At the heart of the company - Atelier By the north

Year of creation: 2014
Number of employees: 1 more-than-full- time employee
Who? : François-Xavier Saint-Georges
Or? : Rosemont, Montreal
What? : Furniture, lighting and accessories
Artisanal or machined production: Artisanal
Professional training: Graphic designer
Motto: Never stop doing something.
Favorite Quebec company: Gavoha

21.11.2016
Montreal

I meet François-Xavier when the first snow falls on Montreal. I go to his workshop by sliding more than by walking and I am happy to find refuge in the garage he has fitted out, comforted by the aromas of sawdust. I am warmly welcomed by a generous and passionate entrepreneur.

Atelier By the north was born out of a desire to reconcile all that is important in the life of François Xavier: creation, exploration, design, family, freedom... Two years earlier, when he was a graphic designer, he takes the risk of starting from scratch and launching the project that he has long postponed. Already benefiting from family land in Glen Sutton, everything was in place to ensure the supply of his workshop with raw materials.

A handyman at heart, he relies on his designer instinct to guide him in the design of his furniture and accessories. Inspired by the straight lines of his sketches, he constantly tries to bring his ideas back to their simplest version. This is how he manages to keep his designs clean and consistent with the primary function of the object.

At Atelier By the north, the creative process is shaped according to the project and the desires of the client. However, steel and wood are always put forward. Any process is guided by essential steps: making contact, meeting with the client, developing needs and producing sketches. From the moment the sketch pleases the client, the tree is cut and sent to a drying period, which can last almost six months. The wood then ends up in the Rosemont workshop, where the magic happens.

The production of the Atelier By the north in turn encourages local businesses: a wood dryer in Cowansville, two lumberjacks in Glen Sutton, a truck to deliver its wood and a Quebec steel company. Aware of the environmental concerns related to his work, François-Xavier proceeds with the most respectful cutting, for example by cutting down crooked trees that threaten to fall. Proud of what he has accomplished in such a short time and a “victim” of his success, François-Xavier will have to expand the team to be able to meet the growing demand. He also wishes to acquire another premises which will become the showroom of the Atelier By the north. There is no doubt that this place will be marvelous when it sees the light of day… For the moment, the garage which serves as his workshop perfectly represents the essence of the company: overflowing with projects, passion and authenticity.

To communicate with François-Xavier and admire his work at Atelier By the north, visit his Signé Local member page.

Reviewed by: Marie-Eve Cyr