How Kate Duncan’s Address Became a Can’t-Miss Design Event in Vancouver

In just two years, the event in the Waterfall building has become a go-to for designophiles to spot up-and-coming and established talent in the city.

“It was just a quirky idea that’s taken on a whole life of his own,” says Kate Duncan, furniture designer and founder of Address: a design show for makers and creators that, in just two years, has become a must-visit for design lovers in Vancouver. When she launched the show back in 2014, “there just wasn’t a good place for these designers to show off,” she says.So Duncan created one herself. There were nine designers in its inaugural year; for its third instalment this year, 20 will be showcasing their works in Vancouver’s Waterfall building from May 5 to 8. The range of materials and media that each designer works in is vast, and that’s intentional. “I tried to get at least one exhibitor from each medium,” says Duncan. “So there’s everything from pottery, pillows, and really beautiful flatware, all the way up to artworks and rugs and lighting and furniture.”One part of the show will feature smaller, cash and carry pieces, while the larger exhibits will be offered by commission. Duncan herself will be presenting a new line of furniture designs in ash, with everything from smaller housewares like mirrors and towel bars, to larger pieces like credenzas, dressers, dining chairs and night stands. Each feature rich details: a headboard with designed with a leather veneer; drawers in a credenza lined in leather.Regular readers will recognize many of the all-star contributors to the event, including Steven Pollock, Zoë Luyendijk, Russell Hackney, Propellor and Pot Inc.Visit Address in Vancouver’s the Waterfall building from May 5 to 8; open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.