Our Work
To portage is to carry watercraft or
cargo from one area to another to avoid obstacles. The eventual
destination usually finds the party in unfamiliar territory but if done
correctly it also offers a new beginning or continuation of a journey.
We felt that a portage is a perfect metaphor for the challenges that are associated with a renovation, relocation or expansion. Quite often persons or businesses find themselves faced with huge challenges that can become overwhelming. For the staff of Portage Design Group Inc. these obstacles present an opportunity to create unique and captivating design solutions. We’re trained through education and experience to help you navigate the rough spots.
Restaurants
There is more to visiting a restaurant in Ontario than just eating a meal. It’s the total experience of being greeted upon arrival, admiring the surroundings and the people, perusing the menu, taking the first bite…
Creating the atmosphere where these activities take on context is what food service design is all about. The space must embody compositional order, stimulate the senses with beautiful finishes, and be practical for the staff. Regardless of style or dimension a well designed restaurant should comfort and engage its patrons while providing a backdrop for a wonderful evening.
The key to creating a cafe, bar or restaurant that is memorable, satisfying, and enduring is to apply a group of design concepts that focus on the experience of being in that space. Our staff will explore the relationship between the interior and exterior, provide space planning options, create a full design concept, design the layout of lighting systems, suggest furniture, and much more. Let’s satisfy the material needs of the owners as well as capturing the essence of hospitality.
Workplace and Commercial Interiors
The workplace today is a result of historical innovations that were intended to make the workplace a more productive environment. However the world of work continues to evolve, and the design factors that once were helpful are adding less value than they used to.
Your workplace must support the work of individuals and groups, create a motivating environment, reflect company values and be economical.
We have helped dozens of businesses in Ontario remodel, renovate, expand, relocate and develop. Portage Design Group Inc. will use many years of direct experience involving the planning and design of hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial office space to transition your business and position it for success.
No matter where you are in the process you should contact us to discuss your situation. Our system of information gathering and synthesis will provide a solid platform from which to move forward. Some of the areas a fully integrated workplace must take into account are: Individual Workspaces; Places for Collaboration; Physical Design Principals; Architectural Elements; Places for Teambuilding.
Residential
Why do certain homes resonate with the lives of their inhabitants, while others seem lacking? Why do we feel so comfortable in certain spaces and awkward in others? All of us know when a home ‘feels’ right, but creating that experience can be daunting.
If you are contemplating changes to your house or condo around Ontario these questions should eventually be addressed. Our approach is to create a bond between the client, the designer and the home so together we can transform your house into a far more evocative place to live – one of integrity and substance
We have spent most of our professional lives using and evolving design techniques and we bring a breadth of knowledge that gives clients access to our database, industry insiders and experience.
Our Clients
Restaurants
- The Apricot Tree
- The Craft Brasserie & Grill
- Allstar Wings & Ribs (7 locations)
- Bangkok Garden
- Scarlett House Catering
- Gourmet Gringo’s
- Heaven Gastro Club
- The Temple Bar (Oakville)
- Wally’s on Steeles
- Anchor Bar Canada
- Nakos Greek Grill
- Loukoumania
- Riverside Tavern
- Rio Nectar
- The Pint Public House
- Cluck Clucks
- The Birchcliff
RETAIL & COMMERCIAL
- USLI
- The Abnormal Beauty Company DECIEM
- Shrader Canada Ltd
- Harvest Missionary Church
- Tropicana Community Service
- Lastman’s Bad Boy Superstore (6 locations)
- The Behar Group
- iNTERFACEWARE Inc.
- The Groomsmen Cut & Shave
- Tusch Seating International
- HNR Properties
- InnoVision Corp
- Nova Dry Cleaners
- Amacon
- Wynn Fitness Clubs
- Big Hit Kickboxing Studios
- Randstad Canada
- Museum of Illusions, Toronto
- The Cycling Gym
- Hibuzz Cannabis
- Annswell Court
- Jazz Pharma
- Wiseacre Studios