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Distinctions

Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Commercial Space / Commercial Space ≤ 1,600 sq.ft. (≤ 150 sq.m.) : Silver certification

Categories : Special Awards / Low Cost Design : Gold certification

For its new boutique, Wachiya, the CNACA commissioned Clairoux to design a landmark space that reflects the artistic and cultural richness of the Cree community. The goal was to create an environment that goes beyond selling handcrafted items — a place that invites visitors to discover and immerse themselves in Cree heritage. In just three months, Clairoux rose to the challenge by developing a narrative architectural concept that resonates with Cree youth while captivating the attention of international visitors.

The interior design concept is grounded in a powerful guiding idea:

"We are connected to everything around us—our environment, one another, and each of our actions has an impact on others."

This vision shaped the creation of a visual thread, a central design element that weaves through the space and connects visitors to the history and traditions of the Cree people. From the moment one arrives, this symbolic thread invites exploration, leading guests on an immersive journey through various artistic and cultural expressions, culminating in the very essence of Cree identity: the forest. This sensory experience is enhanced by an abstract, atmospheric projection at the back of the boutique, evoking the spirit of the natural Cree landscape.

Designed as a hybrid between a boutique and an art gallery, Wachiya’s interior embraces a minimalist, contemporary approach, where each element has been carefully conceived to let Cree art speak for itself.

More than a retail space, Wachiya is a place for connection and exchange — an invitation for every visitor to delve into the depth, meaning, and history of Cree craftsmanship. This project powerfully illustrates how design can tell a story, build tangible links between cultures and their audiences, and bridge tradition with modernity. Wachiya is now open in Old Montreal: a space designed to celebrate and elevate the talents of Cree creators, offering an experience that is both aesthetic, immersive, and deeply meaningful.

The project in images