Designing with Purpose: Fogo Island & Avenue Road

Bound by our love for craftsmanship, sustainability, and celebrating cultural heritage through design, our partnership with Shorefast—the charity behind Fogo Island Inn, Fogo Island Workshops, and Fogo Island Arts— is all about cherishing and preserving the stories and traditions that make our communities unique.

On an island off Newfoundland’s Northeast coast, Fogo Island Inn is more than just a place to stay—it’s the heart of a community. Born from the vision of Shorefast, a Canadian charity working to secure a brighter and more resilient future for Fogo Island, the Inn is all about connection. From food and the environment to culture and heritage, every part of the Inn’s work brings the community closer together, celebrating the island's people, stories, and makers.

Nina Luminati, Christopher Farr Cloth; Zita Cobb, Shorefast; Stephan Weishaupt, Avenue Road; Ernst Hupel, Shorefast
Nina Luminati, Christopher Farr Cloth; Zita Cobb, Shorefast; Stephan Weishaupt, Avenue Road; Ernst Hupel, Shorefast

Together, we believe in the power of putting design in its place – drawing from and giving back to its environment. After first visiting Fogo Island a decade ago, Avenue Road Founder, Stephan Weishaupt, was captivated by the vibrant spirit of the island’s community. His deep love for the arts, design, and local culture inspired him to serve on the board of Fogo Island Arts for eight years, naturally leading to a friendly partnership between the Inn and Avenue Road.

Man of Parts lounge at Fogo Island Inn
Man of Parts lounge at Fogo Island Inn

“WHY DID WE BUILD AN INN ON FOGO ISLAND? TO CREATE THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTINUITY.” – Zita Cobb, Founder and CEO, Shorefast

Fogo Island Workshops Long Bench
Fogo Island Workshops Long Bench

Fogo Island Workshops
Fogo Island Workshops

Together, we strive to create a lasting impact, celebrating the stories and traditions that foster cultural heritage. As we continue to draw inspiration from the land and its people, Avenue Road and Fogo Island Inn remain committed to building a future where design and community thrive hand in hand, honouring the rich tapestry of our local environments.

To toast our friendly partnership, we gathered on the rooftop terrace at Fogo Island Inn around the newest releases from Man of Parts. Alongside artists and makers imagining a sustainable future for the Northeast coast of Newfoundland and Canada at large, our permanent installation at the inn is a testament to the enduring beauty of craftsmanship and the shared values that guide us. We are excited for what the future holds as we continue to blend art, community, and sustainability in meaningful ways that honour tradition and inspire innovation.


Fogo Island Inn Exterior Photo Credit: Justin Parsons

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With her self-described “modern, eclectically glamourous" style, Gillian Segal was a serendipitous fit to take on this Vancouver residential project for a well travelled design lover. In the beach-side Kitsilano neighborhood sat a traditional craftsmen style home, a true relic of the 90s when it was built-- until Gillian Segal and her team completely transformed it for the retired empty nester home owner.