The KBDi National Design Awards were held last month in Adelaide at a glittering awards ceremony that capped off an amazing symposium weekend. Here is a full run down of all the major award winners (chapter award winners are coming on Monday).
KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2017
Darren James CKD Au
Outstanding design aptitude, flawless documentation, technical accuracy and impeccable attention to detail made this accredited designer entry a clear winner. The two kitchen projects submitted were of the highest standard, both aesthetically and practically.
In the first entry, a challenging brief required a spacious kitchen for a family of seven.
The clients needed a kitchen that would accommodate multiple cooks, and wanted plenty of space to mill and entertain. Aesthetically, they longed to bring some urban cool in to their acreage home. The designer met and exceeded their expectations, producing a visually stunning and technically flawless design.
KBDi Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year 2017
Katia Slogrove (Germancraft Cabinets)
It takes confidence, courage and a great deal of skill to pull off a genuine art-deco kitchen, and the judges applauded the efforts of Katia Slogrove (Germancraft Cabinets). This particularly entry stood out from the rest as a ‘bold and beautiful’ solution, and the documentation supporting the design proved it was more than a pretty picture. The designer completely reconfigured the existing space to house this new kitchen, conquering a number of challenges along the way. The expansive views of the hilltop home were a key factor in the layout of the space, along with the client’s request for in-kitchen seating and ample storage.
KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year 2017
Vanessa Cook (Smarter Bathrooms & Kitchens)
With an ageing population and an increasing number of people with disabilities choosing to remain at home rather than in care, this design entry is an excellent example of what may become a typical brief, and how to best respond to ‘future-proofing’ designs to accommodate the varying physical abilities of clients. Designer Vanessa Cook (Smarter Bathrooms & Kitchens) has made thoughtful decisions with respect to layout, fixtures and fittings, designing a bathroom that is both accessible and attractive. Vanessa has finished the bathroom with timeless materials and classic styling, ensuring longevity in design. The documentation presented was clear, comprehensive and concise, and the panel commended the designer on an excellent submission.
KBDi Design Space Award 2017
Nenos Seamendo (Minosa)
The judges commended the designer on producing a well-executed solution for this crafty attic conversion. Soft yet edgy styling harmoniously connects all spaces in this parents’ retreat, while good zoning and great storage solutions make it a practical winner.
KBDi First Time Entrant 2017
Alexa Beer (Smarter Bathrooms & Kitchens)
The judges commended the exceptional space-planning skills of this first-time entrant, and applauded the designer’s confidence in presenting a transitional design style. We certainly look forward to seeing more from this designer in the coming years.
KBDi First Time Entrant 2017 (Highly Commended)
Dawn Metcalfe (Western Cabinets)
In a tough competition for the first-time entrant category award, the judging panel felt this particular entry was worth of commendation. The design submitted was of the highest standard, and documentation was very well presented. This was an impressive submission from a first time entrant, and we look forward to seeing more of this designer’s work.
For more information visit www.kbdi.org.au
