Christopher J. Design

Ta da!!!

2011-11-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

wow...we sure have been busy these last few months! from double weddings on one weekend to bar mitzvah to corporate galas, fundraising events and we cant forgot sponsored trade shows, oh my!!! this crazy event design world is amazing, we were able to see K-OS on a Vancouver cruise, contortionists, tissue performers, singers, dancers, close contact jugglers, and then been able to create some fabulous events.

We also won an award this year, Star Award for best decor under $15,000.00 and also we received the honour of runner up in the CSEME West Table Design Challenge, it was great night to be there with a large group of event industry professionals. I was in awe and honored that we were amongst the companies that were being honoured that night.

Tania Newman and I were also asked to give a discussion on "Eye Candy" linens, floral, table scaping. we had a great response to our information and what was really great was the the fact that the producer for Warner Brothers basically repeated alot of what we had said earlier that day during our presentation!!!! We're really busy meeting new people and had a blast thank you to everyone for all your kind words and support.

What Happened!

2011-08-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Terribly sorry for the missing posts holly cow time flies when your busy having fun!!! so to update you all its been rather busy since my last post in March eeeeekkkkks what was I thinking letting time go by so fast. well this busy event design industry has just gotten crazy busy for me since then. Lets see were do I start: could it have been the second tour I did right after the last posting, or was it the site visit to Lake Louise for 6 days and then the 10 days the month after that, all while trying to fit in some other major events! which by the way were way cool and got some awful pics of...

Event design has taken over my apartment, 2 storage units and my life...somewhat, don't worry I still have time to socialize and chill out! but its the storage of all my goodies that is trying my patients recently. I am somewhat at a loss of what to do and how to continue without spending a bunch of money on warehouse and further storage space. I have been able to accumulate some great things that I would have a huge issue parting with as I seem to use my stuff on a very regular basis. hmmmmmmmm I'll ponder this some more and let you know what the scoop is.

I have done several weddings this summer and have very much enjoyed everything from an intimate gathering of 60 people at the Shangri-La all the way to a massive 800 person Indian wedding at the Bombay Banquette Hall in surrey (which by the way let me tell you was really stunning considering the venue).

with the summer more than half way over I am left with "the ultimate dinner party", a corporate reception called GLOW, and 2 weddings all within the next 2 weeks!!! Awesome hey!

I am so happy I found the courage to follow my dream and persistence to continue. I am looking forward to several more years of following the fun and search for perfection. Stay tuned for my next post in September where I may dish the dirt on the wedding season and let you all in on some tricks of the trade!!!

Need advice.

2011-03-30T19:03:00.001-07:00

Greetings everyone, thanks for tuning in for those of you who do. Of course I can say the usual about its been so long since the last post...and truly it has! So what is up with that how do you keep people up to date without inundating them with constant updates but at the same time keep everyone entertained without losing my mind? Thoughts? if anyone has a good solution on how to keep regularly posting please let me know. I really want to insure that in some ways this is help full not only for me to down load all the tidbits that are going on but also for information for all the readers out there who may be following now and in the future. Now on to the update...the MINI tour is well over and done with and was a huge success in fact we were sought out by MINI USA for ideas on doing tours across the boarder!!! Great hey. I have been swamped with proposals and meetings for upcoming events which are going to be super fabulous, most of these happen in June so I am ultra excited about that. I met with a bride and groom the other day to discuss options for their September wedding happening here in Vancouver, they seem very funky and am looking forward to see which one of my designs they go with...I myself am looking forward to what designs I may come up with ;) Here is another dilema I have, were should I take my business, what direction! Confused? so am so don't worry here is the thought there are some designers in the city that have huge contracts for a multitude of events, causing a need for a huge inventory and large staff. there are some that take on a few select clients and rent everything they need only buying pieces that are "signature" to them, then there are those smaller ones that continue to thrive on continuously decorating the same way day in and day out. My feelings are is that I would like to break the mold somewhat and work on a way to work smarter rather than harder, I would like to attract more clients of course just hope to not have to have a huge warehouse and staff. how that looks i don't really know but am up to ride the wave and see were this venture takes me... are you in for the ride?

