ANTHILL STUDIO IS INNOVATION, ENGINEERING, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INGENUITY
ANTHILL STUDIO is a design-forward company committed to reestablishing the quality lost in much modern day millwork processes. From concept to completion, materials to manufacturing, ANTHILL is dedicated to quality and the production of lifetime pieces. Whether designing ourselves or working with architects and other creatives, we specialize in crafting real world solutions to design problems.
OUR ETHOS
With our diverse backgrounds and years of experience between us, our team is particularly well suited to complex projects, where good planning, product and manufacturing knowledge, and superior execution combine to outstanding results. Careful scrutiny of even the smallest details, combined with an imaginative curiosity, commits ANTHILL to a process that produces pleasing, innovative solutions to everyday problems.
We believe in the power of thoughtful design and believe that when partnered with quality craftsmanship, it can create lasting expressions of sublime beauty and usefulness. And that is what we try to achieve everyday - environments and objects that are unique, personal, and make life that much more pleasing.
CORE INTEGRITY
At ANTHILL, we are committed to quality. That starts with materials. We long ago discarded the use of particle board, which is unfortunately the standard nowadays in casework. We believe in using only good quality domestic or imported European plywoods for many reasons. They are much stronger and lighter than particle board, they don’t chip as easily, they hold screws and nails much more strongly, and lastly, they don’t act like a sponge and swell up when exposed to water or humidity. Although this is true of all plywoods versus their particle board counterparts, there is a difference between plywoods as well. Better plywoods are composed of better quality plys devoid of knots, voids, and imperfections that can telegraph through the surface or lead to the mechanical failure of screws and such. They are also of a more uniform thickness, which makes a huge difference when joining multiple units together into larger structures as little variations can add up over many units and cause pieces to be misaligned and ill fitting.
MADE IN VANCOUVER
Besides the obvious benefits to our local economy, employing home grown talent has other far deeper advantages. By keeping our design studio and woodworking shop under the same roof, we utilize an entirely holistic and collaborative approach to solving design problems.
Our woodworkers have a strong relationship with the designers who lean so heavily on their expertise. We prototype and develop new ideas in house, together. The conversations often go in both directions and the learning is mutual. This feedback loop is used to constantly reinvigorate the whole design process, improving our products one project at a time.
A LIFETIME PRODUCT
As more and more products become increasingly disposable and temporary, more and more people have forgotten the true worth of a well made object. Quality is rewarding in many ways - such as how a piece looks, how it functions, and most importantly, how it survives. We at Anthill don’t want to see all our hard work go into the landfill, and we’re betting you don’t either. By using strong, environmentally sustainable materials, thoughtful design, and quality workmanship, we strive to have both our built-in and freestanding furniture pieces last your lifetime - and longer. This allows us to go beyond industry norms and offer a limited lifetime warranty on all of our products. With all these assurances, the question is not whether you can afford to use Anthill, but can you afford not to?
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US
“In addition to being excellent collaborators in helping design our new office space, Anthill designed, fabricated, and installed all of the built-in furniture and cabinetry. They also served as project manager, coordinating construction and all sub trades. I was so happy with my experience that I asked Anthill to do work at my own home. Anthill possesses a very high level of design ability that complements their precise and exceptional work. I am extremely impressed by their level of service, quality, and care, and would not hesitate to recommend them, or use them again in future.”
“We fully endorse Anthill Studio. Dane, Will and the rest of the crew at Anthill are fantastic to work with and the quality of their project design and management, custom work and attention to detail is exceptional. Our project was to completely renovate our 500 sq. ft condominium to create a home for sustainable small space living. While we had a vision and plan, Dane provided many suggestions / improvements to our layout and incorporated additional smart technology and innovative built-in features. The communication between Dane and us was excellent throughout our project. We felt totally comfortable with making additional suggestions or saying “no thanks” to a suggestion he might make. Dane would stress that it was our project and home, and our final decision to make. We also appreciated the way he worked with the city, strata council, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors, on our behalf. Dane understood what we wanted to accomplish and was able to carry it through to completion. The Anthill team also designed and created custom millwork that looked gorgeous and maximized functionality and storage (with some really cool hidden features!). Anthill’s workmanship captures beauty, form and function. We are thrilled with our new home and would love to work with Anthill again!”
