Retail Design Institute News

The 2009 Retail Design Institute International Store Design Awards
February 1, 2010



And the Winner is...

On January 11th at the Renzo Piano designed Times Center, 200 of the retail industry's top retailers and designer gathered to celebrate the best of 2009's store designs. Emceed by Andrew McQuilkin, FRDI the event showcase store designs and design firms from around the world. In all, thirty seven awards were handed out before an energized audience.

"Tonight is a celebration of passion", was the theme proclaimed by George Homer, the Retail Design Institute's Sao Paulo Chapter President; a theme which carried into the 300 seat auditorium, where every award was met with the admiration and affection of this tight knit design community. First place and merit winner s a like where met with vigorous applause, high-fives and slaps on the back. "The Institute's awards show is different from the other awards programs, here we are all family, whether you win or lose it's great to watch everyone celebrate great design," says Steve Gardner, FRCH Design Worldwide.

"I love this venue and the food once again is terrific" proclaimed Peter-Tolin Baker, formally of Tiffany's. Catered by Abigail Kirsch, the mini appetizers and buffet enhanced to cacophony of excitement in the grand lobby as the guests anticipate the winners to be named. This year's sponsors included; Vira Manufacturing, Inc., Stylmark, Inc., Lighting Management, and VMSD (the award's program's- Media Sponsor). New sponsors this year included, Kingsmen Projects Pte Ltd from Singapore, Hudson & Broad, and Mackenzie-Childs who provided visual support by decorating the lobby the a whimsical branches and pottery arrangement.

This year's competition judging was coordinated by the Toronto Chapter by the notable judging panel. Russ Sway, FRDI (R.Sway Assoc.) Paul Felick (BuriFelick), Karen Williams (UW Studios Design Group), Robert Ruscio (Rusico Studio) and Glenn Pushelberg (Yabu Pushelberg) judged each entry with their category based on the disciplines of great store design; store planning, lighting, finishes, graphics, visual merchandising, fixturing and concept. Awards of merit and 1st places were awarded to those projects that best meet the high standards of the judges.

"Every year the international, global appeal of great store design increases. This year, almost fifty percent of all project's were either outside the U.S. or design by firms outside the U.S." announced Andrew McQuilkin, FRDI. "There be a lot of talk in the past year about how them economic times reward those who answer the call to innovation, the level of design this year far surpass any in my recollection for just the pure innovation in design."

2009 Institute Award Winners.pdf

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