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Architectural Interior Award-Winners

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Architectural Interior Award-Winners

  • The 550-square-foot unit was dilapidated and dated.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9EF%2Etmp_tcm10-1216729.jpg

    The 550-square-foot unit was dilapidated and dated.

    600

    Courtesy Studio Garneau

    Residential Architect
    2012 RADA
    Transformer Loft, New York
    Architectural Interiors / Merit
  • The new dressing room is lined with FSC-certified walnut and ample shelf space.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9EE%2Etmp_tcm10-1216715.jpg

    The new dressing room is lined with FSC-certified walnut and ample shelf space.

    600

    Bart Michiels

    The new dressing room is lined with FSC-certified walnut and ample shelf space.

  • The old kitchen was a separate space.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F0%2Etmp_tcm10-1216743.jpg

    The old kitchen was a separate space.

    600

    Courtesy Studio Garneau

    The old kitchen was a separate space.

  • The old dressing room.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F1%2Etmp_tcm10-1216757.jpg

    The old dressing room.

    600

    Courtesy Studio Garneau

    The old dressing room.

  • The new space integrates the kitchen into the main living space.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F2%2Etmp_tcm10-1216770.jpg

    The new space integrates the kitchen into the main living space.

    600

    Bart Michiels

    The new space integrates the kitchen into the main living space.

  • Its corner location means the space gets ample daylight.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F3%2Etmp_tcm10-1216782.jpg

    Its corner location means the space gets ample daylight.

    600

    Robert Garneau

    Its corner location means the space gets ample daylight.

  • The unit features a simple palette of materials to convey a sense of calm and relaxation.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F4%2Etmp_tcm10-1216794.jpg

    The unit features a simple palette of materials to convey a sense of calm and relaxation.

    600

    Bart Michiels

    The unit features a simple palette of materials to convey a sense of calm and relaxation.

  • A large sliding door allows the owner to separate the sleeping area from the main living space.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F5%2Etmp_tcm10-1216797.jpg

    A large sliding door allows the owner to separate the sleeping area from the main living space.

    600

    Bart Michiels

    A large sliding door allows the owner to separate the sleeping area from the main living space.

  • The new bathroom features blue tiles and frosted glass doors.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F6%2Etmp_tcm10-1216814.jpg

    The new bathroom features blue tiles and frosted glass doors.

    600

    Bart Michiels

    The new bathroom features blue tiles and frosted glass doors.

  • Clever built-ins and features such as a hidden hamper help the space live large.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9F7%2Etmp_tcm10-1216827.jpg

    Clever built-ins and features such as a hidden hamper help the space live large.

    600

    Robert Garneau

    Clever built-ins and features such as a hidden hamper help the space live large.

  • The loft space before the renovation.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9DD%2Etmp_tcm10-1216488.jpg

    The loft space before the renovation.

    600

    Courtesy Office of Architecture/Push

    Residential Architect
    2012 RADA
    Tribeca Loft Residence, New York
    Architectural Interiors / Merit
  • The architects gutted the space and left only the key structural elements.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9DE%2Etmp_tcm10-1216500.jpg

    The architects gutted the space and left only the key structural elements.

    600

    Kishore Varanasi

    The architects gutted the space and left only the key structural elements.

  • Living room, den, and kitchen are organized on the east side where they benefit from the natural light and views on the west side.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9DF%2Etmp_tcm10-1216512.jpg

    Living room, den, and kitchen are organized on the east side where they benefit from the natural light and views on the west side.

    600

    Kishore Varanasi

    Living room, den, and kitchen are organized on the east side where they benefit from the natural light and views on the west side.

  • Freestanding walnut cabinetry and cantilevered wet bar help define the space.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9E0%2Etmp_tcm10-1216523.jpg

    Freestanding walnut cabinetry and cantilevered wet bar help define the space.

    600

    Kishore Varanasi

    Freestanding walnut cabinetry and cantilevered wet bar help define the space.

