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ABOUT
Issue 014
guest house
2010
2010 basement bathroom
A DECADE IN THE FIELD

Twelve years, in twelve moments.

2010

New bathroom

Turned an unused basement corner into a cohesive bathroom shaped around a continuous built‑in structure that forms the bath, a sitting area, and a long counter with integrated sink. A small leftover batch of red mahogany wood was placed in front of the counter, adding a refined, ecological touch without increasing the budget. A forgotten space became a functional, and beautifully unified room.

1- 2012

Small kitchen to central, living space

Expanded the kitchen by integrating the adjacent bedroom, opening the wall, and adding a new exterior sliding door leading to the backyard. This structural redesign improved natural flow, created a direct connection to outdoor living, and turned the kitchen into a central gathering space where the family can cook and live together.

2- 2013

Whole‑home revival

Revived all three levels of a neglected 70s home, preserving and enhancing its existing character. The original wood floors were refreshed with natural oil to extend their life and reduce waste, while new energy‑saving windows improved the building envelope. Creative and economical touches shaped the transformation, including a three‑foot pendant in the staircase window and a floor‑to‑ceiling railing crafted from repurposed river wood. The home regained its identity through thoughtful updates that balanced longevity, repurposing, and a deeper connection to nature

3- 2014

Black Matt Masculine Kitchen makeover

Gave the kitchen a full makeover with a new layout that brings together a full dining area and a streamlined cooking space, separated by a long peninsula with cabinetry on both sides. A live‑edge wood slab appears across the project — shaping the new light fixture, the custom table, and the top of the glass‑door cabinet — adding warmth and a natural presence. The back wall’s green biophilic mural reinforces this outdoor‑living feeling, while the straight line of black matte cabinets grounds the space with a strong, masculine touch.

4- 2015

Bathroom refresh

This bathroom was already beautiful with its glass shower, but the small sink and cabinet felt out of scale for the space. We proposed a new countertop made from the same live‑edge slab used in the upstairs kitchen, and installed leftover wood planks on the ceiling above the bath and counter area to bring warmth and continuity. Adding a black wall created a more enveloping, grounded atmosphere and tied the design back to the rest of the house.

5- 2016

downstair living room reused gaz fireplace

Free, open-source K-12 curriculum centering Indigenous science. 1,200 educators in year one.

6- 2017

new deck layout using drift wood

Talamanca cocoa cooperative joins as our 64th community grantee.

7- 2020

ste-julie complete house redesign

Most ambitious annual budget yet, but the team still drinks bad coffee from the original mugs.

8- 2021

guest house

Most ambitious annual budget yet, but the team still drinks bad coffee from the original mugs.

9- 2022

Main house

Most ambitious annual budget yet, but the team still drinks bad coffee from the original mugs.

10- 2023

bedroom makeover

Most ambitious annual budget yet, but the team still drinks bad coffee from the original mugs.

11- 2024

kitchen living with buttle pantry

Most ambitious annual budget yet, but the team still drinks bad coffee from the original mugs.

12- 2025

Year 12 — and counting

Most ambitious is still to come. with you around !

WHO RUNS THIS

Manon Bedard

Founder, creator, designer, Contractor

Manon is an ecological home‑transformation designer with more than ten years of hands‑on experience in residential renovation and house flipping.

Over the past decade, she has completed projects ranging from small upgrades to full structural transformations, including exterior siding, roofing, interior redesigns, and complete space reconfigurations.

Certified in Ecological Design by Solution Era, she brings a responsible, sustainability‑focused approach to every project.

Her strength lies in visualizing the true potential of a space and identifying practical, cost‑saving improvements that enhance comfort, flow, and long‑term durability.

With a designer’s eye and a builder’s experience, Manon guides homeowners toward renovation choices that respect the environment, reduce waste, and save money over time.

Her work blends creativity, ecological intelligence, and real‑world construction expertise to create spaces that feel natural, functional, and deeply personal.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Things we get asked.

How do I use the documents you create for my project?

Those documents are the starting point of your renovation. They help you clearly visualize the transformation, understand the layout, and avoid costly mistakes. You can share them directly with your architect, contractor, or builder so everyone works from the same vision.

How do you make sure the design truly fits my goals and budget?

I work with you throughout the process to make sure the concept reflects your real priorities — not just a pretty idea. If something doesn’t feel right, I adjust the plan until it aligns perfectly with what you want. Every document is created by me, and I guarantee your satisfaction with the final concept before you move forward with an architect or builder.

Why do I need this step before hiring an architect or builder?

Because it prevents expensive back‑and‑forth. When you already know what you want, the architect can work faster, and the builder can give accurate quotes. My documents clarify your vision so you don’t pay for redesigns or corrections later.

What makes your visual documents different from what AI or other designers offer?

My visuals come from real construction experience and ecological design principles. They’re not generic AI images — they’re tailored to your home, your constraints, and your long‑term goals. They help you make responsible choices that save money, reduce waste, and improve the space sustainably..

Want to work with us?

Drop us a line. We answer everything within one business day.

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