Canderel Residential, the developer behind YC Condos, is one of Toronto’s premier condo developers. One of the reasons why they are able to hold that status is because of their attention to detail. Canderel Residential is always raising the bar with each of their developments, and interiors play an important part of this. We spoke with Paul Filek, the managing partner of the interior design firm Burdifilek, to find out why their design for YC Condos is a cut above the rest.

From the beginning, the studio focused on creating an international style that would be aspirational for the market. “After seeing the proposed architecture for YC Condos, it was evident the graphic black and white pattern would be a welcome visual change for the area but we wanted to focus on what it should feel like to be inside,” Paul explains. “We see a new standard of luxury arising as pockets of neighborhoods around Toronto continue to gentrify. The Yonge and College neighbourhood is evolving so we wanted to use design as a catalyst for elevating this project to feel more like a luxury hotel versus mid-market condo.”

With a more discerning clientele, the team knew this project would require a different approach. Burdifilek’s design process evolves by envisioning every project as a competitor on the international stage. Similarly, Canderel Residential was not comparing YC Condos to other projects in Toronto but to international landmark destinations instead. This led to a shared vision about how experiences from projects from around the world, such as the Park Hyatt in Shanghai, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, could shape the international sensibility the team envisioned for Toronto. “We should never sell Toronto short – it’s an internationally recognized city that is known for its multicultural diversity. More importantly, as Canadians, we are a very well-travelled group and have enjoyed exposure to a wide range of cultural experiences. We want these experiences to be part of the local culture,” Paul explains. “YC Condos should reflect the local culture for Torontonians and bring something grand to our own dynamic and global backyard.” As a result, there was a big emphasis on being bold with the amenity offering in this condo, allowing every buyer access to these coveted lifestyle experiences.

So how did the design process differ for YC Condos with its ambitious vision to be like a luxury hotel? Having designed a number of branded luxury experiences around the world, like the W Hotel in Atlanta for example, Paul made it clear that there were more similarities than differences. In both instances, the finished product is an extension of the brand experience. The Canderel Residential brand is synonymous with style and quality, and YC Condos has been designed to uphold those values.