  • Full-height sliding and accordion doors hide ample storage throughout the space.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9E1%2Etmp_tcm10-1216535.jpg

    Full-height sliding and accordion doors hide ample storage throughout the space.

    600

    Kishore Varanasi

    Full-height sliding and accordion doors hide ample storage throughout the space.

  • An axo of the unit shows the organization of the spaces.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpB9E2%2Etmp_tcm10-1216547.jpg

    An axo of the unit shows the organization of the spaces.

    600

    An axo of the unit shows the organization of the spaces.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5A8%2Etmp_tcm10-281369.jpg

    600

    Matthew Millman

    Residential Architect
    2009 RADA
    Losa Loft, San Francisco
    Architectural Interiors / Grand

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5A9%2Etmp_tcm10-281376.jpg

    600

    Matthew Millman

    Together, the Zipper and Cradle pieces define the area closest to the loft’s entry.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5AA%2Etmp_tcm10-281383.jpg

    600

    Matthew Millman

    In the living and dining space, the Hearth converges with the Scrim.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5AB%2Etmp_tcm10-281390.jpg

    600

    Matthew Millman

    A bilevel island, known as the Stage, provides some separation between the living room and the kitchen.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5BB%2Etmp_tcm10-281496.jpg

    600

    Thomas Loof

    Residential Architect
    2009 RADA
    Olympic Tower Residence, New York City
    Architectural Interiors / Merit

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5BC%2Etmp_tcm10-281503.jpg

    600

    Thomas Loof

    A glass wall separates the master bedroom from the rest of the apartment.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5BD%2Etmp_tcm10-281510.jpg

    600

    Thomas Loof

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5BE%2Etmp_tcm10-281517.jpg

    600

    Turett Collaborative Architects

    The project’s floor plan.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5BF%2Etmp_tcm10-281524.jpg

    600

    Erik Kvalsvik

    Residential Architect
    2009 RADA
    Piedmont Farm, Howard County, MD.
    Architectural Interiors / Merit

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C0%2Etmp_tcm10-281531.jpg

    600

    Erik Kvalsvik

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C1%2Etmp_tcm10-281538.jpg

    600

    Erik Kvalsvik

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C2%2Etmp_tcm10-281545.jpg

    600

    Erik Kvalsvik

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C3%2Etmp_tcm10-281552.jpg

    600

    Erik Kvalsvik

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C4%2Etmp_tcm10-281559.jpg

    600

    Muse Architects

    The project’s first-floor plan.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C5%2Etmp_tcm10-281566.jpg

    600

    Muse Architects

    The project’s second-floor plan.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5C6%2Etmp_tcm10-281573.jpg

    600

    Muse Architects

    The project’s basement floor plan.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B2%2Etmp_tcm10-281432.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    Residential Architect
    2009 RADA
    Chuckanut Drive Residence, Bellingham, Wash.
    Architectural Interiors / Merit

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B3%2Etmp_tcm10-281439.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    The architects continued the home's textured ceiling outside to form an exterior soffit.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B4%2Etmp_tcm10-281446.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    Floor-to-ceiling wood windows maximize water views from the living room.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B5%2Etmp_tcm10-281453.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    The kitchen feels expansive, thanks to well-placed windows and a warm, modern material palette.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B6%2Etmp_tcm10-281460.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    Another look at the ceiling’s seamless flow from inside to outside.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B7%2Etmp_tcm10-281468.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    The well-choreographed view from the den through the dining room and kitchen.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B8%2Etmp_tcm10-281475.jpg

    600

    The Miller|Hull Partnership

    The project’s floor plans.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD5B9%2Etmp_tcm10-281482.jpg

    600

    The Miller|Hull Partnership

    Conceptual drawings of the project’s elevations.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B11%2Etmp_tcm10-262836.jpg

    600

    Torfi

    Residential Architect
    2008 RADA
    Greenfield, Los Angeles
    Architectural Interiors / Grand

