The Design Files Awards shortlist: Celebrating creativity in all its forms

Celebrating the creme de la creme of Australian design, the shortlist for The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2020 has been unveiled.

“We are thrilled by the extremely high standard of this year’s entries,” says Lucy Feagins, founder and editor of The Design Files.

“We started the awards last year after recognising many creative practices, like handcrafts, textile design and landscaping, receive little formal industry recognition. This program provides that, allowing them to sit alongside more recognised areas like architecture and interior design.”

With a judging panel including industry leaders such as Rachel Nolan from Kennedy Nolan and Juliette Arent from Arent & Pyke, 119 finalists were selected from 500 entries across 10 diverse categories.

“It was extraordinary to see the depth in some of the entries,” says Feagins. “Not only beautiful aesthetically, many include political subject matter and socio-economic commentary that relates to the events of 2020. It’s a different feel to last year which is fascinating.”

In the Residential Architecture category, last year’s winners Vokes & Peters are shortlisted for Highgate Park House. A reimagining of an original Brisbane cottage, it is inspired by the area’s local migrant populations and their DIY construction practices.

“It takes its design cues from its family and the suburb in which it is located,” says Aaron Peters. ”It’s also an attempt to celebrate the historic character of the suburb and to preserve some small part of these fast-disappearing cultural practices.”

YSG Studio’s multi-award-winning Budge Over Dover was given the nod for Interior Design, as was Doherty Design Studio for Malvern Residence Two, and Flack Studio’s Middle Park Residence.

“Flack Studio are the stars of interior design right now,” says Feagins. “They’re well known for creating incredibly decadent design-led interiors where no detail is left untouched, and this project is no exception.”

The Landscape Design category spans residential, public and community gardens with 11 outstanding entries shortlisted, including Kate Seddon for her Danish and Japanese-inspired project The Composed Garden, and Rolling Stone Landscapes for Amongst The Trees.

“We were honoured to have Paul Bangay, one of the country’s most important landscape designers, on the judging panel,” says Feagins. “Landscaping is not usually acknowledged formally and often regarded as ‘back of house’ during a new build or renovation. This program allows them to be properly celebrated.”

Listed for Best Emerging Designer are practitioners from a number of different disciplines, from ceramists and craft to interior designers.

“I am in awe of the creative work submitted,” says Feagins. “I believe in Australia we punch above our weight creatively, and this year’s entrants show the future is bright with creatives like furniture designer James Howe and ceramicist Cassie Hansen shortlisted.”

While collaborations are not new, they are now a creative endeavour on the rise globally.

“Collaborations are being acknowledged more than ever before,” agrees Feagins. “So much so, we have a special category for them. Successful collaborations are the product of a number of talented creatives and this ensures they are all recognised equally.”

This year’s finalists span varied practices from architecture to fashion. “It’s a diverse line-up and wonderful to see examples of contemporary design informed by Indigenous craft practices and traditional carpentry,” she says.

A standout finalist is Foolscap Studio in collaboration with Manapan Furniture, Indigenous makers from Milingimbi Island in East Arnhem Land.

“They were commissioned by Melbourne Airport to make key pieces of furniture for their boardroom, CEO and adjacent meeting rooms,” says Feagins. “There are so many ways to make a table, but they chose a more challenging route with a wonderful outcome.”

The winners of The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2020 will be announced in November. To see the full list of finalists click here.