Design Institute of Australia (SA/NT Branch) Awards 2017

The awards, which were hosted by broadcaster Amanda Blair, celebrate the achievements of the design industry and the contributions that have been made during the institute’s history.

Designed and organised by a special committee, headed up by Enoki’s Susanna Bilardo, and a team of local design professionals, the group ensured the night was one to remember. Held on the University of Adelaide lawns, the event featured catering from local food purveyors Out in the Paddock, Pizza e Mozzarella Bar, JamFace and Abbots and Kinney.

To acknowledge the work of some of the best designers produced in South Australia, the institute named 25 South Australian Design Icons who have significantly contributed to the fields of interior design, furniture, manufacturing and design education. Khai Liew, Greg Johns, Don Dunstan, Robyn Boyd and Bert Flugelman (designer of the world famous ‘Malls Balls’) were among those recognised for their incredible contribution to South Australian design.

There were a number of multi-award winning practices this year, including Genesin Studios for Viet Next Door, Parallax for a suite of wine labels and Enoki for a collection of residential and communication projects, including the type-face especially designed for the DIA awards. Of note were attractive projects by students from UniSA’s Interior Architecture program, and a multi-winning project by Industrial designer John Nicholl, for his Orthopaedic Surgical Depth Gauge.

The calibre of entries this year was evident, and to great delight, the DIA looked as though it had refocussed its efforts and produced a vibrant, engaging and thoroughly well planned event, setting the tone and the energy needed for another 25 years of success in its future.

The complete list of award winners follow below with judges’ comments.

PRODUCT

SILVER AWARDS

OBJECT CATEGORY

QUEENIE VESSELS BY SHANNON COPLEY

Copley’s experimentation with colour in resin to create tableware is refreshing, her bowls are lively and appealing.

FURNITURE AND LIGHTING CATEGORY

MILA CHAIR BY FRANCO CREA

The leather insert on the armrests was noted as a particularly nice detail as is the resolution of the attachment of the upholstered backrest.

GOODWOOD STREET FURNITURE BY GROUNDPLAY

This suite of street furniture is a bold and considered response to a complex brief and has taken its cues from the unique urban village character of this lively section of Goodwood Road.

GOLD AWARDS

STUDENT CATEGORY

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL DEPTH GAUGE BY JOHN NICHOLL

It’s impressive to see a student developing such a sophisticated tool, with the potential to simplify such an important and necessary procedure.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN CATEGORY

THE TIERS PROJECT BY PETER COOMBS EYEWEAR

These limited-edition spectacles are beautifully hand-made with subtle details and interchanging componentry making them unique to each wearer.

FURNITURE AND LIGHTING CATEGORY

VOYAGE BY NICHOLAS FULLER DESIGNER MAKER

These beautiful furniture objects hover between screen and sculpture and have been designed for both commercial and residential use.

HARVEST BY STUDIO GRAM

Embracing both traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques, Harvest has a rich tactility grounded by a simple palette of Australian Oak and Leather.

COMMUNICATION

SILVER AWARDS

DIGITAL CATEGORY

FIG TREE DIGITAL WEBSITE DESIGN BY FIG TREE DIGITAL

A strong collaboration between strategist, creative director/designer, digital developer, copywriter and photographer ensured an effective, high-quality end result.

THE FOUR MS BY MARTINS BRAND HOUSE

To express the story of the four Ms (Meaningful, Memorable, Moving, Motivational), they showcased the multidisciplinary creative team through a series of compelling moments.

DESIGN CRAFT CATEGORY

DIA SA/NT 2017 TYPEFACE BY ENOKI

This typeface is designed to intrigue and delight while depicting the act of and art of design. It simultaneously aligns itself to the Design Institute of Australia logo.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION CATEGORY

CANTINA ROTINO SPAGHETTI NO 3

The judges were very impressed with the background research. It delivered a creative modern design setting it apart from it’s competitors.

ELDERSLIE BY PARALLAX DESIGN

The art of blending – the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. An unexpected and well executed visual solution in response to the client brief.

WHISTLE BLOWER TEA CO. BY BLACK SQUID DESIGN

The finished packaging is contemporary, elegant and eye-catching with clear messaging and excellent product information.

GOLD AWARDS

DESIGN CRAFT CATEGORY

ONE SEED FLOWERS BY BLACK SQUID DESIGN

The development of brand imagery to work across digital and print applications that reflects the philosophy of One Seed Organic Perfumery.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION CATEGORY

PENLEY ESTATE HELIOS BY PARALLAX DESIGN

A very clever and well thought out extension to the Penley Estate wine stable.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

GOLD AWARDS

STUDENT CATEGORY

STUDIO 7: DROP-IN DRAWING STUDIO BY RANI ELMER

The judges were impressed by the mature approach and attention to detail, with consideration given to access for all and the ability for either interaction with others.

