Casson Hardware redefines hardware design with curated solutions

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Jane Son and Megan Cassidy met on the first day of architecture school, forming a lasting friendship that eventually led the Toronto residents to launch Casson Hardware in 2017. Casson is an online retailer celebrated for its meticulously curated hardware and design objects.

As trained architects, Son and Cassidy have an acute understanding of form, function and detail in the pieces they choose for Casson, whether a door handle or wall hook. They work with artisans and suppliers worldwide to offer unique, small-batch products that reflect an investment in the design and fabrication processes, says Cassidy.

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“Our aim is to serve both designers and homeowners by offering products that are not only beautiful but also durable and practical,” she says.

Postmedia sat down with the pair to hear about their journey and accomplishments.

Tactile skills in a digital era

Son and Cassidy were at architecture school in the early 2000s when the analogue and digital worlds were merging. It was a defining and dynamic period, says Son.

“We were fortunate to explore the hands-on making of architecture before transitioning to computers for drafting and rendering. During our first year, we weren’t even allowed to use computers, which meant we were completely immersed in hand-drafting, building physical models, and perfecting hand-rendering skills. It gave us an appreciation for the tactile, manual side of design,” she says.

As part of their program, they spent a term in Europe, travelling as much as possible on the weekends, visiting design-focused cities.

“These trips broadened my perspective, allowing me to see design in a whole new way. Collaboration, experimentation and hands-on work were at the core of everything we did,” says Son.

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Seeing the world as a designer does

The intensity of presenting your work and “defending your vision” at architecture school was good training for presenting and articulating your ideas as a retailer, says Cassidy.

“We learned to think both big and small. On one side, you’re considering larger issues like the scale of the site, infrastructure, and societal impacts. On the other, you’re thinking about how light moves through a space, how materials meet, how a door handle fits in the hand. I love considering the intricate details and understanding how they shape the bigger picture,” she says.

Why did they launch Casson Hardware?

They saw a gap in the market for a service offering a curated, design-focused experience to help designers and architects easily source high-quality hardware.

“As architects ourselves, we understood the vital role that high-quality hardware plays in elevating a space, yet finding pieces that complement the overall esthetic was often a challenge,” says Son.

They also wanted to offer an easy-to-use platform because they know how much time designers spend at their computers, ordering online, says Cassidy.

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“It was equally important to us that Casson wasn’t exclusive to the trade. We wanted homeowners and design enthusiasts to find inspiration and value in our offerings, too,” she says.

Building a business from the ground up

Running a retail business is similar to working as an architect in that you must wear many hats, says Cassidy. You’re juggling the design work with logistics and managing teams. Depending on the project scale, you could be working with structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, arborists, city planners, building code consultants, and others, and that’s before construction begins.

They’ve had to learn new skills with Casson, says Son, such as setting up an e-commerce platform, coding, working with suppliers, shipping, logistics and customer service.

Curating with purpose

Visiting workshops, trade shows and design studios around the world has exposed them to a rich variety of materials, techniques, and design philosophies, says Son.

“From the meticulous craftsmanship of a small workshop in Japan to the distinctive design esthetic of Copenhagen and the innovative approaches in Seoul, we’re constantly inspired by the places we visit. These experiences shape the way we curate products, allowing us to bring global influences and meaningful stories to our customers.”

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What’s your top advice for designers looking to start their own business?

Stay true to your vision but remain adaptable, says Son. The business landscape is always evolving, and flexibility is essential.

Surround yourself with a strong team, build relationships with suppliers who share your values, and always prioritize clear communication — both with your customers and your team, she says.

Don’t be afraid to take risks; the creative process is about pushing boundaries, says Cassidy.

“And most importantly, just start. Ideas can feel overwhelming, but if you have a strong intuition about something, much like in design, trust that it will be successful. Have the strength and mindset that you can achieve it,” she says.

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