My Process
Christina Hilborne’s design process begins with a vague, yet undeniably fabulous idea and ends with a rush of exhilaration when everything suddenly comes together. During this process, nothing is predictable – sketches, peer input, scale models, even full size mock-ups can produce a result exactly like the original idea, or something completely different.
After the elementary machining is done by a CNC (computer numerically controlled) router, all that touches each piece are several pairs of skilled and caring hands. A revered German instructor once said, “Let your fingers be your eyes.” This saying may seem silly, but as it turns out, fingers and hands feel the imperfections the eyes cannot see. Before leaving the Christina Hilborne studio, each piece is hand-assembled, hand-sanded and hand-finished to perfection.
Materials
Living in British Columbia has inspired Christina Hilborne to work with local timber like Douglas fir, selectively-logged or reclaimed whenever possible. As her craft evolved, she became captivated by different mediums and started exploring the contrast of textures and tones by juxtaposing wood with other materials like concrete, glass, or metal.
In the winter of 2010, Christina introduced a sustainable and eco-friendly material to her designs: 
Kirei board. Kirei is a Japanese word meaning beautiful, pure, clean, and truthful. Byproduct from Japanese sorghum crops is made into sheet goods using an eco-friendly adhesive. The resulting material is not only sustainable, but stunning. The finish is water-based, non-toxic and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The interiors of any piece can remain natural, or be stained your choice of three colours: Gull Grey, Lemon Lime or Coffee Bean.
By integrating pieces from the Urban Chic Collection architects, designers, and builders can earn credits toward LEED certification for their projects.
The Studio
The Christina Hilborne studio is located in an artistic, some might say bohemian, hub of Victoria, British Columbia. Neighbours include incredibly talented painters, musicians, leather artisans, performers and fellow furniture makers. The creative energy is palpable and contagious.
Great pride is taken in careful separation of waste, the vast majority of which goes to local recycling facilities, and one or two bicycles will be found leaning outside the door every day, rain or shine, being the preferred mode of bodily transport.