Tour time Again

2011-01-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

Car tour is on and in full force, in fact we have one last show to do and then we are heading back home. this years car...the new MINI Countryman a sweet little machine that brings the style of a MINI into a bit bigger 4wheel drive!!!

the show this year its really cool alot of video screens and cool mixtures of dynamic lighting, cool LED tiles that pixelate the video that is playing on the attached screens uber cool take a look...

We have been to all the dealerships from Victoria to Winnipeg and the events have been spectacular, and all the dealerships have definitely made them their own even, from fun slushy machines, to hot chocolate to serving everything in mini glasses. Its been a great ride!!! A must see while your in Winnipeg (if you ever think of going Winnipeg never I repeat never go in the winter its FREEZING) you have to check out The Forks, best cinnamon buns ever, also Alecia's has the best porgies ever!

I also have several proposals out for some big, big and even bigger events. Sports to glam they are a mixture of beauty, fun, and fingers crossed that I get them, would be a great and busy year! The date will also come that I will be going on tour in another month as well for another show, will be a busy busy year but looking forward to it.

Until next time see you soon....

Cant believe it...a whole year

2010-11-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

Its true...Christopher J Design celebrates a full year!!! Wow its crazy to think that this first week of November is the mark of my one year, the creation of Christopher J Design. Time does really fly when you are out having fun, especially in the event industry. One full year of creating crazy and sexy table scape's, one year of uber awesome lounges, one year of delightfull proposal, one year of photos, of some crazy late nights, one year of shopping, one year of working with some fantastic clients, one year of getting the job done!!!

Thank you to all my clients for giving me the opportunity to make some spectacular for them and creating a night for them to remember. Taking a chance on the new guy in town with there cash and concept, to colleagues and suppliers who have been there for the deals, the steals and the insight into an industry that I was still new too....THANK YOU!!!!

Thank you to my family, my mom and brother for sticking by me! Literaly right by my side at events putting the magic together - my sister for her constant cheer leading who I know would be there too if she could. To those in my family who thought I was nuts opening my own business...TA DA I did it and am still going to do it!!! My friends...wow what can I say thank you so much for being there...yes from those who took the photos to help me get started, you know who you are, the ones who come out and set up, take down, shop with me, and to those who sometimes might feel a wee bit neglected but still are there to hear the pain and the smiles of a job well done...thanks you for being you. To that special someone...what can I say that I already haven't...but thanks you have helped build, move, push, shove, lift it, create it, and live it all with a smile on your face even if you could barely keep your eyes ope from being so tired...Thank you

Wow what can I say but this is just amazing I'm so thankful for the opportunity to create events that have taken me across western Canada, up to whistler, and to some of the hottest venues in Vancouver. Its allowed me the opportunity to be the runner up last November at the CSEME's design challenge and this years winner! I was asked to create a seminar with a colleague on Eye Candy for your event. Create intimate corporate receptions for 40 people in the stunning cultural setting of the Squamish Liliwat Cultural Center, or a fiftieth corporate gala for 550 at the Vancouver Convention cCnter with a 2.5 hour window to magically transform a room form seminar setting to full sit down. I cant wait to see what this year will bring, I for one am not ready to stop and am only going to get better.

I am so thank ful for the opportunities that I have benn given that I thought I would just write a thank you to everyone!!!

So THANK YOU!!!!

best,

Christopher J

Fall holiday Entertaining

2010-10-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

With Thanksgiving holiday weekend upon us, a weekend filled with pumpkin pie (my fav by the way) turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings its easy to forget to add the extra details to you holiday feast!!! Pull out the good china, silver wear and all the good glassware you have and really set the table. Make your dinning experience feel magazine worthy!!!

