Aquilon Capital Corporation is an independent investment boutique offering value-based investment management through private portfolios and investment partnerships.

Michael Taylor designed the original offices ten years ago for the partners of Aquilon under their previous name of the MMI Group. Having outgrown their 3,500 square foot premises, they contacted him to design their new 15,000 square foot offices in a full floor of the newly constructed SAS building, the first LEED accredited "green" office building to be built in Toronto. The building uses about 30 per cent less energy than conventional buildings, incorporating such energy-efficient measures as underfloor heating and cooling and rainwater recovery and storage.

The client requested a design that would impart a sense of understated elegance without ostentation. They wanted to create an environment that would help attract the best employees - the comfort of staff was deemed as important as the impression made on clients by the space. Taylor Smyth responded by introducing a rich, warm material palette that incorporated an extensive use of rift cut oak - as horizontal slatted wood screens, acoustic wood ceilings and furniture. This is complemented by light limestone flooring and countertops and feature walls of custom plaster finishes in a number of colours.

The project consists of groupings of open workstations for groups of Traders along the exterior windows, with inboard private glass walled offices. Taylor Smyth worked with Italinteriors to develop an open workstation that would complement and blend in with the wood and glass of the rest of the project and provide generous and comfortable work space.

The reception area offers direct access to glass walled meeting rooms and the main boardroom. A staff lunchroom/lounge occupies a central position. One wall is defined by a long banquette for dining and casual meetings. This space doubles as a venue for presentations to large groups of clients.