Get to Know: Cindy Rendely Architexture

When starting her own studio, Cindy Rendely opted for a slight misspelling: Architexture, not Architecture. The deviation signals her continued exploration of material in her work, something that’s become a calling card. If there’s a second one, it’s her precision, with seemingly no detail too small for consideration. That shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, though: before studying architecture at the University of Toronto, interning at Quadrangle and Hariri Pontarini Architects and opening her own shop, Rendely was a practicing goldsmith and jeweller. The scale of her work has changed, but her approach hasn’t. Read on to learn what Cindy Rendely Architexture is all about.

Black House. Photo by Nanne Springer.

Designlines: Is the studio architecture or interior design-based? What accreditations does the principal have?

Cindy Rendely: I’m a registered architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), and currently an adjunct professor at the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University. This provides me with the opportunity to further explore related design disciplines and reinforces an idea that I continually share with my students: the interior informs exterior, and the exterior informs inside. One can’t think about architecture without considering the interiors.

Indigo House. Photo by Tom Arban.

Designlines: What is the studio’s focus?

Cindy Rendely: Cindy Rendely Architexture provides architecture, landscape design, interiors, furniture and product design. My training as a goldsmith and as an architect informs all of my work, and the combination of these two disciplines gives me the confidence to explore design, construction methods and detailing at all scales.

The studio has completed many residential projects including interior renovations, additions and new constructions for both single family dwellings and condominium residences. In addition, the studio has completed site-specific pop-up shops and other commercial and retail spaces.

A Private House. Photo by Tom Arban.

Designlines: What are some of the studio’s key strengths?

Cindy Rendely: Throughout the design process, significant attention is given to thoughtful space planning, good circulation and access to natural light wherever possible. All proposed design concepts have a clean, modern yet timeless aesthetic. The relationships between adjacent spaces – closed or open – are fully explored and the materials selected are sympathetic and compatible within these spaces. In addition, the relationship between the interior and exterior is always developed where applicable to ensure that there is a strong connection to the outside, both visually and physically.

Veiled House. Photo by Nanne Springer.

Designlines: Who are some of your key collaborators?

Cindy Rendely: My builders Eisner Murray and Arthur Ross have completed a significant number of the projects completed by my office. Renca & Heilimo millworkers continually help us to invent our highly detailed interiors. My preferred kitchen consultants are Boffi at Italinteriors and Poliform. Stone Tile and Ciot provide much of my natural stone materials and hard surface finishes specified.

A Private House. Photo by Tom Arban.

Designlines: What are some of the remarkable features or innovations of some favourite past projects?

Cindy Rendely: The studio’s name, rooted in the word “texture,” reinforces the strong sense of materiality inherent in every project, and one consistent feature throughout my work is the exploration of new materials. The challenge, then, is to select a minimal material palette and apply it rigorously in unexpected ways. I also try to express any built form as a sculptural object in the landscape – even the urban landscape.

City House. Photo by Nanne Springer.

Designlines: What sort of projects do you have on the go now?

Cindy Rendely: Currently, the office is working on numerous residential projects including new construction, additions and interior renovations for single family dwellings and condominiums. We’re also working on a weekend house with a private beach and a renovation of an existing building façade for a condominium tower with a commercial component at its base. At a smaller scale, we are currently developing a product line called OBJX, bringing an architectural sensibility to the design of home products and tableware. CRARCHITEXTURE.COM