Thanksgiving is all about abundance and food and being thankful for what we have, make yourself and guest feel extra special and by creating a holiday centerpiece using fresh fruit in stylish containers to really make a statement. This is a great way to infuse colour into your decor, red apples, green pears, pomegranates, gourds or mini pumpkins will add pizazz and can be eaten at later date. Even using a simple bowl filled with fruits or veggies is just the added touch needed to make your guests dinning experience a little special.

I would suggest thought that if you go in this direction make sure that the container is a simple shape, use only one variety of fruit in each container this helps to create a coordinated look and has a much bigger impact.

One other suggestion I think looks spectacular and can be an interactive centerpiece for later while your guests all gather around and chat or play games throughout the night. Use several square glass vases filled with various nuts alternating between candles and empty containers for those pesky shells...hang simple silver nut crackers off the alternating sides of the squares to allow for easy access to much needed tools for your guests.

Be creative this holiday season and enjoy your family...the last thing you need is to stress out about your home!

Happy Turkey Day everyone...

Best,

Christopher J.

How does time fly...

2010-09-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Holly cow!!! Can you believe that its already the middle of September and today the 21 is the last day of summer........Yikes! Ok so for a month it really hasn't been that busy so I have no real excuse for not writing but I hope that I can redeem myself by sharing with you the trials the last month have brought since I returned from TO. Oh if you didn't know I was in TO in August see last post for all the juicy details!!!

Whats Happened let me see...did an event with a colleague on the 8th of September for the Media night for the One of a Kind show (the show will be in December stay tuned its going to be great). We did a really slick presentation of all the goodies at Oru Restaurant located on the second floor of the new Pacific Rim hotel. Love it! Got to have a tour of the ballrooms which I for one think are beautiful, simply cause they are my typical simplistic style. See my facebook page for pics.

My new site was launched and love it!!! Check it out at www.christopherjdesign.com even has a link to this wonderful place were I can chat about everything that comes to mind. K then I did the donor appreciate night called "A Magical Evening' at the Ronald McDonald House with the class from Ai's Event Planners course, what fun that was!

Off to My sisters up North in the cold...ok not that cold but still! for a little R n R before the big rush. Since I've been back I have been in meetings galore about upcoming events and have been letting my imagination run wild. I have an event at the Queen Elisabeth theatre on Saturday that will look stunning, don't worry I will share pics. Then one on the 6th of October, the 13th and 16th, 26 &27 and the 31...oops make that 2 on the 26.....how is that possible!!! hmm does anyone know of someone who can clone!!!

K well I've officially rambled on about everything uber fabulous that is me and going on in my life...well except for one thing and they know who they are ;) so thank you. and until next time...
enjoy

A visit to Toronto

2010-08-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Back from Incentive Works trade show that happened in Toronto on August 17 & 18!!! Let me tell you if you were an event planner that hosted and planned events for clients that wanted to travel all over the world this would be definitely the place to go and see what all the different destinations have to offer!

I on the other hand thought that for me it wasn't really the right fit. I didn't see to many suppliers that I would use or planners etc that would use my services. All the large hotel chains were there...Fairmont, Hilton, Westin etc. all the tourism bureaus...from north America, central America, Europe etc. so you could definitely get a lot of information on some great destinations for you large incentive group, but again for me not really my thing.

So I spent the rest of my time in Toronto searching for some cool and interesting ideas that I could bring back to Vancouver and possibly incorporate into some of my event designs...saw a few things so that is a great start, I do however have to say that thus far Toronto would have to be one of my least favourite city's to visit...eeeek my apologies if you like it and live there, truly i mean no disrespect and in the spirit of freedom of speech and everyone having their own opinions please let me explain.

