EQ3 Opens in Brookfield's SoNo Collection Mall

Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture, PLLC (KSI) is pleased to announce the opening of their second store for successful Canadian furniture retailer EQ3 in Brookfield Property Retail’s SoNo Collection Mall in Norwalk, Connecticut as EQ3 continues their US expansion.

EQ3’s 9,500-square-foot store is located on the second floor of the mall directly across from Bloomingdale’s and is strategically positioned to capture shoppers as they arrive on the floor. Working in collaboration with EQ3’s design team and their former Creative Director, Thom Fougere, KSI developed a custom designed 112-foot-long storefront with a state-of-the-art solution that is both elegantly minimal and welcoming. Subdivided into three distinct areas, the store layout allows for a variety of furniture vignettes and accessory areas. The open and airy layout benefits from a carefully calibrated lighting design that illuminates the interior walls wrapping the retail space in a soft glow.

“We are thrilled to expand EQ3’s presence in the tri-state area, following the successful opening of our New York City flagship store in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood in 2019.” – EQ3’s President, Mark Letain.

As EQ3’s New York interior architectural firm, KSI collaborated with the retailer on developing its concept for both SoNo and the New York City store, efficiently coordinating the many aspects of bringing the projects to life, sourcing unique architectural materials, navigating complex regulations, and selecting qualified vendors to ultimately realize EQ3’s vision. KSI drew upon its 30 years of retail and residential design and planning experience to guide EQ3 through a demanding process.

“We enjoyed the entire process of working with EQ3 on their SoNo Collection and New York City stores,” says Kenne Shepherd, Principal of KSI. “It has been very much of a collaborative process. EQ3’s design aesthetic is very similar to our own, making it easy for us to bring their retail vision to life. They have a beautiful contemporary product line, and we know that shoppers will be drawn into this open inviting space that beautifully showcases their product.”

“KSI served as our feet on the ground, meticulously overseeing every aspect of the project. KSI’s familiarity with the nuances of the retail market, high-level design execution and project management skills have been invaluable.” – Nils Vik, former Sr Director of Product Development

KSI created a strong team of consultants experienced in retail design for the project, including:

• Cooley Monato Studios, Lighting Design
• Gabor Szakal Consulting Engineers, MEP Engineering
• Architechnology Designs, AV/Data, Security and Sound
• Quesited Consulting, SoNo Expediting
• Connecticut Code Consultants, SoNo Code Consultant
• Pustola Associates, SoNo General Contractor

About Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC
Founded in 1993, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC (KSI) is a New York-based woman-owned Interior Architectural design firm and a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE). KSI is known for creating customized retail, residential and lifestyle interiors that refine and express the client’s unique vision, values, and mission into sophisticated, contemporary environments. The firm has collaborated with many notable retail brands, including Salvatore Ferragamo, Calvin Klein, Lancôme, and Wolford America, to name a few.    www.kenneshepherd.com

About EQ3
EQ3 is a furniture and home goods designer, manufacturer, and retailer with a unique Canadian approach that considers not only the design of a product, but the process. We focus on making furniture that is timeless, not trendy. We strive to offer designs that not only solve problems but will last, so you can trust that our pieces are made with the best materials, in collaboration with the best partners available. Product design, R&D, and custom upholstery manufacturing all take place at our HQ in Winnipeg, Canada—which means that products go from designer’s sketch to production line, all in the same building. Chances are we can even tell you the upholsterer for your product by name. We offer a curated selection of materials in a rainbow of colors and shades so you can customize your upholstery piece your way—whether you prefer leather or fabric, the choice is yours. Visit one of our eighteen showrooms across Canada and the U.S. and let us show you how design is at the heart of everything we do.www.eq3.com.