Jennifer Kalman and Emily Wilson both studied Architecture at Dalhousie University. They founded their multi-disciplinary design practice in 2020, bringing together their combined experience to craft beautiful products and small spaces that uncover the joy in the everyday. Their aim is to work with materials in a way that brings forth their innate qualities, creating tactile experiences that connect people to the places they inhabit.
The name Man & Son is a combination of their last names (Kalman & Wilson) and a nod to their gender in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The success of their partnership lies in their complementary skillsets: Jennifer excels at networking, producing pristine drawing sets, and keeping project folders extremely organized, while Emily's strengths are in the early design stages, prototyping new product ideas, and entering long periods of trance-like focus.
We live and work on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. We are grateful visitors.
JENNIFER KALMAN
(pronouns: she/her)
I am fascinated by the impact that buildings can have on their inhabitants. With a background in psychology, I bring an understanding of the human experience and how it is shaped by the built environment. The qualities of space affect how people feel when they are walking down the street, entering a building for the first time, or coming home after a long day. I'm passionate about mental health and designing spaces that not only meet users' needs but make them feel grounded and connected to their community.
I take a very hands-on approach and can often be found on site working out details alongside the trades. I believe that being actively involved in the construction process minimizes unexpected challenges and results in the most cohesive design.
EMILY WILSON
(pronouns: she/her)
I believe that design happens at all scales. I've worked on projects big and small, from sculptural installations and murals to schools and fire stations. Having worked across a range of project types and disciplines, I've discovered that they are all more similar than they are different - they always start with a rigorous understanding of context, and evolve through empathy and collaboration. Their success is simultaneously dependent on attention to detail and an understanding of the bigger picture.
After five years of working in design firms, I decided to make a career pivot and enroll in the Fine Furniture and Joinery program at Camosun College. This program gave me the skills to be able to see a concept from sketch to reality. I now spend my days in a light-filled studio working on custom pieces and developing our line of handmade products, a process that I find endlessly rewarding.