I must say I have been very spoiled by living in a suburb just outside of Vancouver, were the bustling city life is just at you finger tips, the beauty of the mountains is right outside your window and the smell of the fresh ocean breeze lingers. Were yes of course Vancouver is not without its bad points...need i mention the poorest postal code in Canada, or the fact that it has rained for 40 days and 40 nights...yes I am not saying that Vancouver is perfect but Toronto, wow, it its a different mold. The smell that lingers is not fresh and varies from street to street, the hustle and bustle and constant movement of mass amounts of people from building to building, the heat that makes you wet and sticky a matter of moments after stepping out the front door, the lack of trees, the need to have massive signs every were you look, the lack of identity! It may not be the place for me but may be that perfect spot that someone calls home and loves all the details of it, which by all means love it, embrace it, and call it what you want!!! who am I to judge!

The event designing portion of this entry is nothing more than me gearing up for a marketing campaign of my own that I am looking forward too..........stay tune!!!

Its been to long

2010-08-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Wow its been way to long since I posted something uber fabulous...OK lets face it its been to long since I posted anything. Today you probably wont get the most amazing post but alas I wanted to get everyone up to date on some of what has been going on the last little bit in the wonderfull world of Christopher J Design.

We have been lucky to be doing some event design for the MPI conference which was the last weekend in July. An uber sexy west coast lounge if I do say so myself!! Turquoise and green chandeliers, fire blocks, sexy white leather furniture, Pucci print linens, peacock feathers, glass, sparkle and more. Pulled this look together to be hosted at the Pan Pacific hotel so I'm able to add that one to the list as well which was really great.

Also did a really super elegant event at the commodore through BLD at the Commodore for MPI. I designed a fabulous exotic aviary themed event, complete with hanging birdcages, custom food stations, drape, unique light boxes and tons of candles!!! It looked amazing, just waiting for pictures to share with everyone. Other than that I've been working on marketing, to try and get my name out there and get noticed!

A new website to really showcase my event designs is on its way, a news letter that I hope will give people information and some tips on designing, and a sudo print version are going to all be ready shortly!!! I have been working on collecting contact information on were to send these out when there completed. So things are a bit slow but still working hard, today and this week I'm trying to write a press release, well several just to see if I can get some attention in some publications, just have to find the hook...Its all coming and my goal to have 2 events a month are just on the horizon!!

Thank you everyone for sticking with me I will publish posts closer together!
Christopher J.

Exclusive Westcoast Lounge

2010-07-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Just doing my thang

2010-06-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Its been a few interesting weeks in my event design world, that's for sure. On Friday June 4th was the ISES event The Spectacular and with a name like Secrets of the Orient, it was full of surprises. Creating the design on super tight budget wasn't always the easiest, but was definitely up for the challenge.

It was great that several sponsors came on board to make the event a absolute success. I couldn't have asked for a better venue to work with, District 319 in Vancouver's Chinatown was the perfect canvas. Inspiration from the tall vintage Asian statues, art work and overall ambiance made it clear that this needed to be the ultimate sexy lounge. It really didn't need much, key pieces to really pull it together was just what the designer ordered...LOL.

Here's how we did it, using the venues clean lobby lounge as a reception area while just adding some candles and end tables, kept every thing with a no fuss no muss look. The theatre was the main attraction the venues red leather club chairs were perfect and coordinated nicely with black leather square ottomans, and accent tables. Bamboo mats, amber candles, silk cushions, bamboo, unique centrepieces and coordinating soldier statues, which match perfectly with the venues existing ones!!! Stunning. Unique food stations were created with wood tables and shelving. The shelving had individual mini lights that was perfect to place food inside so that guest can help themselves.

Loved it!!! The entertainment was so first class and ultra fun, all the guests seemed to have a great time.

Now onto proposal and marketing for the company....hmmmm proposal I think I've got ideas coming and flowing like no ones business... That's the think I find with Event Design here in Vancouver, there is so much inspiration that drives me to create epic events, I try and do something a bit different and position Christopher J Design as event design company offering a contemporary flavour to your event. It doesn't have to be fussy to be stunning!!!

