Design Alchemy

The 2008 ASID Arizona North Chapter Design Excellence Awards

BY DEBORAH PADDISON

According to Webster's, one definition of "alchemy" is the power to transform something common into something special. That's exactly what designers do — they change ordinary spaces into welcoming, comfortable, engaging spaces that enrich the fabric of our daily lives. While there's really no set recipe, it's safe to say that design alchemy requires more than a little knowledge, creativity and passion — as well as communication, imagination and ingenuity. Add a dollop of humor and a pinch of patience, and stir. The results can be truly transformative. Clearly, the winners of the 2008 ASID Arizona North Chapter Design Excellence Awards are master practitioners of the art. Judged by members from the ASID Texas Gulf Chapter, 57 projects from the total of 80 entries submitted were deemed worthy of awards in this year's residential and commercial categories. Here are the First Place winners.

Commercial

Office Over 5,000 Square Feet

Marcene Kandra, ASID
Form Design Studio, Phoenix

In a roller-coaster financial market, consumers crave solidity and substance. This classic design for the newly formed Metro Phoenix Bank underscores the impression today's financial institution wants to make: progressive, yet stable.

Best in Show, Commercial/First Place, Hospitality

Larry Lake, ASID
Inter Plan Design Group, Scottsdale

Chocolate, vibrant green and white anchor the color palette for this warm and contemporary clubhouse, which provides residents of its Cave Creek, Arizona luxury apartment complex a sense of community and intimacy.

Office Under 5,000 Square Feet

James G. Tigges, IIDA, ASID
Pinnacle Design, Inc., Phoenix

An expertise in melding interior design and landscape architecture is evident in this project, where interior spatial elements of motion, geometry and color reflect the office's surrounding environment.

Public Facility

Vanessa Chong, Allied Member ASID
Studio V Interior Design, LLC, Scottsdale

Bold shapes and colors provide a fun backdrop for Kids City, a designated children's zone within a Scottsdale resort. The interactive environment offers a variety of learning experiences.

Adaptive Use

Maika Winter, Allied Member ASID
Studio V Interior Design, LLC , Scottsdale

This modern, urban loft–style sales center in Fort Worth, Texas reflects Art Deco roots — built in the 1920s, the building was a retail and distribution center for Montgomery Ward.

Residential

Best in Show, Residential/First Place, Kitchen

Anita Lang Mueller, Allied Member ASID
Interior Motives, Inc., Fountain Hills

When two cooks with different personalities come together in the kitchen, the results aren't always appetizing. But by accommodating the best of both, this kitchen design is a recipe for success.

Residence Over 6,000 Square Feet

Janelle K. Schick, ASID
Dolcharat Sutakul, Allied Member ASID
Schick Design Group, Scottsdale

Located in North Scottsdale, this home features custom cabinetry, warm natural stone and textured finishes to showcase the client's own furnishings and massive art collection.

Residence Under 3,500 Square Feet

Ken Roberts, Allied Member ASID
Kenner Designs, Scottsdale

Santa Fe Style meets contemporary in this residence, which boasts warm hues, comfortable and cozy furnishings, a collection of ethnic artifacts and fashionable lighting selections.

Residence Between 3,500 and 6,000 Square Feet

Traci Shields, ASID
Janet Friedman, ASID
Friedman & Shields, Scottsdale

The hallmarks of this contemporary design include large, open spaces and dynamic architectural features, interspersed with vibrantly hued art and furnishings throughout.

Residential — Singular Space

Anita Lang Mueller, Allied Member ASID
Interior Motives, Inc., Fountain Hills

Simple geometric shapes combine with dramatic punches of color and quality materials to create a signature, stylish living/dining space.

Total Remodel

Anita Lang Mueller, Allied Member ASID
Interior Motives, Inc., Fountain Hills

Searching for "serenity now"? Look no further than this elegant interior, which uses a palette of hazy blue, natural green and subdued gold to create a feeling of tranquility.

Other First Place Winners

Commercial — Senior Living Facility

LuAnn Thoma-Holec, ASID
Thoma-Holec Design, LLC, Gold Canyon

Residential — Bathroom

Marcia S. Graber, Allied Member ASID
Graber Designs, Ltd., Scottsdale

Residential — Model Spaces

Janelle K. Schick, ASID
Dolcharat Sutakul, Allied Member ASID
Schick Design Group, Scottsdale

Residential — Outdoor Living Space Design

Gretchen L. Palmer, Allied Member ASID
PHG Development, Scottsdale

Product Design, Furniture

Anita Lang Mueller, Allied Member ASID
Interior Motives, Inc., Fountain Hills

Product Design, Fixtures

Katherine Lockett-Pullen, Allied Member ASID
Studio V Interior Design, LLC, Scottsdale

Industry Partner Product Design: For a Product Line

Helser Brothers, Inc., Chandler

Industry Partner Product Design: Designer Specific

Allan Rosenthal
European Design, Scottsdale