STUDIO 7: ATMOSPHERES (LADY GRAY’S) BY MARA MORTON

The judges were particularly impressed by the high level of research and maturity in the design process.

SILVER AWARDS

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

WALTER BROOKE STUDIO BY WALTER BROOKE AND ASSOCIATES

This project has proved to be an exemplar of what is possible when strong design vision integrates with open-minded property ownership.

GOLD AWARDS

WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI STUDIO BY WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI

This studio is at once a creative space and a space of exquisite creation. An outstanding project of the highest quality.

SILVER AWARDS

EDUCATION CATEGORY

JOHN BRAY CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, ST JOHN’S GRAMMAR SENIOR
SCHOOL BY WALTER BROOKE AND ASSOCIATES

There were many things that impressed the Jury about this project but the overall sense was of an elegant and playful facility. Attention to detail and materiality stood out as a defining characteristics, setting the project apart.

GOLD AWARDS

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT HUB BY WOODS BAGOT

Well thought out and intuitive in its planning, areas have been given identity and definition through the skilled application of materials, finishes and fittings, combined with robust detailing to ensure it can withstand rigorous use. The interior works in harmony with the architecture, each supporting the other.

HOSPITALITY CATEGORY

SILVER AWARDS

GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL, PLATINUM CLUB BY WOODS BAGOT

References that are synonymous with rail travel have been reimagined to present a space that is relaxed and elegant. The modest intervention has had a remarkable effect on the evolution of the brand and has again reinvigorated an icon.

GOLD AWARDS

VIET NEXT DOOR BY GENESIN STUDIO

This highly collaborative project evolved between client, designers, and makers. A mindful referencing of culture is paired with more luxurious finishes to clearly establish a sophisticated restaurant interior.

SHOBOSHO BY STUDIO GRAM

A sophisticated space with dark interior elements, the minimal palette creates a relaxed but refined dining experience and is well suited to a bar and kitchen that operates late into the night.

RESIDENTIAL CATEGORY

SILVER AWARDS

SCRUB AND SERENITY BY SWANBURY PENGLASE

An impressively consistent design, Scrub and serenity demonstrated what can be achieved with a restrained palette of timber and metal. Small moments of delight were highlights, and the jury could see that with time and a layer of occupation, this would be a much loved retreat.

STONYFELL STUDIO BY ENOKI

A little room that does a lot. The Stonyfell Studio is a transformative space – not only in making a delightful workspace out of a shed, but also in helping to make behavioural change in the owners and the way they view design.

GOLD AWARDS

ADELAIDE RESIDENCE BY ENOKI

An extraordinary home, the Jury was very taken by the absolute quality of both the design, execution and curation of these grand spaces. It is clear that an enormous trust has been built up between the designer and client, and it requires such trust to enable the rigour and bravado to deliver such sophisticated and unique project.

PORT WILLUNGA BEACH HOUSE BY ENOKI

The Port Willunga Beach house is inviting and welcoming – not your typical “beach” house but a place to retreat. Hints of vintage design are neither literal nor contrived, but layer a wonderfully calming and relaxing feel that the jury found hard to leave.

OUTSTANDING AWARDS

COLLABORATION AWARD

VIET NEXT DOOR BY GENESIN STUDIO

A true example of collaboration from client through to trades and artisans Viet Next Door is an adeptly crafted space that doffs the cap to the rich history of a South Australian institution with vibrant eyes to the future.

UCI AWARD

WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI STUDIO BY WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI

Respectfully acknowledging the original architecture and sensitively restoring the dignity of the formerly derelict Darling Building almost a 100 years after it was built, Williams Burton Leopardi have created a beautifully realised multi-disciplinary space that plays on its past history while recognising its place in the present. Demonstrating WBL’s capability and strengths in every way, the intelligent use of light, materials, and 21st century objects and amenities organically interwoven with the carefully preserved existing interior features of the building has resulted in the crafting of a unique and creatively inspiring space with a strong sense of community, place and purpose.

PREMIER’S AWARD

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL DEPTH GAUGE BY JOHN NICHOLL

A consummate example of perception and vision in design that clearly identifies and improves upon a process to result in positive outcomes that are far reaching, not only domestically but internationally. Ingenious, functional and valuable in all elements of its design.

CELEBRATING 25 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DESIGN ICONS

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the DIA SA/ NT Awards, 25 South Australian Design Icons from the past and present were celebrated for their contribution to the
design industry:

Brian Smyth, Bert Flugelman, David Robertson, Don Dunstan, Downforce by Simon Zappia, Dr. Andrew Welch, Gavan Ranger, GHD Woodhead, Greg Johns, Hassell, Ian Kidd, Joanne Cys, John Nowland, Khai Liew, Langdon Badger, Maryanne Milazzo, Nick Mount, Paul Hecker, Paul Huxtable, Professor Emeritus Bob Miller-Smith, Rossi Boots, JamFactory, Underdale Campus, Walkley Residence, and Woods Bagot.

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