The KBDi National Designer Awards were announced last month during a first-for-KBDi online awards ceremony that celebrated the top echelon of designers in Australia. And the winners are:
Australian Certified Designer – Darren Genner CKD Au of Minosa
The judges were completely in awe of Darren’s triumphant design. The designer demonstrated great skill and tenacity, conquering the surprises and constraints that arose throughout the process with practical and original flair. The panel commended the exceptional level of documentation: from concepts to working drawings and specifications, the project was meticulously detailed. The entrant has proven himself to be the epitome of an accredited designer, and is a very worthy recipient of KBDi’s premier award.
Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year – Olivia Cirocco of GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Elegant. Sophisticated. Timeless. The judges were unanimous in this decision: the designer delivered a stunning and sensitive makeover to this heritage-listed, classic Edwardian home, and was deemed a worthy winner of this highly coveted award. With careful planning and a great respect for the existing architecture, the entrant presented an ensuite design that will suit many generations to come. The judges commended the designer on her clear and concise documentation, and exceptional eye for detail.
Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year – Simona Castagna of Minosa
What’s not to love about this kitchen? This exceptional home needed a suitably stylish kitchen: the designer presented an integrative, functional and visually stunning solution that met the clients’ brief and paid homage to the architectural style of the residence. The judges commended the designer on her clear and comprehensive presentation and cohesive design solution.
Australian Design Space – Olivia Cirocco of GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
The client’s brief was clear: this entry needed to have wow-factor, and be a contemporary take on Art Deco styling. And wow-indeed – this designer delivered! The judges loved the bravery and boldness of this design, combined with the fastidious attention to decorative details. The entrant submitted a persuasive concept and cohesive drawing set, and was a hands-down winner for the panel.
Australian Design Space (Laundries) – Donna Allen of The Space Within
Donna’s clients were looking for a reinvention of their laundry: they wanted an injection of fun into an otherwise boring space. The designer took this brief and soared, playing with custom wallpaper, terrazzo flooring and a gloriously glossy green splashback. The space isn’t all good looks, though – the layout is practical, functional and cleverly planned. A well-deserved winner, for sure.
Australian Design for all Abilities – Kerrie Richardson of Lux Interiors
The designer behind this entry had a brief that would be challenging to many – she needed to create a bathroom space that would be both visually stunning and optimally planned to accommodate wheelchair access and mobility.
Australian Traditional Design – Nathan Wundersitz of Space Craft Joinery
Nathan’s quirky clients were vintage collectors and artistic types, and they wanted a 50s-inspired kitchen to reflect their eclectic tastes. Their budget presented some challenges, but the designer delivered a stand-out space with cleverly curated details. Curved ribbing, gorgeously profiled door and drawer fronts and super-cute knobs are a generous nod to the fifties style, while blackwood detailing links the kitchen to the clients’ vintage pieces.
First Time Entrant – Alexandra Trigger of ASTdesign
The panel was hugely impressed with Alexandra’s stunning design. The home presented many outstanding features, and the designer showed great restraint, respect and vision in creating a kitchen that enhanced the space without competing with the architecture. Alexandra’s submission was clearly set out and very well-documented, and the judges look forward to seeing more of her work in future.
For more information visit kbdimembers.org.au/2020-kbdi-designer-awards-winners/
