This past November, the Design Exchange in Toronto presented its annual national awards, which celebrate projects — in 12 categories — that balance function, aesthetics and economic success. Ranging from architecture and engineering to fashion design and visual communication, the 12 categories include three devoted to interior design.
Burdifilek took home the Gold in Interior Design: Commercial, for the multiple-award-winning W Hotel Downtown Atlanta — a modern interpretation of a park oasis in the centre of Atlanta’s financial district. As noted by the judges, “Scale and proportions play off one another in the double-height ground-floor space; clean lines are complemented by sumptuous textures and rich tones, accented by sculptural elements throughout.”
The Gold for Interior Design: Residential went to Perkins Eastman Black Architects, for Shelf Life — a condo reno that employs five unique coloured boxes to divide the space. “The structure of concrete columns in this 1980s development eliminated the need for shear walls and permitted demolition to open up the 1,800-square-foot space,” the judges write. “It was a chance to fill the ‘shelf’ with only the most meaningful objects.”
Cecconi Simone won Gold in Interior Design: Temporary or Portable, for Lippincott Living — a model suite with thoughtful design elements to enhance living and storage. “In smaller projects of this size, it is unheard of to build a model suite because the associated cost is amoritized over so few units,” note the judges. “In this case, however, the showroom contributed to its profitability.”
Burdifilek also received a Honourable Mention (Interior Design: Commercial), for Murale, a retail concept for Shoppers Drug Mart; and Cecconi Simone also received a Bronze (Interior Design: Commercial), for the Sub-Zero/Wolf Showroom.
For a full list of winners, visit www.dx.org. An exhibition is on display at the Design Exchange through Feb. 21.
