More than 300 designers, architects and friends gathered in Vancouver on April 21 to celebrate good design. The occasion was the 27th annual IDIBC Awards of Excellence, held at the Vancouver Playhouse. InterfaceFLOR provided the red carpet; radio personality Joanne Sutton hosted the event.
For this year’s competition, the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia received 72 submissions — each project completed in 2009 — in nine different categories. In the end, 21 projects in seven categories were awarded; among the winning entries were four Gold awards, seven Silver and 10 Bronze.
Best in Show went to Ocean Front Residence, which also won Gold (Residential), designed by Mitchell Freedland Design. The project — a new-construction master suite — is a 1,250-square-foot addition to a modernist beach house, located on a steep site with spectacular views. The challenge, according to the designers, “was to complement the minimal structure, while infusing a sense of warmth and originality to the new environment.” The floorplan was a direct response to the panoramic views and the building’s trapezoidal footprint; naturally, the lounge and bedroom were to engage the view.
The IDIBC handed out three other Golds. Ingenium Design Group won for Homburg Penthouse (Residential). “Through an uncomplicated, purposeful approach and utilization of a controlled and audited palette,” the submission notes, “we created an austere and polished backdrop to showcase exclusive details while emphasizing key features with accents of saturated colour.” MCM Interiors won Gold for the Vancouver Convention Centre West (Institutional & Educational Spaces). Located on Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, the building “was designed to integrate the natural ecology of the waterfront with its architecture,” by minimizing visual barriers and showcasing B.C. woods. Also taking home a Gold was SSDG Interiors for Terminal City Club (Hospitality). The clients wanted to distinguish the club from other private business clubs, by providing sanctuary and a place of retreat, while also attracting younger members. “Honouring Tradition, Embracing Tomorrow” became the project tagline.
SSDG also won a Bronze for Crossroad Dental (Healthcare + Personal Services). Other multiple winners included Stantec (one Silver, three Bronze), Box Interior Design (two Silver), Splyce Design (one Silver, one Bronze) and Heffel Balango Design Consultants (one Silver, one Bronze).
For a full list of winners, visit idibc.org