Eat Drink Design Awards 2022: Shortlist announced

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Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington by Material Creative shortlisted for Best Hotel Design. Image: Sam Hartnett

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The Heke by Izzard Design shortlisted for Best Restaurant Design. Image: Jono Parker

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Picnicka by CTRL Space shortlisted for Best Restaurant Design. Image: Sarah Grace

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Sunset by CTRL Space shortlisted for Best Restaurant Design. Image: Sarah Grace

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The shortlisted venues for this year's Eat Drink Design Awards have been revealed, including four projects from three New Zealand practices, representing the best hospitality designs in Australasia.

Material Creative, Izzard Design and CTRL Space are amongst those shortlisted for a 2022 Eat Drink Design Award. The award winners will be announced at Two Ton Max in North Melbourne on Thursday 10 November.

Eat Drink Design Awards jury chair, Cassie Hansen explained that much like our brains reaching for crusty bread or delicious sweet gelato when we are stressed, we are craving comfort from our venues in a time of unrest.

The Heke by Izzard Design shortlisted for Best Restaurant Design. Image: Jono Parker

“We are certainly seeing a desire for nostalgia at present — diners and designers are seeking comfort to soothe our tired brains. In this not-quite-post-Covid period, the interiors and design we saw entered this year evoke a comfortable ease, and a longing for familiar and humble interiors that remind us of yesteryear — of Nonna’s house or an old pub — without simple mimicry,” said Hansen.

Picnicka by CTRL Space shortlisted for Best Restaurant Design. Image: Sarah Grace

This year the judges also considered the environmental impact and sustainability of the entrants’ designs Hansen commented.

“…The focus on our environmental impact is firmly in the crosshairs in 2022. Hospitality fitouts are notorious for being updated every few years to accommodate for changing trends or diner’s wants and needs. A wide selection of venues this year have formidable sustainability credentials, with the intent to create interiors that don’t cost the earth.”

Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington by Material Creative shortlisted for Best Hotel Design. Image: Sam Hartnett

In line with what was seen at the Salone del Mobile festival earlier this year in Milan, many of the shortlisted projects had a bold and distinctive design aesthetic. “Conversely, people are drawn to bold venues with a strong aesthetic vision and designers are responding,” said Hansen.

Sunset by CTRL Space shortlisted for Best Restaurant Design. Image: Sarah Grace

The Award categories for 2022 include:

Best Restaurant Design
Best Café Design
Best Bar Design
Best Hotel Design
Best Installation Design
Best Retail Design
Best Identity Design

The 2022 jury consists of Shannon Bennett (chef and restaurateur), Rodney Eggleston (director, March Studio), Melissa Leong (Masterchef Australia judge and food writer), Fiona Lynch (founder, Fiona Lynch Office), and Cassie Hansen (editor, Artichoke).

For more information on Eat Drink Design Awards, visit eat-drink-design.com.