The Main Logo
Design

Design according to life in Montreal: The work of MRDK

For Guillaume Ménard and David Dworkind and their Montreal studio MRDK, they're making the city's streets come alive through design.

J.P. Karwacki

J.P. Karwacki

October 11, 2023- Read time: 6 min
Design according to life in Montreal: The work of MRDKGuillaume Ménard and David Dworkind of the Montreal-based studio MRDK. / Photograph Scott Usheroff

The local creative force of Guillaume Ménard and David Dworkind of the Montreal-based studio MRDK is true to Montreal, treating its culture and the way people live in it as a source of inspiration.

It’s an approach to design that’s produced a body of interior and architectural work featuring some of the city’s most stunning and memorable restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Perhaps it’s only natural that the two designers have focused on places of hospitality, as they find a bit of home in the work they do.

“We’re mainly inspired by the vibe and feel of Montreal,” Guillaume says over a mid-afternoon video call with David. “How people live here, understand their limits, how they start to feel comfortable and stop feeling comfortable.”

Member-only story

Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.

Read this story free.

Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.

  • 5 free articles per month
  • Save your favourite places & guides
  • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
  • Stay connected to Montreal culture

Become an Insider.

Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.

Subscribe
  • Unlimited access to all stories
  • Exclusive features & local insights
  • Special offers and event invites
  • 10% off in our shop
  • Support local storytelling

Already a member? Sign in

The Bulletin: What we're thankful for in Montreal [Issue #45]

Previous

The Bulletin: What we're thankful for in Montreal [Issue #45]

Next

The Bulletin: The season of the witch [Issue #46]

The Bulletin: The season of the witch [Issue #46]

Related articles

A new city gateway and memorial with the Montreal Irish Monument Park
J.P. Karwacki

A new city gateway and memorial with the Montreal Irish Monument Park

An incoming commemorative park design makes the Black Rock accessible for the first time with public space honouring 6,000 Irish famine victims and the Montrealers who tried to save them.

There’s a reason why this fashion runway was out in the cold
The Main

There’s a reason why this fashion runway was out in the cold

It was chill: ROYALMOUNT’s Urban Park hosted eight brands and a live Milk & Bone set.

Inside the New Chabanel workshop of Montreal designer Finkel'
J.P. Karwacki

Inside the New Chabanel workshop of Montreal designer Finkel'

Daniel Finkelstein's anti-ego approach to design is what makes his work in restaurants, retail, and beyond authentic to their purpose.

Will Crosson's critical approach to Canadiana through fashion
Elizabeth McLellan

Will Crosson's critical approach to Canadiana through fashion

The Montreal designer creating thoughtful garments that critically engage with Canadian landscapes, histories, and identity.

The fairyland fashion brand sewn entirely in its founder's bedroom
Anahi Pellathy

The fairyland fashion brand sewn entirely in its founder's bedroom

Avenir Vert's Olivia Donahue turned thrift store finds and teenage entrepreneurship into British Vogue features—all while refusing to compromise on a sustainable vision.

A fictional designer of very real experiences
J.P. Karwacki

A fictional designer of very real experiences

André Brown doesn't exist per se, but the branding created under that name shows how hospitality can think differently about storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional design.