Award Winners 2025

KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2025

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STUDIO MINOSA

DARREN GENNER CKD Au

The judging panel unanimously awarded Darren Genner the title of KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year, recognising both an exceptional design outcome and an exemplary standard of documentation. His Vaucluse Alfresco Project is a masterclass in elegance, function, and architectural sensitivity. Seamlessly integrated with the home and its stunning harbour backdrop, the space is beautifully zoned, finely detailed, and perfectly executed. Supported by impeccable plans and a detailed specification, Darren’s submission demonstrated the gold standard of Certified Design – meticulous, masterful, and thoroughly deserving of this national accolade.

Learn more about Darren

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Special Mention
KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year 2025

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LUKE INTERIORS

Elizabeth Luke CKD Au, CBD Au

The judges believed this project deserved special recognition for its uniquely sustainable approach. With a deep respect for place, history, and reuse, the designer lovingly reimagined a kitchen that genuinely honoured the home’s heritage and the clients’ passions. Repurposed doors, salvaged windows, a Rayburn stove, and rescued tiles were woven into a beautifully functional space, adding charm, character, and modern performance. This is a kitchen with a soul – designed to endure, delight, and tell a meaningful story.

Learn more about Elizabeth

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KBDi Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year 2025

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PAIANO DESIGN

ELIESHA KEENAN

This award-winning kitchen exemplifies excellence in design. The judges were unanimous in their praise for Eleisha’s deeply considered and masterfully crafted response to a heartfelt brief. Using tactile finishes and warm, natural materials, the design delivers a timber-rich, stone-layered space that feels both grounded and generous. With zones for connection, cooking, and quiet moments with grandchildren, the layout is as thoughtful as it is beautiful. Every detail – from the hand-shaped quartzite island to the layered lighting and concealed storage – has been carefully executed to enhance everyday living. This kitchen doesn’t just serve its purpose – it brings joy, connection, and lasting meaning to the lives of its owners.

Learn more about Eliesha

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KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year 2025

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A1 DESIGN STUDIO

BAV KIZILKAYA

For the judging panel, this serene and exquisitely detailed bathroom was the clear standout for the national title. Bav Kizilkaya created a master ensuite that feels both spacious and intimate, carefully balancing clean lines, sculptural forms, and rich materials. A custom stone vanity with seamlessly integrated basins sets the tone for a refined, minimalist aesthetic, enhanced by curved elements, brushed gold accents, and softly layered lighting. Every detail – from the sculpted shower niche to the generous skylight – was beautifully resolved. The result is a tranquil, light-filled retreat that exudes timeless elegance and understated luxury, making it a deserving winner of the Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year.

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High Commendation
KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year

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GIA RENOVATIONS

CARMEL WYLIE

The judges adored the cheerful retro revival of this sunshine-yellow bathroom. Bursting with personality, the design cleverly balances function and flair within a compact space. Vibrant mosaics, brushed gold tapware, and custom walnut joinery evoke the spirit of the 1970s while fulfilling modern needs. Careful planning and material selection – essential in a solid-brick walk-up apartment – ensured both practicality and visual appeal. The result is a warm, inviting space that’s as functional as it is fabulously fun.

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KBDi Outdoor Kitchens

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STUDIO MINOSA

DARREN GENNER CKD Au

This design ticked all the boxes for the judges, delivering a seamless fusion of functionality and flair. Integrated effortlessly into the home’s layout, the alfresco kitchen and living area strikes the perfect balance between elegance and practicality, with smart zoning and a strong connection to its harbour backdrop. Clever details, premium finishes, and a social, island-style layout enhance the outdoor experience. From game days to dinner parties, this stylish, well-crafted retreat effortlessly adapts to every occasion, looking stunning in the process.

Learn more about Darren

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KBDi Laundries

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GIA RENOVATIONS

OLIVIA CIROCCO

The judges loved the playful, practical charm of this cleverly reimagined space. By combining a laundry, mudroom, and entry into one seamless zone, the designer created a hardworking hub that adapts to the changing needs of a young family. Custom joinery, whimsical details, and a relaxed beachside colour palette turned an underused area into a warm and welcoming entry point. Smart spatial planning and thoughtful finishes make this cheerful, multi-purpose room a perfect addition to the holiday home.

