idea – The Interiors Addict

2016 Interior Design Excellence Awards: Winners announced

A prestigious event on the Australian interior design calendar, the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) were held recently with some pretty amazing projects taking away the big gongs in an awards ceremony and gala party hosted on Sydney Harbour

overall-winner_indigo-slam_smart-design-studio_photo-sharrin-rees-03 — Overall winner: ‘Indigo Slam’ by Smart Design Studio (photograph by Sharrin Rees)

In its 13th year, IDEA recognises the best of Australian interior and product design and the designers behind the work. The 2016 IDEA jury included Greg Natale, Helen Kontouris (Helen Kontouris Design), Jan O’Connor (Environa Studio), John Wardle (John Wardle Architects), Melissa Bright (MAKE Architecture), Nic Graham (Nic Graham + Associates) and Tim Jackson (Jackson Clements Burrows), along with inside editors Jan Henderson and Gillian Serisier.

overall-winner_indigo-slam_smart-design-studio_photo-sharrin-rees — ‘Indigo Slam’ interior (photograph by Sharrin Rees)

Taking away the biggest prize on the night (overall winner), was the Indigo Slam project by Smart Design Studio. Located in Sydney’s Chippendale, the building is truly a work of art. From its sculpted concrete exterior to its highly unique interior spaces, the building has been recognised as a true original. “If even for just a moment we put aside the architecture of the house, the interiors really stand on their own,” said one of the judges, Greg Natale.

Another significant award went to Kerry Phelan of Kerry Phelan Design Office who received the ‘Gold Medal’ for her impressive career that has spanned more than 20 years.

designer-of-the-year_fiona-lynch_williamstown-residence_photo-dan-hocking — A Melbourne project by the ‘Designer of the year’ Fiona Lynch (photograph by Dan Hocking)

The 2015 ‘Designer of the year’ award went to Melbourne-based interior architect and designer, Fiona Lynch who was recognised for her elegant residential projects and meticulous and textural detailing.

designer-of-the-year_fiona-lynch_balwyn-residence_photo-sharyn-cairns_fiona-lynch — The work of the ‘Designer of the year’ Fiona Lynch (photograph by Dan Hocking)

Visit here for a more and to see the full list of winners.

2015 Interior Design Excellence Awards winners revealed

Showcasing the best of Australian interior design, the winners of the prestigious 2015 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) have just been announced. And my oh my, do we have some beauties!

Public-Space_John-Wardle_Melb-School-of-Design — Designer: John Wardle Architects with NADAAA Photographer: Peter Bennetts; John Gollings; Nils Koenning

Now in its 13th year, the highly coveted Overall Winner was taken out by John Wardle Architects with NADAAA for the Melbourne School of Design at the University of Melbourne. Part wonder, part utility, the building engages with students as a functional place of learning, while posing extraordinary architectural conundrums for the students to consider.

The residential winners, which let’s admit are always a favourite, saw Arent&Pyke receive the Residential Decoration award for Figtree House. Transforming a beachside Victorian terrace into a home, the design evokes different moods while still being flexible to the needs of a young family. As such, the spaces reflect their purpose: from the composed inky solemnity of the intimate formal zones to the sun bleached lightness of the casual family zones.

Residential-Single_MAKE-Architecture_Local-House — Designer: MAKE Architecture. Photographer: Peter Bennetts

The Residential Single award went to MAKE Architecture for the Local House. Inspiration for this extension came from thinking about how this family live and enjoy life. Spaces are playful – conceived more like a favourite local cafe than a private house, reflecting the family’s desire to create a home that allows them to connect with friends, family and their local community.

DOTY_Jackson-Clements-Burrows_Upper-House — Designer: Jackson Clements Burrows. Photographer: John Gollings; Shannon McGrath

Finally the Residential Multi award was received by Jackson Clements Burrows for the Upper House, which demonstrates a clarity in urban composition and a social program that engages with its context in a new and positive way. Central to the project, a communal space that is both social and environmental. The unique composition of the building allows the upper levels to float like a cloud.

The awards program receives hundreds of submissions from around the country each year and is recognised as Australia’s premium independent awards program.

For the full list of winners visit IDEA’s website.