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Case Study: Martha Franco Architecture & Design
01 December 2022
Interviews
Experts in planning and delivering high-end residential and commercial custom-design environments, Martha Franco Architecture & Design (MFA&D) creates signature projects based on unique storylines, created to express each client’s particular environment.
This particular project shows a reconciliation between the past and the present, in its redesign of a stunning residence built in 1912 in the City of Westmount, on the Island of Montreal. Bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary design, this project incorporates a large selection of Gabriel Scott furniture and lighting, bringing a modern touch to the classic interior. We had the opportunity to talk to Martha Franco, learning all about the design process behind her projects and how she carefully curates the selected pieces.
GS: What Gabriel Scott items did you specify for this project & why?
MF: I specified several pieces of furniture such as the Boudoir Chaise Longue, Bardot Barstools, Chairs & Coffee Table, Dean Rectangular Coffee Table and Pedestal Side Tables. I also specified Gabriel Scott for lighting in order to create a lighting collection of the highest quality possible, serving to accompany the very important contemporary art collection belonging to the clients. The idea behind the project was a dialogue between past and present in this heritage house and the Gabriel Scott pieces brought the present forward to balance the architectural changes and interior design.
GS: How did you customize these pieces to work with the project?
MF: We worked very closely with the Gabriel Scott design team to reimagine some of their most iconic products and make them work for this project's requirements. In particular we specified a custom Dining Table which was designed completely bespoke for this project and is quite spectacular. We also created a completely custom duo of Harlow table lamps, which were reimagined by the design team based on the original Harlow collection.
“We focus on things that will not only be durable and long-lasting but will also endure as timeless designs that correspond coherently throughout the project.”
GS: What do you look for in furniture when specifying for a project?
MF: Each project is uniquely different, furniture should talk the same language as the architecture and the interior design developed for that project. We create a distinctive story line corresponding to each project which is unique, all the elements involved are then coherent to that ambiance we’re creating.
GS: How do you use lighting to elevate the spaces you design?
MF: Lighting is a key element of the components and is crucial to convey the message. I find lighting to be as important as words in a sentence, I use it to express more evidently what I mean and to translate the message I’m conveying with that design.
GS: What was your favorite part of designing this project?
MF: I loved every minute of this project, the clients are exquisite and very knowledgeable, they love the arts and that creates a sensitivity for space and beauty. This heritage home was already a jewel in itself so the project was very inspiring.
“The clients have exquisite tastes, and they understand that the dialogue of art transcends the simplicity of just matching colors. We embarked on the project with that prominently in mind, while defining a distinct character for each space in their home and designing transitions to connect them all together.”
Project: Westmount Residence, Westmount, Quebec, Canada
Designer: Martha Franco Architecture & Design
Photographer: Nicolas Ruel
Gabriel Scott products featured:
Harlow Large Chandelier, Boudoir Chair, Marx Stool, Pedestal Tables, Dean Rectangle Coffee Table, Bardot Barstool, Bardot Chair