Learn more about Olivia

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KBDi Design Spaces | Commercial

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DESIGNSTORY INTERIORS

LYNDEL DONALDSON

The judges were impressed by this bold and sophisticated reimagining of a corporate shell into a contemporary urban oasis. Clever zoning, strategic space planning, and thoughtful detailing delivered far more than the brief required – accommodating 19 workstations, five meeting areas, ample storage, and a welcoming kitchen hub. Rich textures, feature lighting, and a moody palette reflect the brand’s identity, while lush planting and layered finishes add warmth and wellbeing. The result is a dynamic, refined office space with purpose and presence.

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KBDi Design Spaces | RESIDENTIAL

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SPACECRAFT JOINERY

SARAH KATSAROS

The judges commended this polished reinterpretation of a traditionally utilitarian space. Balancing equestrian practicality with thoughtful design, the dual-purpose tack room and kitchenette showcases bespoke joinery, durable materials, and seamlessly integrated detailing. Reinforced saddle racks, a curved standing bar, and textured finishes reflect both lifestyle and location, while smart spatial planning guarantees daily usability and guest comfort. This is a hardworking, carefully crafted space that honours the estate’s heritage while embracing the family’s modern vision.

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KBDi Traditional or Themed Design

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STUDIO MINOSA

A hands-down winner, this project exemplifies the essence of the Traditional or Themed Design Award. The judges commended the design team’s expert balance of heritage sensitivity and contemporary practicality. Thoughtful spatial reconfiguration, concealed work zones, and timeless detailing transformed a modest 1929 home into an elegant, family-friendly space. From heritage green joinery and wainscot panelling to adaptable planning and refined finishes, every element showcases care, craftsmanship, and a genuine respect for the home’s character – past, present, and future.

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KBDi & KBQ'S People’s Choice Awards

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Winners
KBDi Student Design

The KBDi Designer Awards Student Program celebrates the emerging talent of Australia’s next generation of designers.

This competition gives students a chance to step through the full design process — from interpreting a brief to developing concepts and producing working drawings — while also giving them a taste of what it’s like to enter an industry award.

Our student finalists tonight submitted impressive simulated projects, supported by detailed drawings, 3D visuals, mood boards and more. Their nominations are a credit to their talent and hard work — and a nod of appreciation goes to their dedicated educators, too.

Huge thanks to our Education Partners for promoting this competition to their cohorts, and much appreciation to the Award Sponsor, Wilson & Bradley.

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Winner
KBDi First Time Entrant

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SALT RESIDENTIAL

VIKKI CROSSLAND

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the overall quality of this first-time submission –from the clarity of the brief and statement to the precision of the drawings and specifications. The project itself was equally commendable: a bold yet sensitive transformation that balanced modern grandeur with the charm of a heritage home. Confident spatial planning, thoughtful detailing, and a strong design narrative set this entry apart. An outstanding debut that demonstrates skill, vision, and a promising future.

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State Winners
KBDi Kitchen Designer of the Year

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AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

JEN McALISTER | DESIGNED BY JEN McALISTER

The judges were moved by the sensitivity of this project and the designer’s clear commitment to her clients’ well-being. Joining the project midway through the renovation, she reimagined the space to better support comfort, connection, and healing. Flexible zones now easily transition from intimate everyday living to large-scale entertaining, while warm, organic finishes and hidden functionality create a calm, clutter-free environment. The result is a kitchen – and home – that offers not just beauty and practicality, but renewed purpose and peace.

Learn more about Jen

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NEW SOUTH WALES

ELIESHA KEENAN | PAIANO DESIGN

The judges admired the warm, tactile elegance of this design and the thoughtful way the kitchen was zoned within an open-plan layout. A striking mix of timber and natural stone created a layered, welcoming feel, while the custom-crafted Patagonia quartzite island delivered both sculptural appeal and practical use. Clever storage, intuitive spatial planning, and purposeful lighting added clarity and comfort to the space, resulting in a kitchen that feels luxurious, liveable, and truly personal.

Learn more about Eliesha

Ashley Maddison | AM Interior Studio

QUEENSLAND

ASHLEY MADDISON | AM INTERIOR DESIGN

The judges were captivated by the aesthetic sophistication of this kitchen and the designer’s clever problem-solving around structural challenges. Honouring the home’s rich industrial past, the design adopts a bold yet refined palette, with sculptural forms and subtle storytelling elements woven throughout. A curved concrete ceiling became a celebrated feature, carefully considered in the lighting and layout. The result is a confident, elegant kitchen that supports entertaining, maximises functionality, and beautifully reflects the client’s brief and personality.

