International finals for interior designers
EMPLOYEES at a 166-year-old Gloucestershire company are celebrating after reaching the finals of two international design awards.
Alison Evans and Lynsey Rowe, who work for Cheltenham-based Obsidian Interiors, are finalists at the International Design and Architecture Awards and the Design Awards.
Obsidian is part of the family-owned Bence Group, which was founded in 1854 and is still owned by father-andson duo Chris and Paul Bence.
It has kitchen and bathroom showrooms in Cheltenham and Bourton-on-the-water.
Alison, the company’s lead designer and showroom manager, reached the finals of the Design Awards in the ‘Ultimate Luxury Bathroom Design of the Year’ category.
She also reached the final of the International Design and Architecture Awards and is now in the running for the ‘Bathroom Award’ and the ‘Kitchen Designs Over £50,000 Award’.
Meanwhile, her colleague, Lynsey, also a designer, was named a finalist in the ‘Designer of the Year – Bathroom under £20,000’ category at the Design Awards.
Alison said: “It’s amazing to be recognised for our hard work; we’ve always had a reputation for great designs, great product and a reliable team and we’re thrilled to be finalists in these prestigious awards.
“We are lucky enough to work on some fabulous Cotswolds properties, with clients who appreciate luxury and style.
“These nominations are as much for our builders and installers as they are for the designers; every project we complete is a team effort and we couldn’t do it without them.”
All builds were completed at private homes in Gloucestershire in 2019 before Covid-19, the company said.
During lockdown, Alison and her team have developed a new website, showcasing their designs and interior design services.
She added: “We are pleased with the new website which not only showcases some of our best work, but also allows clients to book a visit by one of our designers to their home.”