Interior designers scoop rare double win in industry awards
TWO designers based in Gloucestershire have been recognised for their creativity, winning prestigious awards for their hard work.
Alison Evans and Lynsey Rowe, from Obsidian Interiors in Cheltenham, say this is a massive achievement because the projects they have worked on as interior designers, involving kitchens and bathrooms, now make them stand out among business competitors.
As part of independent builders merchants Bence based in the town, both Alison and Lynsey beat 700 entrants across the country to win two categories at the Quooker designerati Awards 2023 with Lynsey winning Bathroom Designer of the Year (Under £15k) and Alison walking off with Bathroom Designer of the Year (Over £15k).
Alison’s design was based on an Italian hotel suite, which she installed into a period Cheltenham home.
She said: “I’m so proud to have won this award, which is a massive achievement considering there were over 700 entries and competition was tough. It’s lovely having a judging panel who recognised my project, my design and my eye for detail and understood the process behind the finished project, something most people just don’t see. I’m really thrilled.”
Lynsey was also a finalist in the Super Lux Design – Bathroom category.
Her interior design skills were challenged with designing a bathroom in a listed building in Cheltenham, which came with many building restrictions.
Lynsey said: “Initially I was so honoured to be a finalist for both Bathroom Designer of the Year (under £15k) and
Super Lux Design – Bathroom, and to walk away with an award leaves me feeling proud of what we can achieve with hard work, vision and creativity. The designerati team hosted a brilliant day which I was delighted to be a part of.”
Expanding the business is now the aim, with Obsidian already boasting a broad range of clients.
Alison adds: “It is a constant job, where you’re working on 15 to 20 projects at the same time. It is hard work, where it’s more than just seeing the designs at our showroom, as behind the scenes there’s so much project management, building work and communications.”
Martin Allen-smith, editor of designerati, said: “The quality of entries across the bathroom categories is always exceptionally high so it’s very rare to see a ‘double win.’
“Many congratulations to Obsidian Interiors for scooping both the Bathroom Designer of the Year (Under £15k) and Bathroom Designer of the Year (Over £15k) categories, and for achieving this with two such contrasting and highly creative projects.”