Linda Kafka 🌀WELL AP, NeuroDesigner 🌿CAPS, researcher, author

Life truly is the best teacher, and through my experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons about approaching our final chapters with intention and grace. Death by Design: Your Legacy Blueprint is more than just a guide on what to do—it’s a space to document your family’s story, your wishes, and your unique legacy. It empowers you to organize your thoughts, plan for the future, and create a meaningful record that can be passed down to your loved ones—a legacy blueprint that helps you organize your past for future generations. For me, this is a natural continuation of living your best intentional life in your silver years—a continuation of your Silver Style—but it’s not just for those years. This workbook is for anyone who wants to take control of their future by leaving behind an organized and intentional past. It’s about living with intention today and ensuring peace of mind for tomorrow. Let’s make the inevitable a little less daunting by planning thoughtfully and preserving what truly matters. Click the link below to learn more and grab your copy of Death by Design today. 15% off until Oct 3 with code: READER15. https://lnkd.in/gU2rXMRs

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There is a lot of noise about AI out there, but at IA Interior Architects, we believe in cutting through the hype to find real, tactical uses for AI that can improve our world. Our approach focuses on leveraging AI's true power to level the playing field by removing technological, educational, and socioeconomic obstacles. I’m proud to co-author this piece on democratizing intelligence and to help lead our AI committee. Together, we're exploring how AI can drive meaningful change in the built environment. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about our vision: https://lnkd.in/ggXrTwpH

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“The conversation has shifted from, ‘What is Passive House?’ to ‘How do we do more of it? How do we do it faster? And how do we do it cost-effectively?’” In his opening address to attendees at the 2024 Passive House Canada Conference, CEO Chris Ballard exuded a growing confidence that PassivHaus standards are being better understood and accepted. And there was more to come. The three days of sessions and panel discussions both educated and challenged. Passive House Canada | Maison Passive Canada Chris Ballard Chris Hill CPA, CMA Brett Sagert Bill Reed Archangel Ventures #passivhaus #energyefficiency #carbonemissions #globalenvironment #buildingstandards #buildingdesign #buildingresiliency https://bit.ly/4eySWox

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When the Designer becomes the client… 🙄 I live in a C.1910 house in downtown Toronto that needs a lot of love and attention. The attic was converted to a loft living area back in the 1960’s – likely by the homeowners – without consideration for longevity, depending on how you define LONG. You might think it’s easy for an experienced renovation designer to do work on her own house… not so much. We are often challenged by working for ourselves rather than for others. Why? - we see the potential everywhere we look, generating too many ideas - we know how much better it could be if only we had the budget - we have opinions about every aspect of the work - we value solutions that add cost & complexity Just before the holidays in 2022, Toronto endured some intense rainfall which leaked (i mean poured rain) into this space, not far from the foot of my bed. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Tarps were installed to protect the zone from further damage while I investigated options with insurance and independent contractors. Raccoons investigated and wanted to move in. 😬 More than twenty years ago, I’d envisioned the future of this area as a proper adult bedroom with a normal staircase, bathroom, closet and doorway for privacy – creating a future legacy for the home. My values dictate doing things once, and right the first time. However, the complexity and cost of doing so are out of reach. With the structure now revealed, we have clarity on the work to reinforce the roof framing, leading to the overdue roof replacement. Instead I must evaluate which elements will optimize the space for the next 20 years, with integrity and services that will allow me to move back up there. I've got my work cut out for me. If this were your space, what would you do? #homerenovation #sustainabledesign #interiordesign #designmatters

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Great example of a push for change in sustainable building design and innovation for large-scale wood-framed structures! #sustainable #sustainability #buildingwithwood #sustainablearchitecture

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🧠 Exploring the Power of Neuro-Architecture 🌿 How do our surroundings impact our mood, focus, and well-being? Neuro-Architecture dives into the science of how design affects our minds, combining principles of neuroscience with thoughtful architectural choices to create spaces that enhance mental health. In our latest blog, we explore: The science behind neuro-architecture Key elements that promote calm and focus How Chi'Livin incorporates these principles to design spaces for well-being Discover how the spaces we inhabit can shape our emotions and enrich our lives. Read the full blog here. #NeuroArchitecture #Architecture #MentalHealth #WellBeing #SustainableSpaces

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Five strategies that could be implemented to reduce emissions associated with housing construction.

