Top players of the international architectural and design community, from as far away as Mexico and India, gathered at the Thompson Hotel last night as AZURE revealed the winners of its second annual AZ Awards.

These awards are one of a kind: the only international, multi-disciplinary design competition in Canada. Representing a global snapshot of the world of architecture and design, submissions were open to designers, architects, firms and manufacturers of all disciplines, as well as students in these fields.

The prestigious international jury included architect Imola Bérczi of UNStudio (Amsterdam), designer Jeffrey Bernett of Consultants for Design Strategy (New York), interior designer Elaine Cecconi of Cecconi Simone (Toronto), landscape designer Jennifer Guthrie of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (Seattle), architect Brigitte Shim of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects (Toronto) and Mike Keilhauer of Keilhauer (Toronto). In March, the expert panel conferred at Toronto’s Hôtel Le Germain, narrowing the field from an impressive 621 entries to a shortlist of 60 finalists. From there, they selected the 13 outstanding winners.

"The overall calibre of entries to the AZ Awards was especially high this year," says Nelda Rodger, editor of AZURE, "resulting in more finalists whose work met our jury’s criteria for excellence. With submissions coming from 30 countries, this competition is recognizing the best architecture and design from around the world."

During the month of April, the public was also given the chance to vote online for their favourites as the People’s Choice.

About AZURE: AZURE is Canada’s leading contemporary design magazine and one of a handful of influential design titles worldwide. The independent magazine enjoys a growing subscriber base and can be found on newsstands across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. Each issue consistently delivers lively, visually engaging, forward-looking and socially relevant coverage of contemporary design. AZURE profiles designers and architects from around the world; brings its readers breaking news on interior products and trends; showcases smart and paradigm-breaking residential and commercial projects; and investigates design issues related to our changing society.

AZURE is an indispensable source of information and ideas for architects and designers as well as design-savvy consumers. The publication continues to garner awards for its overall excellence and high standards for visual and written content. 

KEY DATES:
June 7: Announcement of winners
and People’s Choice at the AZ Awards
Gala Celebration

June 18: AZURE’s Annual Awards Issue, featuring the winning and finalist projects,
hits newsstands