Confidential Consulting Project
Leading Global Surfaces Manufacturer
Overview
Following my role at Hyundai L&C Canada, I was approached by a leading global competitor in the solid surfaces industry (2024 revenue exceeding $3B USD) to collaborate on a confidential consulting engagement.
The objective was to strengthen their product portfolio with forward-looking designs and a strategy report benchmarking against market leaders.
Competitive Landscape Analysis – Identified gaps in the client’s portfolio and benchmarked emerging material trends against global competitors.
Design Concept Development – Developed diverse range of design pathways to challenge conventions and provide the client with future-ready options for portfolio expansion.
Strategic Deliverable – Delivered an executive-ready package aligning design opportunities with business positioning.
This project allowed me to operate in a consulting capacity, blending competitive strategy with material design at an international scale. It reinforced my ability to move fluidly between deep research, cultural insight, and tangible design outputs that can strengthen a client’s market positioning.
Confidentiality
This project was delivered under a confidential engagement with a global industry leader. The concepts shown represent selected excerpts of broader design and strategy work. Proprietary information and detailed competitive analysis have been omitted.
Calacatta Bluette – A Sophisticated Evolution in Marble-Inspired Design
Calacatta Bluette redefines marble aesthetics by blending timeless elegance with modern color trends. While traditional marble surfaces favor neutral veining, Calacatta Bluette introduces striking green veining with subtle steel-blue undertones, aligning with the growing preference for nature-inspired palettes. This fusion of classic sophistication and contemporary design makes it a compelling addition to the clients collection, offering designers a surface that is both refined and forward-thinking.
Timeless Elegance – Classic Aesthetics with a Nature-Inspired Twist
Calacatta Bluette’s unique color composition creates an organic connection to the outdoors, blending luxury with a sense of serenity. The interplay of cool blue and natural green hues reflects the increasing demand for biophilic design, where materials evoke the restorative effects of nature. This balance ensures that Calacatta Bluette remains versatile across styles, complementing both modern minimalism and traditional elegance.
Designed for high-impact commercial spaces such as lobbies, conference rooms, and hospitality environments, Calacatta Bluette offers a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic that enhances interiors with refinement and tranquility.
Versatility and Sustainability – Designed for the Future
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Calacatta Bluette’s durability and low-maintenance properties make it a practical solution for high-traffic commercial applications. Its ability to adapt to both contemporary and classic interiors ensures long-term relevance in an ever-evolving design landscape.
As sustainability becomes a central priority in material selection, Calacatta Bluette presents an eco-conscious alternative to natural stone. By replicating the luxurious appeal of marble without the environmental impact of quarrying, it aligns with modern demands for responsible design. This fusion of luxury, practicality, and sustainability strengthens its position as a forward-thinking material choice.
The Psychology of Green – A Design Rooted in Nature
Green is strongly associated with growth, renewal, and balance, making it a powerful visual element in commercial spaces. Studies show that nature-inspired visuals reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being—key considerations in workplaces, hospitality settings, and wellness environments.
By integrating calming blue and revitalizing green tones, Calacatta Bluette supports aesthetic and functional goals, creating an atmosphere that fosters focus, creativity, and relaxation. As commercial interiors continue shifting toward wellness-driven designs, Calacatta Bluette provides an ideal surface solution that enhances both mood and productivity.
Laguna Verde – Redefining Serenity in Commercial Design
Laguna Verde embodies the seamless connection between water and well-being, drawing inspiration from the fluidity of waves and the restorative power of aquatic environments. Its soft aqua tones and subtle green undertones evoke both vibrancy and serenity, aligning with the growing demand for nature-inspired palettes in commercial design.
As architects and designers prioritize wellness-driven spaces, Laguna Verde serves as an ideal material for environments that foster calm, creativity, and connection. Whether incorporated into hospitality, corporate, or wellness-focused interiors, its organic movement and harmonious color palette introduce a sense of tranquility while maintaining a visually striking presence.
