Design competitions provide designers and design firms with exposure, portfolio building, and community engagement—IIDA competition winners represent the very best in innovative, sustainable, and visionary projects. Not only can you gain recognition and publicity for your firm’s extraordinary work, it allows opportunities for the designers to celebrate their achievements, and those of their peers. Whether you’re a winner or a finalist, placing in these competitions enhances your portfolio and connects you with the wider design community.
IIDA hosts 10+ competitions throughout the calendar year, highlighting a wide range of interior design projects in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions, large firms and firms with five (5) or fewer employees, booth and product design at tradeshows, healthcare and library design, and design in and out of the United States. Finalists and winners have the opportunity to see their work alongside the best in the industry, and to be recognized for the exceptional innovation and vision in their concepts and finished spaces by the industry at large.
Below, we look at winners from four of our 2021 competitions that reflect the diversity of thought and practice in the interior design industry today.
2021 BEST OF ASIA PACIFIC DESIGN AWARDS
Honoring outstanding creativity and design in interior design and interior architecture projects based in Asian Pacific countries across 15 categories.
Winner: Siji Minfu Restaurant (Maliandao) by Beijing IN•X Design Co., Ltd.
Project Description: Siji Minfu Restaurant redefines public catering by combining contemporary design techniques, traditional regional culture, and old architectural symbols creating a comfortable dining experience where visitors can interact with the space.
Photos by Zheng Yan
2021 HEALTHCARE DESIGN AWARDS
Honoring excellence and originality in healthcare interior design that is exemplary of extraordinary innovations in design concepts across 14 categories.
Winner: University of Virginia, University Hospital Expansion by Perkins&Will (Washington, D.C.)
Project Description: The University of Virginia, University Hospital Expansion combines the calming effects of nature with medical technology to create an environment that connects patients and staff through experiences and the familiarity of Virginia's landscape.
Photos by Halkin Mason Photography
2021 INTERIOR DESIGN COMPETITION
Honoring achievement in outstanding interior architecture and design that encourages and uses innovative interior design ideas, techniques, and furnishings
Winner: Capital One Café in Georgetown by LEO A DALY CallisonRTKL Capital One
Project Description: Capital One reestablishes the placemaking role of banking with a flagship brand experience: Capital One Café in Georgetown. Less a branch than a local social/coworking space, the café offers a cozy, tech-infused environment for neighbors to refuel, relax and recharge with interior design immersed in historic Georgetown.
Photos by Garrett Rowland Photography
2021 WILL CHING DESIGN COMPETITION
Honoring originality and excellence in commercial design from firms with five (5) or fewer employees
Winner: GMECLUX Showroom by Dialogue 38 Inc.
Project Description: GMECLUX showroom breathes functionality and form into reality with this design. The design uses quality lighting by assessing the color and distribution of light in the showroom. The design features meet the demands of the clientele and creates a unique professional environment.
Photos by Kerun Ip
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