Stay tuned

2010-06-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

A couple more days to go till an event through ISES (International Special Event Society) called the Spectacular a signature event for the society. This year the theme is Secrets of the Orient, filled with delicious flavours from Chinatown & Korean BBQ!!! I have heard there there is an absolute amazing cherry fortune cookie...cherry...fortune cookie...hmm that is one that i cant wait to try!!! Chinese Apothecary cocktails, a roster of entertainers that will no doubt entertain the crowd, Dragon Beard candy...which is almost a lost art will be whipping up amazing candy.

The decor, well simple and sassy, black mixed with candy apple red, leathers, bamboos, glass, candle light, and some unexpected touches will sure to create just the right atmosphere for a crow ready to wine down after a busy week. the spectacular is a definite must see check out the website at thespectacular.ca

Favourite Find of the week

2010-05-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

MMMMMmmmm cinnamon buns!!! I wouldnt think of myself as a connesieur or anything but I love them thats for sure. During my event tour I found the best cinnamon bun I've ever tasted...Winnipeg Manitoba's The Forks has a market that features 2 organic bakery's one feature fresh hot cinnamon buns...I for one had one everyday that I was there, lucky thing it was a short walk, just so I can work off some of the delicous treat. I cant tell you what made it the bes, taste obvious, just the right size, or the fact that it was made with 60% whole wheat, so I guess you could say it was somewhat good for you. hahahah so on your next trip to winnipeg, stop by the Forks at Grass Roots Kitchen and have a delicious cinnamon bun...or 2!!!

I'm Back

2010-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm Back home from my month tour with BMW...glad to be home that's a given, definitely have to say that I had a blast on tour and it was a great learning experience. Met some great folks, saw some great city's, some not so great city's, horrible weather, and stubbornness along the way, overall an experience that was well worth it!!!

Now on to the next tasks at hand which includes a wedding on the long weekend...that's a whole post on its own once its done...an event with ISES Vancouver chapter called The Spectacular that will be worth checking it even if your not someone in the event industry, a great roster of entertainment, tantalizing tastes from local caterers and restaurants, all set in a unique venue that has been enhanced with my designs.

I've also received word that I got a gig for September at the Queen Elizabeth theatre on stage its going to be stunning.

any how I've got some phone calls and follow ups for this week and next so I will be in touch shortly.

On tour

2010-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

hello all,

Well its been a bit so here I am with an update. Did a fantastic event up in whistler for a client in North Carolina USA, since this came from a referral direct from the Four Seasons Whistler I was so happy and excited!!!! For the first time I am on an extended tour with BMW doing car launches, what a great way to see the country. I'm doing the western tour which includes all the major city BMW dealerships from Victoria all the way to Winnipeg...ahh fun!

Its different as I am setting up the same things at each location, it stays interesting cause each dealership of course has a different layout and needs, wants and willingness...had some hurtles but have rolled with the punches and made everyone happy...so I think. Stunning cars, amazing videos, dynamic, music...and really cool effects, silks are stripped off the car automatically, all in sequence with the video and music!!!

While I'm away I have been working on some ideas for The Spectacular...Secrets of the Orient, an event hosted by ISES in June...its going to be so cool... Being the creative director is awesome, although I am trying to have my foot in everything so that the whole event is cohesive. Japanamation, goldfish, rice, entertainment and oxygen!

I'm going to explore more of the city this evening and get some inspiration for some upcoming event ideas...rock paper scissors!!!

Working it like no ones business

2010-03-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

Wow January really!!! can't believe that was the last post!!! my utmost apologies to everyone, I guess the drama and excitement of the Olympics really had me wrapped up in something. The Olympics were truly magical, for those of you who witnessed some of the shining moments I hope you would agree with me, and for those who didn't see anything, well do not worry i know you must have had some reason.