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I'm introducing vertical printing to Atlantic Canada because I see its potential to revolutionize how businesses and homes approach design. The applications for this technology are extensive. From office buildings, to museums, to hospitals, I believe wall printing is going to be the preferred way to incorporate designs and graphics into spaces because: - It's faster (project timelines of hours, not weeks) - It's highly durable (no peeling or bubbling - it will look better longer than traditional methods like vinyl) - It's eco-friendly (wall printing is a zero waste process, unlike other methods) - It's creatively unlimited (if you can think it, we can print it)

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The project has two clear lessons for governments everywhere, writes Alex Bozikovic: Renovation can be a powerful strategy, and hiring the right designers is crucial. #architecture #building #libraries

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Harnessing the Architect’s Problem-Solving Skills for Life Beyond Buildings As architects, our education and experience equip us with exceptional problem-solving skills. These skills, while pivotal in designing structures, also empower us to navigate and innovate far beyond the confines of traditional architecture. This adaptability is what enables us to pivot seamlessly into diverse fields, applying our keen design process to various aspects of life—including personal style and life planning. The concept of a “Style Voice” might seem distant from architectural design, but at its core, it’s all about intentional living—something architects excel at. A well-defined style voice isn’t just about fashion or aesthetics; it’s a comprehensive approach that influences how we manage our lives and make decisions. It’s about constructing a lifestyle that resonates with who we are at our essence, much like how we create spaces that reflect their inhabitants' needs and personalities. This idea of intentional living led me to create a workbook tailored for those who want to travel light yet remain stylish. While its immediate application is in choosing a travel wardrobe, its principles are far broader. This workbook serves as a guide for anyone looking to refine their life’s inventory—whether that’s their closet, their commitments, or their long-term goals—as they transition into new life chapters. The beauty of applying architectural problem-solving outside the traditional realm is evident in how we can use it to craft not only our environments but also our lives. This approach ensures that every choice, much like every design decision in architecture, is thoughtful and deliberate, contributing to a more purposeful and fulfilling existence. For those interested in exploring how architectural thinking can enhance personal planning and style, my workbook is available in my Blurb library. It’s designed to help you edit not just your suitcase but your life, focusing on what’s truly essential as you embark on your next chapter. https://lnkd.in/gFbRTDSS

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We're often asked what can be done to revitalize a struggling shopping centre. Where a centre has become "tired" or the profile of the shopper that supports it has shifted, we designers can certainly make a difference. Once such example is the inclusion of local art installations, showcasing local talent with murals and public sculptures. Have a look here how the success of one sculpture inspired the commissioning of another. Have you visited Irene Village Mall and Southdowns Shopping Centre? Did you know the sculptures were "related"? 📍: @irenevillage_mall @southdowns_shopping_centre #retaildesign #retailarchitect #revitalisationarchitecture

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Opening a new healthcare facility is no small feat, requiring a blend of strategic planning and meticulous execution. The experts at Blue Cottage have outlined essential steps for the seamless transition and activation of healthcare facilities. Here's a peek: 🔹 Early Engagement: Ensuring design aligns with operational goals. 🔹 Team Empowerment: Through effective communication and education. 🔹 Operational Readiness: Achieved by thorough piloting and preparation. Explore these insights more deeply by clicking the link. #HealthcareInnovation #DesignThinking #PatientCare

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Most of us in North America think of suburbs as places that must be car-dependent. The usual false choice we feel we must make is between an apartment in the busy city or a cheaper house with a yard in the suburbs that necessitates driving everywhere. This has only been true for the last 60 years — before the Second World War, suburbs were walkable and serviced by streetcars. They were mixed-use neighbourhoods designed with residential and commercial spaces. In this video, we get a tour of Riverdale, a neighbourhood in Toronto, which is a former streetcar suburb. While the streetcars are gone, the "stroads" (oversized roads that try to combine the commercial function of a street and the longer-distance travel function of a road) that replaced them are, in their turn, being rehabilitated for active transport and public transit. In this neighbourhood, you'll find a mix of housing sizes and types. There are many, smaller schools and shops. There's even a larger grocery store, but because you don't need a car to get there, the parking lot's footprint is much smaller than the typical suburban wasteland. Because it's so walkable, there's a strong sense of community and, as a result, the neighbourhood is in high demand (and the video looks at pricing and accessibility). This video, made by a former Riverdale resident, explores why we've effectively legislated neighbourhoods like this out of existence. I don't agree with every single point he makes, but I agree with most of them: https://buff.ly/3VkTWni #walkability #urbanplanning #liveable #cities #suburbia

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The recent article in Canadian Architect, "Canadian Architecture is in Crisis", highlights the challenges facing the architecture profession in Canada. These challenges include low fees, a race to the bottom in procurement, and a need for more advocacy for the profession. The article argues that raising the standard of architecture is a core issue for architects. This can be achieved through fair fees, improved procurement practices, and decent working conditions for architects. The article also calls for a stronger national voice for architecture in Canada. This voice could advocate for better public policy and a more equitable built environment. These are important issues that need to be addressed. As architects, we have a responsibility to ensure that the profession is sustainable and that we can create high-quality buildings for Canadians. #CanadianArchitecture #Architecture #Advocacy

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The supertalls, defined as being more than 300 metres tall by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, have divided housing observers. Proponents argue the vertical behemoths will add much needed housing as the city faces a severe affordability crisis, while critics say supertalls are impractical, luxury housing with units too pricey for the average buyer and will likely serve as investment vehicles for the world’s wealthiest. Read more in my latest via Toronto Star. https://lnkd.in/e2s9Qqvc

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