The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2020 | Residential Architecture & Interior Design
The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards for 2020 are almost amongst us—we speak to TDF editor Lucy Feagins about celebrating Australian design.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
Finalist in The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2020 Residential Architecture category - Davison Street by Archier & HIP V. HYPE. Photo - Tess Kelly.
This year, The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards are looking a little different as COVID-19 ruins yet more plans. However, the party continues virtually on 5th November, and the awards must go on! The shortlist reveals the top of Australian design, and the Residential Architecture and Interior Design finalists are representative of some of the most exciting projects 2020 has thrown at us.
The Design Files’ Lucy Feagins shares that what makes the list of finalists stand out is a sense of ingenuity and originality. “None of them look like each other, but rather, they represent a group of really unique, forward-thinking architects and designers carving their own way, rather than following trends,” says Lucy. “We have so many excellent designers each forging their own path.”
Faced with the difficult task of picking a favourite, Lucy instead is impressed with projects that continue to stand out and offer unique design on a limited budget. Studio Moore has two projects that were nominated in the awards that maximise a constraint budget, yet displays initiative.
“South Gippsland, The Barn and The Dairy at Ross Farm, both represent really interesting design approaches and incredible outcomes on a tight budget,” adds Lucy. Another example in Tasmania, “Hearth Studio’s ‘Slow Beam’ residence [is] a really bold, innovative interior design project that packs a punch on a small footprint.”
Finalist in the Interior Design category- Ross Farm, Barn by Studio Moore. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.
Finalist in the Interior Design category - Budge Over Dover by YSG Studio. Photo - Prue Ruscoe.
“It’s amazing to think, all of these projects were completed within roughly the same twelve months in Australia, yet there is so much variety and very little aesthetic similarity between each project.”
“We tend to place a lot of emphasis on established international names, but it’s so important to nurture the local industry and really celebrate what we are doing here too,” says The Design Files’ Lucy Feagins.
Finalist in the Residential Architecture category - Fitzroy North House 02 by Rob Kennon Architects. Photo - Derek Swalwell.
Finalist in the Interior Design category - Bourke Street Apartment by Fowler and Ward. Photo - Tom Blachford.
The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2020 is committed to reaching out to communities beyond their usual reach to increase accessibility to all Australian designers. “The result is that around 10% of our finalists this year are projects involving First Nations creatives, which is a strong increase on last year, and we are committed to build on this each year,” says Lucy.
“This year we were really proactive about inviting entries from many locations and connecting with organisations to ensure designers and creatives outside of our usual networks were encouraged to enter.”
Celebrating Australian design is at the heart of the awards and the broader reach of TDF. They set out to embrace the country’s unique position, and in doing so, give just due acclaim to inimitable style—an especially essential reminder in these times as we are forced to look local. “Australian designers design with a unique point of view and are uniquely placed to design for the local market,” Lucy explains.
Finalist in the Residential Architecture category - Quandong Cottage, the home of architectural designer Zana Wright. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.