On to something even bigger and far better to talk about...ME and the fabulousness that is Christopher J Design, I worked liked a mad man since my last post, mostly on large scale projects for other design companies, doing shopping, sourcing, set ups and take downs, you name it I was in it, on it, around it. Since the ending of the Olympics I have been in proposal asylum, I use that word as I think I went a bit nuts on some of the ideas that I generated for them, ahh a chandelier made out of the bottoms of 2 litre pop bottles, really are you sure!!! A wall made out of green wine bottles, rain drop lighting in a clear tent. huh what for real!!! That is why I think that Event Design is the best business for me, a lot of the ideas you come up with may not necessarily come to life, but the sheer joy of thinking them up!!! ahh hello super fun.

I'm currently working on an event for an incentive travel house out of North Carolina, her client is coming to whistler so we're going to do a modern take on ski lodge. stay tuned for pictures, they are going to also be used for launching my newest marketing campaign...shhhhhh don't tell anyone but its a great idea, I'll share on the next post as I don't what to give it all away.

until next time!!!

going at it!!!

2010-01-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

phew sorry for the delay in posting just been going nutty with all that's been going on with business and life. Had a couple of events since the last time i posted so that is a great thing. One in the city and one up in whistler, which was stealer!!! absolutely stunning and a great way to showcase my work to several different venues all in one shot!!! Thanks to my client having her event at the SLCC. Stunning handmade acrylic panels with frosted glass first nations images....pictures attached so no worries.

Its great to see that things are picking up and that I am getting requested for my sometimes out there ideas...considering its only been a wee bit since I started this whole crazy venture I'm so excited about how business is going and growing. Last week and again this week I will be working with Flow home staging doing some homes in Vancouver. Its definitely different then event design but am really loving it, I still get to be creative and Isabel the owner and Tina are super fun to work with.

I recently went out on limb and got a vector works program and will be taking a course in the midst of crazy Olympic time to learn how to work it. I think this will give me the technical skills that will match my creative skills giving a professional advantage... besides the fact that I like the idea of being able to show clients and help clients really visualize there event in full swing.

Ohh yah i recently bought the sweetest things to make a dynamic event and cant wait for someone to go for my idea...shhhhhh total top secret. So i sign out today knowing that I am looking forward to more days in this wonderful world of event design.

Favourite Find of the week

2009-12-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

Check it out!!! I don't know why I am so drawn to these, maybe the fact they are hand made (semi locally..OK so Seattle's not that local but still does it count?) I think they are perfect, great colour selections and surprisingly affordable. Cute name and story as well read the about section on the website made me giggle a bit!!! www.glassybaby.com

Long time no post

2009-12-14T23:36:00.000-08:00

Hello all, so I have finished up a couple more weeks and my appologies for not posting on a more regular basis...here goes the download..5..4..3..2..1 finally finished all my fillings for the government, got my PST number, GST number, Business number officialy a corporation, WCB account was opened and event got my first GST filling in the mail today.

Finished an amazing event on December the 4th...ahh wow!!! was it ever a production. It was incredible, the food, the music, the decor, the ambiance, the entertainment it was incredible. now on to the next one. Had a few meet ups one with a really swish couple getting married this may at the convention centre. super cool saw there amazing new digs at the old Woodward's building, stunning view...absolutely stunning. Have some great ideas for it now its on to laying them out. I think I will bring in some reinforcements on this one for sure. Also had a meet up with a corporate client who gave me a gig for December 18th a small little Christmas cocktail party , but think its going to turn out pretty swank once I load in the hundreds of red and white candy sticks that I have accumulated over the weekend!!!

I got to see lady Gaga in concert to with my girl Alana...we ended up getting 4th row on the floor!!! totally lucked out on that, saw Jane Arden live at the party on December the 4th. Hmm everything is happening with a 4...maybe its a sign!!! I'll be getting together with the old AOTP crew on the 22nd so that's going to be a definite blast.

I'm still working on style sheets and having some meets up some other ideas that I have been brewing in my little noggin!!! OH reminder I have to call TO tomorrow about one of them.

