Studio Munge, the internationally acclaimed design studio in Toronto, Canada, has shown time and again that they are the renewed essence of everything that breathes luxury and high-end architecture. From renowned hotels and extraordinary condominiums to iconic restaurants and nightclubs, the design philosophy of founder Alessandro Munge continues to permeate major cities worldwide. His completely unique, bold vision makes him a pioneer, introducing a new chapter into the luxury world of interior architecture.
Masterful storytelling through design. This is the reputation crafted by the multidisciplinary design studio, Studio Munge. Their designs surpass the spirit of our contemporary era and bring exceptional spaces to life for the world’s most luxurious brands and respected architects in cities such as Las Vegas, Miami, Beijing and Shanghai. It is therefore not surprising that their layered, tactile and entrancing interiors have already won numerous awards and have become inspiring monuments, earning admiration at an international level.
The studio, founded in 1997, is the brainchild of Italian designer Alessandro Munge, a respected design veteran who, after 20 years’ experience in the design world, wanted to pour his own visions into an exceptional design studio. Munge quickly became regarded as something of a revolutionary on the international map, not only because of his exceptional passion for creating impactful interiors but also
"Studio Munge can be summarised in three words: quality, emotion and – of course – luxury"
- Christine Smeyers, Imagicasa
because of his drive to want to connect people on a deeper level through interior architecture. What makes Studio Munge’s projects so special is their cross-pollination with professionals from other art disciplines. This bold, innovative approach leads to co-creators with the world’s top chefs, art connoisseurs, advanced developers and iconic hotels. The studio has engaged a specialist who travels the globe looking for exceptional talents with whom to join forces. This means that each project has its own identity and exceptional story.
tHE eSPLANADE
These brilliant collaborations are illustrated by one of Munge’s latest projects, the penthouse ‘Esplanade’, whose 420 m2 of space, divided over two storeys, gives a unique 360 ° view of the Toronto skyline. In addition to a soft colour palette, a Costa Azure marble fireplace and sculptural elements such as the sleek spiral staircase, Studio Munge has also implemented an art programme in which each space has been carefully analysed by the designers and individually defined by selected artworks. The works by Shelley Adler, Barbara Cole, Joshua Jensen Nagle and Edward Burtynsky create a fascinating interplay with the environment.
Rodeo Drive
Studio Munge has not only surprised the international design scene with its stunning designs but home-base Toronto is also becoming increasingly suffused with unique Munge creations. One of them is ‘Rodeo Drive’, a contemporary residence with no less than 32 floors in the trendy uptown Don Mills district. The name of the building already gives you an idea of what to expect: from the marble lobby to the cosmopolitan residential suites, you are completely immersed in the stylish luxury that is associated with the other – more famous – Rodeo Drive in LA. The architecture is inspired by the elements of high-fashion which can be found in the nearby luxury boutiques and star-rated but home-base Toronto is also becoming increasingly suffused with unique Munge creations. One of them is ‘Rodeo Drive’, a contemporary residence with no less than 32 floors in the trendy uptown Don Mills district. The name of the building already gives you an idea of what to expect: from the marble lobby to the cosmopolitan residential suites, you are completely immersed in the stylish luxury that is associated with the other – more famous – Rodeo Drive in LA. The architecture is inspired by the elements of high-fashion which can be found in the nearby luxury boutiques and star-rated.
3018 Yonge
However, the true statement of Munge’s vision for Toronto can be found in the 3018 Yonge project. What makes ‘3018’ so special is that it breaks the rules of a traditional residence through its use of expressive and meaningful materials. This is reflected in a luxury aesthetic that is already visible in the lobby. Macassar ebony, with metal gold inlays, is united with a marble wall in charcoal tones surrounding a golden fireplace, creating an ideal place of rest. The collaboration with the art world and the associated human and emotional connection is manifested here too, with graphic prints by artisan Dianne Tate, an original sculpture by Rod Mireau and a decorative wall with specially made Tsunami pebbles leading guests to the elevator. All suites have a personally fitted kitchen and bathroom with marble floors and cabinets, deep baths with Kohler cranes and marble wall tiles. In addition, residents have exclusive access to a variety of premium lifestyle facilities. ‘3018 Yonge’ is an irrefutable expression of pure luxury living.
Pier 27
The main thread running through all the projects designed by Studio Munge can be summarised in three words: quality, emotion and – of course – luxury. The goal is always to create a design that is both warm and timeless but also surprising and dramatic. The residence ‘Pier 27’ is the personification of this luxury, with an underlying theme of cosmopolitan elegance. With a magical view of Lake Ontario, three-meter-high ceilings, and smooth natural materials, Pier 27 offers a new level of refinement.
With an ever-growing international portfolio and outstanding design solutions that deliver emotional, functional, humanly-conscious and simply beautifully designed interiors, Studio Munge defines a new era of luxury interiors. The Studio is perfectly situated at the intersection between maturity and evolution, between emotion and connection, between miracle and discovery. It achieves this without ever losing sight of its infinite desire to create authentic design. Munge brings to life architectural stories that inspire the visitor with their holistic approach; every detail being carefully considered. Each project provides functionality and beauty at a higher level. Studio Munge possesses the kind of genius that will soon conquer each major city, one luxury project at a time.
Written by Christine Smeyers for Imagicasa Magazine