Blue Mind Theory – The Connection Between Water & Well-Being
The Blue Mind Theory suggests that proximity to water induces a mildly meditative state, enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of calm and connectedness. Research has shown that aquatic environments trigger neurochemical releases that improve mental clarity and well-being, making water-inspired design particularly impactful in commercial spaces.
Studies indicate that one-third of people report their best ideas emerge in the shower, reinforcing the idea that water stimulates cognitive function and creativity.
The sight of water, rhythmic movement of waves, and cool-toned palettes have been shown to foster tranquility, focus, and relaxation—critical attributes for workspaces, hospitality settings, and wellness-oriented interiors.
By bringing the psychological and sensory benefits of water into interior design, Laguna Verde strengthens biophilic design principles, which emphasize humans’ innate connection to nature to enhance well-being and performance.
Versatility in Design – A Bridge Between Nature and Fashion
Laguna Verde’s pale blue-green tones align with a broader movement toward soft blues in both design and fashion, reflecting an aesthetic that is both graceful and enduring. This trend has been embraced in luxury fashion, including Chanel’s Spring/Summer Haute Couture 2025 collection, where flowing pale blues complement rich colors and classic neutrals like white and grey.
This effortless adaptability makes Laguna Verde an ideal choice for commercial interiors, pairing seamlessly with:
Warm wood tones to create an organic, natural ambiance.
Crisp whites and soft greys for a refined, sophisticated aesthetic.
Deep, bold colors to introduce contrast and visual depth.
By merging biophilic inspiration with high-end design sensibilities, Laguna Verde ensures a timeless yet contemporary appeal, making it a versatile solution across hospitality, wellness, and corporate environments.
Terrazzo Flora – A Contemporary Expression of Maximalism in Solid Surfaces
Terrazzo Flora embodies the evolution of terrazzo design, merging bold color, expressive patterning, and larger-scale fragments to create a modernized take on a classic material. As design preferences shift from minimalism to maximalism, Terrazzo Flora aligns with the growing demand for vibrant, personality-driven interiors. It speaks to a generation that values self-expression, curated eclecticism, and the artistry of imperfection, making it an ideal material for contemporary commercial spaces.
A Cultural and Design Shift – From Minimalism to Maximalism
Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the aesthetic landscape, moving away from the uniformity of minimalism and toward bold, dynamic designs that evoke emotion and individuality. This shift is deeply tied to their economic realities, where traditional markers of success—such as homeownership and financial stability—feel increasingly out of reach. As a result, younger generations are redefining value through creativity, customization, and the art of curation.
Maximalism is more than a stylistic preference—it is a cultural response to an era where self-expression is paramount. Terrazzo Flora reflects this shift, introducing a material that is visually energetic, unconventional, and deeply personal. Its large, irregular fragments celebrate diversity and individuality, rejecting the notion of uniformity in favor of a curated, expressive aesthetic.
The Appeal of Terrazzo Flora – A Reflection of Modern Values
Terrazzo Flora captures the energy and movement of contemporary design, offering a surface that feels dynamic, layered, and expressive. Its oversized fragments and striking color contrasts introduce a sense of curated chaos, resonating with younger generations who favor bold, artistic storytelling in design.
This terrazzo surface is not just a functional material—it is a creative medium that allows commercial interiors to feel more personal, engaging, and visually compelling. Whether used in hospitality, retail, or corporate environments, Terrazzo Flora adds a sense of joyful spontaneity, breaking free from the rigid, monotonous design styles of the past.
Cultural Context and Economic Realities – Why Terrazzo Matters
The growing appreciation for resourcefulness and sustainability among younger consumers has fueled a resurgence of terrazzo as a design material. Much like thrifting and upcycling, terrazzo embodies the concept of repurposing materials to create something new and meaningful. Terrazzo Flora continues this tradition, modernizing the aesthetic with larger fragments and bold color palettes to reflect contemporary tastes.
This shift is evident even in high-end luxury markets, where brands like Louis Vuitton’s Takashi Murakami re-edition showcase a move toward vibrant, unconventional design that prioritizes individuality. Terrazzo Flora follows this same ethos, serving as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and optimism in the face of evolving cultural and economic landscapes.
