BMW, Fashion Cares, Benson & Hedges, Toyota and the NYC District School Board have all emerged a lot spiffier after Tadrissi’s expert touches.

Housed in a 100-year old building, Fatah’s nightclub, Century Room, is home to the best entertainment industry parties and showbiz events in town.  The club’s burnished pink lighting, well-coiffed aluminium bathrooms and tree-lined patio are signature PD Lab.  Tadrissi has a knack for creating a luxurious intimacy out of hard, stark spaces.  His clear love of minimal opulence is emblazoned across everything he touches…

READ MORE IN ZINK MAGAZINE
http://www.zinkmag.com