STUDIO PROFILE

Origins is an artistic studio based in Vancouver BC, led by Deagan McDonald.

Deagan holds a Masters of Architecture from the John H. Daniels Faculty at the University of Toronto, and has worked in the field for the offices of KPMB (Toronto), Kengo Kuma & Associates (Tokyo), and Michael Green Architects (Vancouver).

The studios primary medium is solid wood, with growing branches of exploration into other mediums. The work explores the tactility of surface, and ultimately the manipulation of light and shadow. The work resonates a strong sense of place within the Pacific Northwest, often referencing the landscape and atmospheric resonance of the region.

The work blurs boundaries - it is intrisically minimalistic in spirit while delivering maximal impact. The pieces sit quietly, softly, and grounded yet command attention.

Every piece in the collection is designed to align the potential of the digital with the skill and the intuition of the hand, uniting playfulness in form with precision in execution. Origins embraces the juxtaposition between the precision of technological craft and the uncertainties of the organic.

STUDIO HISTORY

Origins was co-founded in 2019 by Deagan McDonald and Kelsey Nilsen, partners in business and in life. They met while completing the Masters of Architecture program at the University of Toronto, and Origins was formed shortly after.

At our inception, Origins participated in all aspects of design - graphic, product, interiors, and architectural concepts. All aspects of these fields still hold space and weigh on our work today, even as the focus has narrowed. The same design ethos and obsession with materiality can be traced throughout.

Today Kelsey is a registered Architect working full time in the realm of Healthcare, crafting meticulous solutions to the problems which truly matter most. Although she is not hands on in the studio work, she maintains a daily presence in guiding the vision and studio trajectory.

Deagan manages the day-to-day operations of the studio, everything from raw material processing to invoicing and sales. If he isn’t answering the phone right now, he’s up to his elbows in sawdust.