Learn more about Ashley

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

TANIA NIKOLITSIS CKD Au, CBD Au | TANIK DESIGN

The judges appreciated the designer’s thoughtful use of Art Deco influences and keen attention to detail in this all-class kitchen design. A clever reimagining of the existing layout created a seamless and respectful connection between the kitchen and dining area, while still honouring a cherished architectural feature. The outcome is a beautifully balanced open-plan layout that combines style and practicality, showcasing the designer’s ability to blend creative vision with functional, client-focused solutions.

Learn more about Tania

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TASMANIA

LYDIA MASKIELL | LYDIA MASKIELL INTERIORS

The judges appreciated the refined restraint and strong spatial resolution of this sleek, minimalist kitchen. Clever integration of concealed storage, consistent materiality, and seamless spatial flow created a clutter-free, highly functional space. A striking island anchors the area, while tactile finishes and layered lighting soften the monochrome palette. Thoughtful detailing – from the curved edges to the vertical Steccawood feature – adds warmth and sophistication. The result is a timeless, well-balanced design that makes an impact without excess and offers functionality without compromise.

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VICTORIA

GIA RENOVATIONS | CARMEL WYLIE

The judges loved the originality and personal expression in this kitchen design – a standout favourite. A complete reorientation of the space improved flow and functionality, while thoughtful zoning provided highly efficient storage solutions. The feature island, with its sculptural three-ball leg and wraparound seating, anchors the kitchen with artisan flair. Mediterranean-inspired detailing, tactile textures, and a restrained palette add warmth and personality. The result is a beautifully unique kitchen that balances creativity with well-considered practicality.

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SALT RESIDENTIAL | VIKKI CROSSLAND

The judges adored everything about this striking, well-executed renovation. With a strong sense of scale and flow, the kitchen relocation brought drama and presence to the space, improving functionality while leaving a memorable first impression. The design expertly balances old and new, honouring the historic charm of the original home while confidently embracing contemporary style. A thoughtful material palette and clever spatial planning ensure a cohesive and timeless result that captured the client’s brief and earned the judges’ praise.

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State Winners
KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year

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AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

MARIA CERNE | STUDIO BLACK INTERIORS

The judges appreciated the refined elegance and thoughtful execution of this timeless bathroom retreat. A warm, tone-on-tone palette, layered textures, and artisan finishes created a space that feels calm and curated. From the fluted vanity and zellige tiles to the soft ambient lighting and bespoke brass details, every element was meticulously considered. Clever spatial planning and high functionality were seamlessly integrated, creating a bathroom that is not only beautiful but also highly practical – an everyday sanctuary with lasting appeal.

Learn more about Maria

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NEW SOUTH WALES

BAV KIZILKAYA | A1 DESIGN STUDIO

The judges were thoroughly impressed by this serene and sophisticated ensuite. Seamlessly sculpted stone basins, soft curves, and a refined, tonal palette created a luxurious yet understated space that feels bright, calm, and timeless. Every element – from the bespoke shower niche to the integrated skylight – was beautifully considered and flawlessly executed. The clever interplay of natural materials, minimalist detailing, and architectural restraint resulted in a design that exceeded the brief and left a lasting impression.

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NORTHERN TERRITORY

JAN-MARIE JAILLEI | JMJ INTERIORS

The judges praised the clever reimagining of space in this city-coastal apartment. With smart spatial arrangements and a calm, coastal style, the designer significantly improved privacy, storage, and flow within the main suite. Moving key walls opened up generous wardrobe space and created a more practical ensuite, while thoughtful lighting upgrades increased comfort and usability. The outcome is a refined transformation that balances openness with privacy, executed with finesse and perfectly aligned with the clients’ lifestyle.

Learn more about Jan

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QUEENSLAND

ASHLEY MADDISON | AM INTERIOR STUDIO

The judges praised this daring reimagining of a master suite, where inventive spatial planning and bold design details created a space that is both highly functional and visually impressive. Smart storage solutions, layered textures, and a sculptural powder room basin improve everyday living, while careful zoning maximises a compact footprint. From the dual-access ensuite to the hidden heritage windows, every element was crafted with skill and innovation. The result is a boundary-pushing, beautifully curated space that feels both luxurious and personal.

Learn more about Ashley

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

FRANCESCA DEMICOLI | FRANCESCA DEMICOLI DESIGNS

The judges commended the serene elegance of this bathroom and the designer’s thoughtful response to both space and brief. Within a narrow footprint, the design strikes a balance between openness and warmth, combining high-end finishes, clever layout, and classic details. The bespoke sage green vanity and freestanding bath are standout features, enhanced by soft textures and a soothing colour scheme. The outcome is a polished, spa-inspired retreat that offers both practicality and luxury, perfectly aligned with the client’s vision for everyday indulgence.

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