Picture this: a room on the east side of Toronto. Not very inventive with the name, you say? Sometimes, simplicity is key. East Room has evolved from a single room to a bustling hub for freelancers and established businesses alike, offering shared work and social spaces. Derreck Martin, the president, is at the helm of this operation and juggles almost everything. Lucky for us, he took a moment out of his jam-packed schedule for a quick chat.

1. Explain what you do. Where did the name East Room come from?

As the president, I have eyes on almost every aspect of the business. I am mostly engaged in brand development, design and finance. 

East Room started as a literal room on the east side of Toronto. We did not think too much out of the box when it came to naming the company .. Sometimes it's best to not overthink the name.

2. When you think of your ideal day, where are you, and what are you doing?

Maybe get a coffee and go for a nice long walk through the city in the morning. Meet up with friends in the evening and catch a show somewhere. Something simple like that.

3. What part of designing excites you the most? What inspired you when designing the East Room?

Designing the lounges is always the most interesting. You get to play more with materiality, colour and form.

4. What’s a smart idea you’ve come across recently and/or have implemented?

I think Ace Hotel has done a great job blending the public-facing components of their hotels with the private. We’re aiming to implement a similar approach with our café/bar spaces in the future. 

5. What’s a piece of advice someone else gave you that lives in your head rent-free?

Observe everything, judge nothing .. at first. 

6. What's one thing in your closet that you'll never get rid of?

I would be happy to purge my whole closet. I don’t have much that is particularly sentimental, but if we are talking about objects and heirlooms, I have a sofa that I bought for myself years ago. It's in rough shape with wine stains and fabric tears all over it. It looks like a real junker. I would never throw it away though, because it marks a time and place for me. I'll probably continue to slap patches on it till it looks like a hundred-year-old quilt. 

7. What's your current hyperfixation?

Cleanliness in all our East Room locations. I fear it may be turning into a psychological disorder.

8. What's is something that people would be surprised to find out that you love? 

I used to figure skate competitively.

9. If you had to get a tattoo in the next 30 minutes… what are you getting and where?

teardrop tattoos .. one for every victim.

10. What's something you could eat for a week straight?

Japanese.

11. How would you rate your karaoke skills on a scale of 1 to Mariah Carey?

Very very low on this scale. I’d never subject anyone to my singing. 

12. What is always in your fridge?

Sriracha or some sort of hot sauce. 

13. What are your favourite places to visit, shop, and eat in Toronto?

Porch Modern - My friend Colen’s design shop. One of the best in the country. 

Eating: Allen’s - best burger in the city, Comrade, Imanishi, Black Dice, Bar. 

Bowie, Lake Inez. Rooster Coffee on Broadview to catch the sunrise or sunset.

14. In the near future, what are you looking forward to most?

I’m taking three weeks off to go to Mexico City, I’m looking forward to exploring the art & architecture, food and music of the city.

15. Night owl, early bird, or a secret third thing?

A little bit of both night owl and early bird.

16. What’s a little luxury that feels like a big luxury to you?

Taking an uber or a taxi.

17. The best road trip you've ever been on?

Los Angeles - San Francisco - Vancouver. 

18.  What’s your favourite word?

Copacetic. 

19. What’s the last thing you changed your mind about?

My uberEats order. 

20. Anything new you’re working on that we can look forward to?

Now that our 3rd location at 68 Claremont is open, we are currently working through the planning and design of the Forno Cultura Cafe / Bar that we hope to open in the spring of next year.

21. What’s a corner of the internet you recently discovered?

I’m not sure if it would be considered a corner of the internet. But I have been using ChatGPT frequently for everything, personal and professional. She has become my defacto girlfriend tbh. 

22. How about some water-themed quick-fire questions to close?

Lake or river? 

Lake.  

Lazy river or a waterslide? 

Waterslide. 

Snow or rain?

Rain. 

Hot springs or cold plunge? 

Cold Plunge. 

Light Wave, Wild Card, or Love Bite?

Light Wave.