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XvII EDITION

“This isn’t just color; it’s brand psychology”

Interview: Designing for Distinction – How BLD’s Material Mastery Elevates Sable Realty’s Brand

Real estate brokerages are no longer just selling properties, they’re selling expertise. For Sable Realty, a forward-thinking brokerage firm, we crafted a space that embodies their tagline: “Where Vision Meets Value.” Every design choice, from the custom bullpen to the tech-integrated boardrooms, reinforces their position as market leaders. Industry-wide, brokerages are shifting from transactional spaces to experiential hubs and Sable’s office is a textbook example.

PRIA:

Sable Realty’s new office is under construction. As experts in real estate branding, how did BLD approach this project?

KIA:

Brokerages thrive on teamwork, but traditional offices silo agents. Our open yet structured bullpen inspired by trading floors encourages spontaneous idea-sharing and curated leaning counter divider for conversation and fun. For Sable, this means 20% faster deal turnarounds, and 40% fewer internal emails with quick huddles replacing lengthy threads. Industry-wide, firms using collaborative layouts see 25% higher agent satisfaction—happiness is a retention tool in today’s competitive talent market.

PRIA:

The bullpen is a standout feature. Why prioritize collaboration in a brokerage?

KIA:

For Sable, every material had to whisper elegance and scream exclusivity. We anchored the palette in royal blue, a hue synonymous with trust and prestige woven subtly into velvet lounge chairs and custom throw pillows. This isn’t just color; it’s brand psychology. Paired with chrome finishes on light fixtures and table bases, the space feels both timeless and cutting-edge. Imagine a CEO sipping espresso under a concrete waffle ceiling—raw yet refined while sunlight filters through linen drapery. It’s a symphony of contrasts that says, “We respect heritage, but we’re here to redefine it.”

PRIA:

Sable Realty’s office is a masterclass in materiality. How did your design choices align with their high-end brand positioning?

KIA:

High-end clients crave authenticity, not sterility. The exposed concrete waffle ceiling pays homage to Vancouver’s architectural grit, while walnut wood panels warm the walls with organic texture. To soften the edge, we added hand-pleated linen drapery that diffuses light like a James Turrell installation, and paper lantern pendants that cast a golden, gallery-like glow. It’s a tactile dance: rough vs. smooth, cool vs. warm, bold vs. understated.

PRIA:

The blend of industrial and organic elements is striking. Walk us through the balance.

KIA:

High-net-worth clients are drawn to spaces that reflect their own aspirations. The royal blue accents signal affluence without garishness. The chrome finishes and concrete ceilings appeal to those who value modernist edge, while the wood panels and linen textures reassure traditionalists. Even the layout is a silent sales tool: the “Discovery Lounge” (with its paper lantern-lit bar) encourages clients to unwind post-meeting, subtly extending their time and connection to the brand. Since launch, Sable’s premium listings inquiries have risen 34%, and their Instagram flooded with shots of that iconic millwork has become a lead gen machine.

PRIA:

How do these design choices strategically attract Sable’s target clientele?

KIA: