Best of IIDA Competitions: Submit Your Best

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

A modern kitchen features a striking branch with red fruits overhead, stone accents, and brick ovens in the background, creating an inviting atmosphere.

A modern bar interior features a sleek wooden counter, a large decorative rock, and a shelf filled with various bottles. Green plant accents add freshness.

A modern restaurant interior featuring minimalist decor, a tranquil water feature, and rock elements, with elegant dining tables set for guests.

A modern, stylish interior featuring a large potted plant, sleek furniture, and dramatic red ceiling lights. Natural and contemporary design elements create a welcoming atmosphere.

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

A hospital room features a patient bed, a nurse writing on a board, large windows showcasing autumn scenery, and a cozy sitting area.

A bright, modern waiting area features playful, curvy furniture in yellow and red, with children engaged in play and adults interacting nearby.

A modern atrium features curved architectural lines, natural light through large windows, and people engaging in various activities.

An upward view of a modern building's interior featuring curved wooden surfaces, glass walls, and circular skylights.

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

A modern café interior features a vibrant blue wall, artistic circular displays, and patrons engaged in conversation and activities.

A modern banking space features a stylish staircase, cozy seating areas adorned with colorful cushions, and motivational wall text.

A stylish workspace featuring exposed brick walls, contemporary furniture, and soft lighting. People are engaged in various activities.

A modern cafe interior features exposed brick walls, a counter with coffee machines, and a woman working on a laptop at a window seat.

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

A series of modern, lit display shelves in a gallery setting, featuring wooden frames and minimalist white interiors, enhancing the space's elegance.

A modern interior featuring wooden panel walls, sleek display tables, and subtle lighting accents, creating a minimalist ambiance.

A modern interior featuring wooden walls, a geometric ceiling, and a sleek white display table with elegant objects and golden accents.

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