IDAB honours country’s top interior designers with first Excellence Design Award

The Interior Designers Association of Bangladesh has introduced the 'IDAB Excellence in Interior Design Award 2024' to recognise outstanding professional achievements in the country's interior design sector.

For the first time in Bangladesh, leading interior designers were formally honoured across four categories. The gala ceremony took place this evening at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka and was attended by prominent consultants in architecture and interior design, award recipients, industry leaders, and distinguished guests.

In his opening remarks, IDAB President Syed Kamrul Ahsan said the scope of interior design in Bangladesh is expanding rapidly. The sector, he noted, is advancing towards international standards by blending creativity, modern design thinking, and local heritage. He added that hosting the awards annually aims to recognise talented designers, strengthen professional skills, and further institutionalise the country's interior design industry.

Shafiul Islam, Chairman of the Awards Committee, presented the objectives, evaluation framework, and judging criteria. On behalf of the jury board, renowned interior designer Nasrin Jameer delivered remarks. Special guest speakers included Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh; Md Asifur Rahman Bhuiya, Chief Architect at the Department of Architecture; and Dr SM Nazmul Imam, Head of the Department of Architecture at BUET.

Architect Shamsul Wares, a leading figure in the country's architectural landscape, attended as Chief Guest. He expressed hope that young designers would bring Bangladeshi creativity to the global stage and emphasised the need for structured growth and advancement within the industry.

This year's competition featured submissions in four categories—Residence, Corporate, Hospitality, and Retail—with three winners selected in each category.

•        Third prize: Presented by Masud Parvez of Gasdom; recipient: Irina Khan Mumu
• Second prize: Presented by Rubana Sadia Alam of Shanto–Mariam University; recipients: Syed Mahmud Hossain, Rafid Riasad and Md Sibat Ahnaf
• First prize: Presented by chief guest Architect Shamsul Wares; recipients: Sarwat Iqbal Tisa, Monon Bin Yunus and Rajib Ahmed

• Third prize: Presented by KSM Minhaj, CEO of Asian Paints; recipients: Sarwat Iqbal Tisa, Monon Bin Yunus and Rajib Ahmed
• Second prize: Presented by Dr SM Nazmul Imam of BUET; recipient: Architect Najiur Islam
• First prize: Presented by IAB President Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed; recipient: Architect Daniel Haque

• Third prize: Presented by Rashedur Rahman, managing director of Marble de Carrara (Pvt) Ltd; recipient: Kazi Zahidul Islam
• Second prize: Presented by Dr Md Nowroz Fatemi, head of architecture at Asia Pacific University; recipient: Rafia Maryam Ahmed
• First prize: Presented by IDAB President Syed Kamrul Ahsan; recipient: Architect Fatiha Pauline

• Third prize: Presented by Niamul Hossain Khan, managing director of Wood Tech Solution; recipient: Rafia Maryam Ahmed
• Second prize: Presented by Dr Masudur Rahman, head of architecture at Southeast University; recipient: Farhana Alia
• First prize: Presented by Ismail Hossain, managing director of Swis Global; recipient: Architect Mahmudul Anwar Riyad

Jury members received honorary crests for their contributions. They shared reflections on the judging process and the future potential of Bangladesh's interior design industry. During the sponsor appreciation segment, speeches were delivered by Ismail Hossain, Managing Director of Swis Global, and KSM Minhaj, CEO of Asian Paints.

The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by the popular band Joler Gaan, followed by dinner. The event was supported by Swis (Powered By Partner), InterContinental Dhaka (Sustainable Business Hospitality Partner), Gasdom (Exclusive Toilet Partner), Asian Paints (Exclusive Paint Partner), Marble de Carrara (Pvt) Ltd (Exclusive Floor Partner), and Wood Tech Solution Ltd (Platinum Partner).