Western Living Magazine
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The winners of our 16th annual celebration honouring the best designers in Western Canada.
It’s that time of year again. Our 16th annual Designers of the Year is here, dedicated to showcasing the absolute best in Western Canada’s design scene. From awe-inspiring architecture to captivating interiors and exquisite handmade creations, this year’s designers are truly exceptional.
Experts from around the world had the (very difficult) task of selecting the best of the best for our 2023 awards. Thank you to our judges and to all who entered—through mindful, inventive, and beautiful design, you’re making the West a better place to be.
Mark your calendars for our much-anticipated awards party on September 14, 2023, in Vancouver. And don’t forget to get your tickets here. We’ll see you there to celebrate this year’s design winners.
Now, without further ado, let’s celebrate the remarkable achievements of Western Living‘s 2023 Designers of the Year!
Architect of the Year: SMStudio
Interior Designers of the Year: Falken Reynolds
Arthur Erickson Memorial Award for an Emerging Residential Designer: Bioi
Robert Ledingham Memorial Award for an Emerging Interior Designer: Knight Varga Interiors
Fashion Designer of the Year: Noren Studio
Landscape Designer of the Year: Donohoe Living Landscapes
Industrial Designer of the Year: Propellor
Furniture Designer of the Year: Alan Hung Studio
Maker of the Year: Tanvi Arora
Designers of the Year: Ones to Watch
How did Simon Montgomery become this year’s Architectural Designer of the Year? He started by learning from legends like Peter Cardew and David Nicolay. Montgomery’s unique blend of minimalism and creativity, evident in projects like the Forest House on Bowen Island, impressed the judges. Dive into his journey and discover why he’s a rising star in architecture. READ MORE ⇒
Falken Reynolds excels in crafting designs that seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality, creating spaces that not only look stunning but are also perfectly suited for everyday living. Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds’ thoughtful approach to design has earned them this prestigious recognition. READ MORE ⇒
Bioi, this year’s WL Arthur Erickson Memorial Award winner for an emerging residential designer, is a dynamic design-build firm in Calgary known for its commitment to creating enduring structures and changing the landscape of design in the city. Jordan Allen and Raya Trefz, the creative duo behind Bioi, blend material honesty and innovative design to craft homes that stand the test of time (and our judges agree). READ MORE ⇒
Nicole Varga and Trish Knight’s story begins like a scene from a movie, their friendship blossoming over dinner in New York, eventually leading them to establish Knight Varga Interiors in Vancouver. This dynamic duo’s small but powerful team takes on global projects, combining their distinct design passions—one for details, the other for big-picture dreams—to create homes that blend West Coast modern elegance with natural warmth and earning them the prestigious 2023 Robert Ledingham Memorial Award. READ MORE ⇒
In a delightful twist of fate, Keith Lau’s family tradition of goldsmithing met Josephine Liu’s passion for design, and together, they launched Noren Studio. This extraordinary duo is redefining contemporary jewelry by seamlessly blending tradition with a fresh, minimalist narrative. With a story as enchanting as their handcrafted heirloom-quality pieces, it’s no wonder they’re this year’s WL Fashion Designers of the Year. READ MORE ⇒
Back for a second win in three years, Donohoe Living Landscapes is redefining outdoor design. From oceanfront splendor in Crescent Beach to the clever and chic in Steveston, they’re setting a new standard. Plus, they turned IDS Vancouver into a lush, unforgettable space. The judges all agreed: landscape is their canvas, and they’re painting it brilliantly. READ MORE ⇒
This year’s Industrial Design champs blur the lines between art and functionality. From sculptural lighting to massive installations, they redefine what industrial design can be. The judges were impressed by their world of multidisciplinary creativity—where every project becomes a mesmerizing focal point. READ MORE ⇒
Alan Hung, the 2023 Furniture Designer of the Year, is a relentless creative problem solver. He never stops thinking about design, transforming everyday objects into extraordinary pieces of art. Precisely this act of challenging the ordinary with innovative furniture designs is what turned the judges’ heads and earned him this year’s prestigious title. READ MORE ⇒
Meet Tanvi Arora, the 2023 WL Maker of the Year, whose love for ceramics and nature beautifully intertwines in her art. From Dubai to Vancouver, discover how her creations celebrate the raw beauty of clay and the West Coast’s natural wonders. READ MORE ⇒
Get Your Ticket to This Year’s Western Living Designers of the Year Awards Here.
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