“My wife and I contracted Anthill to renovate much of our condo. We could not be more pleased with their attention to detail and service. They met with us frequently before and during the renovations, provide suggestions on design and materials, and kept us informed every step of the way. We were so pleased that we have just hired them to do the renovations in our bathrooms.”
“Anthill did 3 projects for my condo: Custom Kitchen Cabinetry, Walk-In Closet Organizer and Bathroom Cabinets. All work was done on time and on budget. The team was very professional, organized and clean. The workmanship was top of the line with a highly functional design. I highly recommend Anthill. I will definitely use them again.”
“From identifying a design challenge, formulating a simple solution for a complex area that has multiple users and conditions, Dane and the Anthill team were true professionals from conception to installation.
High quality with the honest pricing of material and professionalism. We are working with the Anthill team on a second project looking forward to the third.”
“I have used Anthill several times in 2015, 2016 and now 2017 for many projects in my small Vancouver condo. Included is a Mobile Kitchen Island, which was done in a perfect colour plus quartz match to the original kitchen. Island has great space and is easy to move. Secondly, a built-in Bathroom Wall Cabinet and built-in Bedroom Tall Cabinet, along with a small Bedside Table. All items match and are extremely useful. Thirdly, a built-in bookcase designed to go under the TV, perfect placement, and finally a Fireplace Surround with a hinged flip-down function with magnet catches and side opening for use of electrical outlet and small storage. All work has been impeccable. No mistakes or repairs required. Dane and his work crew are on time, very polite and friendly and always leave my home totally clean. There is never a mess to tend to.”
“I have worked with Anthill many times over the years. I work as a designer and with many high end savvy clients. I typically choose Anthill as they are always professional, hardworking and I would say go above and beyond to make sure the job is not only done well but that everything is clean and in perfect order when they leave.
Anthill also offer up creative solutions and work in design on their own so having their input and ideas is also a huge bonus! I highly recommend.”
“We used Anthill to add some custom shelving to our living room to sit on top of existing cabinets. It was a difficult job as they had to make sure it fit exactly on top of the cabinets already there, and then also line up with a not level ceiling, but the quality is amazing. It fits perfectly. At the time, Dane suggested changing up the lower cabinet doors (a darker wood) to fit better with what we were putting in, but we decided not to at the time as we were watching our money. Now we are back rethinking changing those lower cabinets and will be going with Anthill again! Dane was so quick with quotes and keeping me up to date with stain colours and options, it was really a pleasure to work with them. I would happily use them again and recommend them to anyone looking for high-quality work.”
“We have used Anthill on two occasions to install wall units in our home. Our installers, Graham and Lance, were meticulous and took great pride in their impeccable quality work. The owner, Dane, was a pleasure to deal with as well. We will not hesitate to call on Anthill again should we require any such installations in the future. ”
“Anthill did a renovation project in my apartment. They were on time and on budget and kept me up to date on the status throughout the project. I would work with them again and recommend them. They did a great job.”
“Anthill designed and built custom cabinets for our offices. They did a fantastic job, and they look great. We wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again. Great people and easy to deal with.”
“We have worked with Dane and the Anthill team on 3 occasions, two of which involved the installation of furniture systems built by “others”. Their work was excellent, and it was a pleasure to work with their installers. Our most challenging and interesting project, however, was the design and construction of the inner cabinetry and workings of a concrete fireplace/TV cabinet which I had designed. Anthill was great to work within considering all the options for the design and construction of these parts and their execution was flawless. I have nothing but respect for Dane and his team and recommend them without reservation”