Nothin else to really report if I remember something I will re post. OH I am going to post a favourite Find though stay tuned!!!!

What a week phew!!!!

2009-11-30T22:15:00.000-08:00

Another week come and gone and boy are my arms tired!!!! assisting in a big private event that is well organized just a lot of last minutes and add on's to what I was supposed to actually be doing, hey that's how I roll just flow with it offer the best help and service I can, to infinity and beyond...strange like I heard that before, hmmmmm......

Did the treasures of Christmas charity event this year...like every year before since I was 17yrs old....ahhh how time flies, but its a fantastic event that raises a lot of money for a local Charity out here in the burbs!!!! so its a classy affair and I love doing it my tree went for a good number to so I was so happy and met the couple who bought it...she was so excited about it!!!!! Got the opportunity to make some new contacts and hope to see something come from it.

took it somewhat easy this weekend though as I knew this week and weekend will be a bit on the nuts side...I need to figure out how I am going to get this big pile of laundry completed in just a couple of hours, perhaps the laundry fairies will come and do it, maybe if I just close my eyes and wish it will just happen....hold please while i give it a shot....mmmmmm nope no luck its still there!!!!

I am trying to work out some style sheets and they are turning out just fabulous, now for the descriptions, that's the tough part put I will hammer through them one by one. I thought they would be a great idea to put together, for myself to remember all my ideas and give a quick visual to my idea.

Oh ya I almost forgot, Torre & Tagus warehouse sale!!!! Ahh ya loved it. I also Incorporated last week, opened my business bank account and found a bookeeper who started on in putting all my stuff. Yah Me!!

I'm out till next week!

Favourite Find of the week

2009-11-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

Ok so I don't think I could just have one favourite for this week!!! I would have to say that my favs for this week were the 3 venues that I visited check them out each have a different qualities that I just loved
1) waterfall building Vancouver is architectural stunning building great for cocktail parties and gallery space.
2) District 319 in Gastown kinda its on Main and Cordova. Fabulous Orient inspired theatre and event space with stunning features. www.district319.com
3) the Metro in New Westminster, sexy uber glam, a bit of a naughty feeling!!! a must peek www.metrohall.com this spot has an interesting history in the music industry.

Enjoy and happy hunting on your space!!! Let me know what you find I'm always looking for the hottest jewels in town

On my own take 2

2009-11-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Phew!!! this week is over and done in this crazy event design business. I finished and put together my 2nd on my own corporate event which turned out fantastic, even with the fact that we used less than half the items that I brought for it. It was great as I came to the realization of a couple things, well mainly one...Design it the way you want to design it, be true to my style and don't infuse the styles of other designers. It helps to just keep it real, and that is why they hire you because of what you bring to the table.

I had some great meet ups with some event planners and other designers, got some great insight into there business and the industry. A lot of ideas started fluttering around in my head so now its a work week on getting things down on paper and making sure are entered correctly into a business plan. I came to another realization that I'm wanting to do this my way, which is working with people rather than for people and rather than them working for me. I'd rather create a relationship and start a dialogue, than just work for someone. Why cant it be a team effort!!!

I went to some great venues as I was searching with some of the other ISES spectacular member s and we were out looking for the perfect place to host an upcoming event. check them out if you have time District 319 in kinda Gastown area main and Cordova, the metro located in new west ( i know who would have thought) and the water fall building right by Granville island.

I got a phone call from a contact/friend in TO about a wicked gig for after the Olympics that I am jazzed about, Ill explain more next week as I should find out more of the deets this week. I have some other super cool news that I will share; I'm working with another event design company that is creating a really sexy event for the first week of December and I'm feeling like we are coming along nicely the project, its great as it seems that I just kinda slid right into place with them. Ive been sourcing furniture and accent pieces to create this hedonistic space...I'm looking forward to the final stages and the actual event day!!! stay tuned for updates

Favourite Find of the week

2009-11-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

I'm so into sharing that I thought it be cool to let everyone know of some really cool things that I have found, learned or what not every week for now, and could lead to more often you never know. So this week I was introduced by Arnie & Alana to Brent Comber's work...and let me tell you he is incredible, I have no idea what his pieces cost or care for that matter. It's simply stunning works of art. check our his web site www.brentcomber.com. He's local!!!

