The Interior Designers of Alberta hosted the Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan Interior (MASI) Design Awards on Oct 4, 2017 in Calgary. More than 50 entries were submitted toward seven categories. The awards recognize talented professionals in the interior design industry from across Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
The interior design associations PIDIM (Manitoba), IDAS (Saskatchewan), and IDA (Alberta) partnered to create the first MASI Design Awards (previously known as the IDA Design Excellence Awards). The competition is open to all registered/professional members of the IDA, PIDIM, & IDAS. The winners were honoured for design excellence and their contribution to the built environment.
The seven Gold winners in each category were:
Category A: Office over $80/foot
Parlee McLaws LLP – Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. (formerly MartensGroup)
The relocated premises of a historic law firm (established 1889) occupy two floors of a downtown Calgary office tower. The 30,000 project incorporates design updates with an understated quality and timelessness that underpins and projects the firm’s brand. Incorporating a client-friendly, sophisticated and layered residential aesthetic, the renovations convey both the sense of quiet solidity of this 130-year old firm with the engagement and creativity of a leading, growing firm.
Category B: Office under $80/foot
Shaw Barlow Office – Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd., iN Studio Creative
When a company decided to relocate, the opportunity to build a brand new and high performing work environment became the focus. Concept development began in early 2016 to transform the very large and linear floor plate into a space that embodied the culture and work goals of the employees. Through an extensive interview and programming exercise, it was apparent that flexibility, well-being, communication and connection would be the driving force behind the design. The end result is a bright, open and dynamic layout that encourages collaboration and innovation.
Category C: Retail
Simons – McKinley Burkart
For this large scale department store, one of the goals was to conserve the architectural history of this building and integrate it with the adjacent building. In order to do this the design team focused on simple, yet powerful strategies intended to highlight and celebrate the architectural features of the building. Each department has its own unique identity, communicating the philosophy behind the clothes within the department, and evoking a distinct mood.
Category D: Hospitality or Restaurant
The Forks Market – Number TEN Architectural Group
This renovation of a historical public market was inspired by the strong industrial identity of the original building. A large variety of changes were completed; from converting horse stables to food kiosks to adding in a very popular craft beer and wine sampling area. Since the renovation, the Market stands proudly as ever, telling a story of its history while offering a modern food and beverage experience unlike any other in Canada.
Category E: Residential
Luminary Design
The objective for this project was to create an elegant, upscale home for flexible entertaining from 6-60 people. The clients wanted to have a very open design with a high level of warmth, seclusion and privacy. The main floor was to be the public entertaining area, the second floor to be the private suite and the basement to be combined family and guest space.
Category G: Institutional or Healthcare
Dental Clinic – Jennifer Buchanan Licensed Interior Design Ltd.
The 3,200 square foot dental clinic presents a modern statement with architecturally interesting features: the 3 form profile tile reception desk, textured glass clinic doors, decorative lighting and glazed walls. These features come together to create a space that is both dynamic and calm within their required areas of patient care.
Category H: Special Project
Undrcard Boxing Studio – McKinley Burkart
This space allowed the design team to implement creative strategies and design techniques to create a space that authentically embodies boxing culture. With a studio reminiscent of a nightclub, dedicated retail space for merchandise and a juice and coffee shop, this is anything but your typical fitness studio. Inspired by the boxing scene in Chicago, New York, and London, the designers aimed to create an underground, urban vibe, while still maintaining a welcoming environment suitable for newcomers and seasoned-boxers alike.
