DREAM ON. THIS YEAR’S DESIGN ‘N GATHER COMPETITION BY ARTAIC ATTRACTED TALENT FROM A RANGE OF CREATIVE SECTORS. EXPLORE MARRIOTT INTL. SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER KAVITHA IYER’S WINNING VISION FOR A STELLAR MOSAIC INSIDE THE ROOFTOP CUPOLA AT THE NOMAD HOTEL.
During the first day of Boutique Design New York (BDNY), Artaic revealed the winning mosaic of this year’s Design ‘N Gather competition, sponsored by Bostik, on the rooftop of The NoMad Hotel in New York. Architects, designers, and industry leaders gathered inside the elegant Cupola event space to watch the unveiling of “Starry Nights,” designed by Kavitha Iyer, senior design manager, Marriott Intl. and a 2018 Boutique 18 honoree.
Permanently installed within the Cupola—which was originally designed as a water tower and features turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts architecture—the mosaic is an abstract depiction of a starry sky with low hanging tree branches entwined in lights. Hints of gold glass tile accent a color palette of moody blues, blended purples and night sky pinks.
“Starry Nights” by Kavitha Iyer, senior design manager, Marriott Intl. Photo: Jenna Bascom Photography
“I wanted to bring the outdoors in, evoking the experience of a star-lit dinner inside the walls of the Cupola. It’s a simulation—as if you are dining outside surrounded by trees with the city’s lights peeking through,” says Iyer, who used Artaic’s Vitreous Glass tiles and Bostik’s Hydroment Vivid Grout to create her design. “I didn’t want to compete with what’s already fabulous. New York is the ultimate hero and inspiration—this mosaic is meant to complement its iconic skyline, a lasting interpretation of a memory that you can’t easily recreate.”
At the reception Artaic also introduced the People’s Choice Awards, where the popular choice designer was presented a dinner for two in the Cupola. This year, that award was given to Kate Lux, designer of “Monarchy,” which reimagines the nomadic journey Monarch butterflies make throughout their lifespan.
Through a blind judging process, the competition’s 10 finalists (out of more than 250 entries) were selected in September based on the originality, execution and successful interpretation of thematic elements relating to this year’s location.
[header]This year’s panel of judges included:[/header]
Jake Lamstein, senior vice president and chief development officer, The Sydell Group
Jean-Gabriel Neukomm, principal, JG NEUKOMM Architecture
Joanne Yong, senior vice president & principal, Wilson Associates’ New York studio
Joyen Vakil, svp of design & development, MGM
Michelle Finn, president of Hospitality Media Group
Rob Polacek, chief creative officer, Puccini Group
Scott Banda, director of marketing & business development, Bostik North America
Ted Acworth, ceo & founder, Artaic
Some of this year’s esteemed judges at the reception (left to right): Ted Acworth, ceo & founder of Artaic; Rob Polacek, chief creative officer, Puccini Group; Jean-Gabriel Neukomm, principal, JG NEUKOMM Architecture; Michelle Finn, president of Hospitality Media Group; Joyen Vakil, svp of design & development, MGM; Jake Lamstein, senior vice president and chief development officer, The Sydell Group; Scott Banda, director of marketing & business development, Bostik North America. Photo: Jenna Bascom Photography
Founded in 2013, the annual competition encourages designers from all disciplines—ranging from architecture, product and furniture design, fashion and interior design to photography, painting and any other creative field—to create a unique piece that will have a lasting impact on the space. Participants can design up to two original mosaic renderings using Artaic’s proprietary software, Tylist, and any of the company’s Vitreous Glass tile selections and Bostik’s Dimension RapidCure Grout color variations. This year, entrants were provided a design template for the inside of the Cupola as well as background and inspiration to help get their creative juices flowing.
See below for a glimpse at the entries that earned top honors in this year’s competition.
Starry Nights
Winner: “Starry Nights” by Kavitha Iyer, senior design manager, Marriott Intl. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
The Monarchy
People’s Choice Winner: “The Monarchy” by Kate Lux, architectural & interior designer, Stantec. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
The Big Apple
Honorable Mention: “The Big Apple” by Ashley Clayton, designer, Maude Group. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Clouds
Finalist: “Clouds” by Kathleen Hogan, architectural designer, Spiezle Architectural Group Inc. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Blue Room
Finalist: “Blue Room” by Jeremy Noonan, creative director, Noonan Studio LLC. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Eternal
Finalist: “Eternal” by Sandie Turchyn, independent artist, Sandie Turchyn Watercolors. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Mourning Doves
Finalist: “Mourning Doves” by Sandie Turchyn, independent artist, Sandie Turchyn Watercolors. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Rosehips
Finalist: “Rosehips” by Lynn Heitler, artist & co-founder, LYNNEL Art to Form. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Moonlight Owls
Finalist: “Moonlight Owls” by Barbara Rush, artist, Barbara Rush Fine Art. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Mosaic Network
Finalist: “Mosaic Network” by Diana Q Saul, architect, Diana Q Saul. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
The Glade
Finalist: “The Glade” by Paul Phillips, architect, FPLA. Image: Courtesy of Artaic
Want to see your mosaic design permanently installed in an exclusive location? Visit designngather.com for additional details, including submission criteria and competition rules.