Full week on my own!!!

2009-11-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

This week was my first week on my own and totally loving it...It was fantastic!!! Had some meetings, well more along the lines of meet ups, meeting just sound a bit on the stuffy side. When your starting to build a partnership or just going out and introducing yourself it seems only fair that a meet up is so much better a bit more relaxed and no expectations.

I received some great advice from industry professionals who have been in the business for ages, which is great as there is no way I know everything there is to know. Or were to find out more information!!! Its great, funny at the same time as I was under some strange impressions that everyone was out for themselves, I guess I just thought that as that what had been my first experience in this industry.

After my meet ups this week I am sure going to keep in contact with everyone from this week as it seemed that we shared a lot of the same ideas and could really use each others expertise. I'm looking forward to this week as its filled with more meet ups and an event...shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Its this great little event I have been working on with a company out of Toronto that hired me to do design the event decor for a product launch. Its going to be tres cool. Its been such the back and forth as there seems to be a lot of players on this one but am stocked to see the outcome of my final provisions of decor!!! My portion itself doesn't have the biggest budget, so I have had to be pretty creative with everything, on Friday I was able to brainstorm with a friend and we came up with the sweetest solution to a dilemma I was having with one of the elements. It just goes to show you that you can never do things completely on your own, its always great to have that extra little push, creativity, hand, eye, or whatever it is that you need.

One last thing on this week, I saw my very first pro hockey game with some great peeps, I was so close to the ice I'm sure one of the hockey players was looking at me...OK I was looking at them!!!

Second Official day on the Job

2009-10-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, today was fantastic!!! Ok so I may be a bit mellow dramatic about it, but it really was a great day. I stoped by a couple of spots to make sure that people knew how they affected my first 2 years in this so called wacky industry of events, so they know that I really appriciated the level of professionalism and classyness that is out there. They I made some calls to get things going and had some good responses, which of course is always good, still knowing that there could be some resitance out there.

I had a release as well with my gal who was a client and now a uber fab friend...shes super!!! We went to this little out of the way reflexology spa with a freind of hers and had an amaaaazing time. new ways tomorow is another day of phone calling, and setting up appointments for next week.

this week I really realized that, I love event designing and design in general so I am always on the hunt for something that is really cool and make people stop and explore. So for weddings, social parties, holiday events, corporate functions, there is something out there that could be super simple and used in a way that will really be a wow factor. I've got some fab ideas, now its just finding the party or group to really hit it home.

Until next week

PS check out forever 21 at metrotown, there is an amazing acrylic chandelier in the accessories section that is to die for!!! one day baby, one day!

What Christopher J Design is out to do

2009-10-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Christopher J. Design Inc. designs a variety of social, corporate and non-profit events along with residential and commercial styling. Christopher’s fresh approach and innovative thinking make designing the look of your event or styling of your home an absolute delicious experience.
We like to think that great parties don’t just happen by themselves – there is an art to entertaining. Christopher J. Designs highly reflects our client’s sensibility so there is a strong identity and purpose behind them.
Design, filled with unique and unexpected details, creates an aura of adventure and discovery. We believe that Alluring design then must work in harmony with incredible food, service and entertainment. The event is then masterfully orchestrated with the input of all partners so that the energy is always building and the environment feels dynamic
Christopher is Dedicated to Fresh, Creative Ideas; Detailed to the Point of Crazy; Communicative and Available; Awed by the Talents of our Industry Partners; Balanced with our Professional and Personal Lives; Flexible and Open to Trying New Things; Committed to the Success of Every Event; Good at Having Fun While Working Hard.