APID, a newly formed Dubai-based association created to represent interior designers in the Gulf region, have hosted their first event to reward outstanding young design talent. Conducted at The Hotel Show, held recently at the Dubai Trade Center, the event was attended by Mr. Karim Rashid, whose contemporary designs have won international acclaim; making him a household name in interior design circles. In APID’s inaugural competition, Interior Design students from Universities throughout the UAE submitted designs for a range of furniture, intended for mass production in 3-5 star hotels.
First and second prizes went to American University of Dubai students, Sophie Akhvlediani and Sahar Motahari, who were presented with cheques for $2,500 and $1,500 at the APID ceremony. Entries were judged by Founder and President of APID, Mr. Kenneth Laidler, Mr. Chris Lee of Intercontinental Hotels and Mr. Guy Roukaerts of DMG Group.
“This kind of event is the very reason APID was established; to support emerging designers in the Gulf region,” Mr. Laidler commented. “The entries were of an excellent standard, and we would like to thank students from American University Dubai, American University Sharjah, Al Ghurair University and Manipal University for entering the competition.”
The competition was sponsored by Intercontinental Hotels, Fluid Production, J.C Maclean International and the Hotel Show. Entrants were judged on aspects of design which will be pertinent to their future careers; such as most innovative concept, design practicality, adherence to the brief provided and the economic viability of production.
Notes for the Editor:
About APID
The Association of Professional Designers (APID) was formed by several leading design consultancies in the UAE, and is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Now in its first year, APID aims to provide a platform for education and development within the design community through conferences, seminars, exhibitions and competitions. APID will assist in building connections within the industry to help members expand their professional prospects, through networking with colleagues and combining resources. APID considers education of students and graduate interior designers paramount in promoting professional interior design.
Photo Caption: APID members with Karim Rashid during the award ceremony at The Hotel Show from left to right: Manupriam Seth, Dinah Lazor, Hala Madfai, Fadi Riachi, Hazem El Khateb, Thomas Roundtree (Intercontinental Hotels),
Kenneth Laidler (President -APID), and Guy Roukaerts.
