Cabinet Makers Association
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Second Place

2016 Wood Diamond Award
​Sofo Kitchens (Maple Ridge, BC)

Main Category: Commercial/Institutional
Dollar Amount: Over $50,000
Sub Category: Best Overall

Briefly describe your business and the type of products manufactured.
Our company was founded in 2008 and we provide High End Residential and Commercial cabinetry. We manufacture and install
•Kitchen & Bathroom
•Built-ins architectural millwork
•Free standing custom furniture
•Home Office
•Entertainment Centers
•Wall & Ceiling Treatment
•Unique custom orders upon client reques

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
Book Columns:
- We used Greenlam Laminates which feature:
• No Chlorine
• No heavy metals
• No formaldehyde
- Each column was rest on the floor with cleats attached to the wall and the ceiling.
- The hardware was from Hettich

TV Panel :
- material was 3/4 painted MDF
- painted to match Benjamin Moore Frostline AF5 in High Gloss

Describe, in detail, the project/item's construction
There were 8 columns of 3'x8' book panels.
We used "Frosty White" Greenlam panels on all exposed sides combined with Greenlam's "Pearl Grey" laminate on the interior of the shelves. Each column was rest on the floor with cleats attached to the wall and the ceiling.
The hardware was from Hettich.
The TV panel was quite unique and challenging in that they wanted it to resemble a film strip. It had 3 cut-outs for 3 TV's as well as 13 small (3x4") square on each side in which they inserted black painted glass.

What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
The designer, RED BOX ID used the concept of an ‘open book’ to design a brand new retail experience that supports the local community. Located in Vancouver, Canada, World Kids Books is a showroom first, retail bookstore second, and an online store third. The bold contrast, symmetry, rhythm and pop of color draw people in, and create a dynamic and fun space. It is a great example of how a business idea can be enhanced through interior design.
No or low VOC materials were used, energy efficient lighting and TVs, integrated emergency lighting and sprinklers were installed, the space is fully accessible including the existing ceiling. The clients wished to have up to 10,000 books in stock, on site. The books would be in 4 different languages with the intent of more languages to be added in the future. Stackable books and lengthy perimeter shelves were not appealing to the clients. Since it was impossible to showcase 10,000 books on the sales floor at once, they "settled" to accommodating 2,000 books at one time and rotate in stock from the back room every few weeks. This met the clients needs for inventory, and also kept the customers selection and experience fresh.

How has being a member of the CMA benefited you and/or your business?
Since we joined the CMA we turn to the membership forum for advice every time we are facing a dilemma; chances are there is always someone that has solved the same problem we are having and everyone is so friendly and eager to help. Also we try to attend monthly events as where we can visit other members' shops, network with peers and grab a beer afterwards.
Also the yearly Benchmark Study helps us tremendously in planning our budget, our marketing strategy and in making good management decisions. We would recommend the CMA to anyone looking to save money, save "trial-and-error-time" and gain extensive industry knowledge.

List any items that were outsourced.
We make all slab doors and veneers in house and we outsource the wooden doors
Finishing used to be outsourced but we are hiring a finisher and will start in-house finishing, as we invested in a fully enclosed spray booth and all Kremiln equipment.

Cabinet Makers Association
PO Box 888678
​Grand Rapids, MI 49588-8678
(616) 930-4610
  • Who We Are
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Membership
    • General Membership
    • Associates & Distributors >
      • Associate & Distributor Member Directory
    • Students & Instructors
    • Make a Payment
  • For Homeowners
    • Shop Finder
    • Cabinetry Buyer's Guide
    • Wood Diamond Awards
  • Events
  • News
    • PROfiles
    • Benchmark Survey
  • Forums