2020 KBDi Designer Awards Winners

The Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) missed out on their traditional Gala event this year, but were delighted with the volume and quality of entries received in their 2020 program.

Members of this growing industry group traded their black ties and stilettos for tracksuits and slippers as they settled into a virtual gala experience in August, where the 2020 winners were announced.

GALLERY

Here, we celebrate those who made their way to the top of the tree, securing their positions as Australia’s finest kitchen and bathroom designers.

KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2020

The KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year is the premier award for the national organisation, with finalists required to meet a highly comprehensive set of criteria. Entrants must demonstrate impressive design skills, excellent documentation abilities and a significant commitment to their profession.

The title was duly awarded to New South Wales member, Darren Genner CKD Au (Minosa).

The judges were completely in awe of this 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 the original concept presentations to the working drawings and specifications, the project was meticulously detailed. Darren Genner CKD AU has once again proven himself to be the epitome of a KBDi accredited designer, and a very worthy recipient of KBDi’s top award.

KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year 2020 – NSW and KBDi Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year 2020

Simona Castagna (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 complemented the architectural style of the residence. The judges commended Simona on her clear and comprehensive presentation and cohesive design solution.

KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year 2020 – QLD and KBDi First Time Entrant Award (sponsored by Blum)

Alexandra Trigger (AST Design)

The client’s brief was clear: they wanted to bring their 1980s kitchen into the 21st century while retaining the essence of the architect’s original concept. The designer delivered with a well-planned layout, highly functional kitchen and thoughtful material selection. The judges commended the entrant on her great sensitivity to the existing architecture and excellent response to the client brief.

KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year 2020 – SA

Nathan Wundersitz CKD Au (Space Craft Joinery)

Nathan’s Kitchen Plus entry earned him the State award. The judges loved the warmth and practicality of this beautiful kitchen. They noted the seamless transition between spaces and commended the designer on his careful selection of finishes, fixtures and fittings.

KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year 2020 – VIC

Katherine Siketa (keta INTERIORS)

The judging panel was blown away by the transformation of this heritage apartment. The site had many constraints, and the client had high expectations for the makeover. The designer rose to the challenge, reinventing the space to create an impressive bank of storage and a delightful, practical and perfectly pretty kitchen.

The KBDi Kitchen Category Awards were proudly sponsored by Multitap.

KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2020 – VIC and KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year 2020

Olivia Cirocco (GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens)

Elegant. Sophisticated. Timeless. The judges were unanimous in their 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 great respect for the existing architecture, Olivia 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.

KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2020 – NSW

Darren Genner CKD Au (Minosa)

Natural light and a connection to nature are the key components of a wellness retreat. With out-of-the-box planning and a thoughtful selection of finishes, this designer has captured the wellness concept and delivered a truly Zen space to the appreciative homeowners. The judges commended the entrant on his outstanding reworking of an ordinary space and an overall excellent presentation.

KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2020 – QLD

Darren James (Darren James Interiors)

The owners of this Varsity Lakes house were keen to make this their ‘forever home’, and a refreshed master suite was a vital part of the project. With thoughtful space planning and beautiful material selections, the designer created a warm, luxurious and timeless retreat. The judges commended the entrant’s attention to lighting and well-considered flow.

KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2020 – WA

Kyle McGregor (Lux Interiors)

This beautiful bathroom is bathed in light, and delightfully organic in form. The judges loved the flow within the space and the gentle repetition of curves. From mirrors to basins, tapware to handles, each detail was carefully selected to create a unique and unified space, and they commended the entrant on a job well done.

The KBDi Bathroom Category Awards were proudly sponsored by E & S Trading.

Individual National Awards

KBDi Design Space Award

Olivia Cirocco (GIA Kitchens and Bathrooms)

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.

KBDi Design Space Award (Laundries)

Donna Allen (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 room isn’t all good looks, though – the layout is practical, functional and cleverly planned. A well-deserved winner, for sure.

The KBDi Design Space Awards were proudly sponsored by Cabinet Makers Insurance Brokers.

KBDi Traditional Design Award 2020

Nathan Wundersitz CKD (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.

The KBDi Traditional Design Award was proudly sponsored by Farmers Doors.

KBDi Design for All Abilities Award

Kerrie Richardson CBD Au (Lux Interiors)

As a finalist in the KBDi Certified Designers Award category, this entry caught the eye of KBDi’s Executive Director, Royston Wilson. The designer behind this entry had a brief that would be challenging for many – she needed to create a bathroom space that would be both visually stunning and optimally planned to accommodate wheelchair access and mobility. Perth designer, Kerrie Richardson CBD Au (Lux Interiors), was awarded the inaugural prize, and KBDi looks forward to expanding upon this new category in the years ahead.