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B12%2Etmp_tcm10-262840.jpg

    502

    Torfi

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B13%2Etmp_tcm10-262849.jpg

    600

    Ralf Seeburger

    The large island anchoring the main living area conceals seven stools; its recycled rubber cladding is a durable, kid-safe surface.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B14%2Etmp_tcm10-262856.jpg

    600

    Ralf Seeburger

    This highly sustainable house takes advantage of natural daylight, passive cooling, and recycled-content materials.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B15%2Etmp_tcm10-262863.jpg

    600

    Minarc

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B16%2Etmp_tcm10-262870.jpg

    600

    Minarc

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B32%2Etmp_tcm10-262918.jpg

    600

    Dan Rockhill

    Residential Architect
    2008 RADA
    Platform House, Rural Platte County, MO.  
    Architectural Interiors / Merit

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B33%2Etmp_tcm10-262925.jpg

    600

    Rockhill and Associates

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B34%2Etmp_tcm10-262932.jpg

    600

    Dan Rockhill

    A radiant in-floor heating system picks up the slack on cloudy days.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B22%2Etmp_tcm10-262907.jpg

    600

    Halkin

    Residential Architect
    2008 RADA
    Iindustrial Loft Conversion Project, Philadelphia
    Architectural Interiors / Merit

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B21%2Etmp_tcm10-262900.jpg

    600

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B1E%2Etmp_tcm10-262879.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

    Residential Architect
    2008 RADA
    Madison Square, New York City
    Architectural Interiors / Merit

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B1F%2Etmp_tcm10-262886.jpg

    600

    Desai/Chia Architecture

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp6B20%2Etmp_tcm10-262893.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpC58B%2Etmp_tcm10-275325.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    Residential Architect
    2007 RADA
    Artist's Studio, Seattle
    Architectural Interiors / Grand

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpC59A%2Etmp_tcm10-275278.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

     

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpC58D%2Etmp_tcm10-275332.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

     

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpC58E%2Etmp_tcm10-275339.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

     

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpC58F%2Etmp_tcm10-275346.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    The mild steel-clad entryway of the old building, a former shoe parts warehouse, blends with the transitional neighborhood.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpC591%2Etmp_tcm10-275369.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

    The movable table, inspired by the work of George Nakashima, was center-cut from an old-growth tree that died naturally and retains the tree’s contours.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/RA070501104H8_2_tcm10-1690806.jpg

    600

    Benjamin Benschneider

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp1E07%2Etmp_tcm10-242316.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

    Residential Architect
    2006 RADA
    Cooper Square, New York City
    Architectural Interiors / Grand

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp1E08%2Etmp_tcm10-242323.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

    The architects anchored the loft spatially with two wood and glass cores that house the baths and a home office.

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp1E09%2Etmp_tcm10-242330.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Desai/Chia Architecture

  • http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmp1E0A%2Etmp_tcm10-242337.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

Although curb appeal is the favorite buzz phrase of real estate agents, it’s often a home’s interiors that matter most to occupants. The way various rooms feel, how they function, how they’re connected, spatial flow, and quality of light are all important factors when designing either large airy public areas or intimate retreats. The clients’ program often determines a floor plan layout, but once the plan is set, it’s the architectural detailing and finishes along with furniture and furnishing choices that create the atmosphere and quality of those rooms.

This collection of past Residential Architect Design Award winners in the architectural interiors category demonstrates what a big difference architects and designers make in creating appealing, livable, even joyful spaces. These lofts, apartments, renovated single-family structures, and even a few new houses were all recognized for their thoughtfully planned and finished interiors. The judges were won over by material choices for walls, ceilings, and floors that generate specific moods, glazing arrangements that bring natural light and ventilation deep into an interior, trim or lack thereof that defines areas, and flexible partitions or convertible built-ins that transform a cozy nook into a wide-open party space. Stephen Muse, FAIA, succinctly sums up the importance of good interior architecture and design. “The idea is to make the spaces similar enough to hold together,” he says, “but different enough that you have reason to move from room to room.”