The sixth edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards has concluded, celebrating outstanding achievements in architectural and interior design that shape the global hospitality landscape. The 2025 edition attracted an exceptional response, with over 600 submissions from 64 countries, underscoring the diversity and creativity driving contemporary hospitality design.
[Switzerland] – The LIV Hospitality Design Awards proudly announce the winners of its sixth edition, honoring visionary projects that redefine how people experience hospitality around the world.
The jury panel, comprising leading architects, designers, hoteliers, and industry experts, meticulously reviewed each entry. The resulting selections reflect a broad spectrum of design excellence — from immersive restaurant environments and cultural narratives to serene resort sanctuaries and innovative spatial concepts rooted in place and purpose.
Ancient City Grand Courtyard Secluded Luxury Hotel by XIUHUAZHEN ART DESIGNCO.
In the architectural category, YongLi Red Tile Banquet Hotel by Yuanhua Zhang and team of We&Arch was awarded Architectural Design of the Year – Eating Space. Located in Chongzhou, China, the project reinterprets traditional red tile architecture within a contemporary banquet setting, creating a dynamic spatial environment that celebrates communal gathering and cultural heritage. Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, designed by Yiannis Romanos, Dimitris Karampatakis, Christina Fragkouli & Christos Spetseris of Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects S.A.and K-Studio, received Architectural Design of the Year – Living Space. The resort masterfully integrates into the Greek landscape, blending refined architecture with natural topography and local craftsmanship to create an immersive luxury retreat.
For interior design, Gongu Izakaya by Liubov Tuzovska of Tdot. Design was awarded Interior Design of the Year – Eating Space. Located in Riga, Latvia, the project offers a contemporary reinterpretation of Japanese dining culture, balancing historic architectural elements with modern detailing and atmospheric lighting. CLOUDSPA Sanctuary, designed by Wenyuan Guo of Ruize Design in Datong City, China, secured Interior Design of the Year – Living Space. This serene wellness environment transforms a traditional courtyard into a layered spatial journey, harmonizing volcanic stone, water elements, and soft illumination to foster tranquility and reflection.
DOOD by Run For The Hills
The emerging talent category once again highlighted fresh and forward-thinking perspectives. The Etherea, designed by Zeming Zhu of Art Center College of Design, was named Emerging Interior Designer – Eating Space for its conceptual multi-sensory dining environment that merges perfume artistry with culinary storytelling. La Nopaleña, developed by Mariaines Monroy Tapia, Fátima James Orozco & Mariajose Álvarez Aguilar, alongside Miroslava Petrova of Universidad de Monterrey, earned Emerging Interior Designer – Living Space. Rooted in Oaxaca’s cultural narrative, the project creates an immersive experiential space celebrating craftsmanship, tradition, and sensory design.
Founder of the LIV Awards, Astrid Hébert, expressed, “The sixth edition of LIV reflects the remarkable global evolution of hospitality design. With more than 600 submissions from 64 countries, we are witnessing projects that not only demonstrate aesthetic excellence, but also deepen the emotional and cultural dimension of hospitality. This year’s winners show how design can create meaningful, memorable experiences that resonate far beyond the physical space.””
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards continue to be a leading international platform dedicated exclusively to hospitality design, offering global recognition to designers who elevate guest experience and redefine industry standards. Winning a LIV Award brings valuable international exposure and solidifies a designer’s position among the most innovative voices in hospitality today. Congratulations to all the winners of the sixth edition!
1 Hotel Melbourne by One Design Office (ODO)
We are delighted to announce the launch of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2024 Book of Design, now available for free download on our website or for purchase on Amazon worldwide.
This exclusive publication highlights the most outstanding projects recognised in this year’s awards across Architectural Design and Interior Design within the hospitality industry. From luxury resorts to boutique hotels and visionary F&B concepts, the book features groundbreaking work that redefines guest experiences.
It also includes an exclusive interview with the LIV Designer of the Year 2024, offering insights into their creative journey, inspirations, and award-winning approach to hospitality design.
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards celebrate the creativity and expertise of architects, interior designers, and hospitality visionaries who shape the spaces where we live, relax, and connect, setting new standards for innovation, sustainability, and design excellence.
Mark your calendars! The LIV Hospitality Design Awards Ceremony is set to take place at the Shangri-La Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, on April 2, 2025.
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards is thrilled to announce that the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held at the Shangri-La Kerry Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai, China, on April 2, 2025.
To celebrate the program’s 5th anniversary, we are proud to collaborate with Asia Pacific Design Center and Hotel & Shop Plus to offer exclusive benefits to all 2023 and 2024 winners attending this remarkable event.
All participants will receive complimentary access to the four-day Hotel & Shop Plus trade show, the premier platform for hospitality and commercial space industries. Additionally, they are invited to attend conferences co-organized by the LIV Awards. This exclusive event will feature international keynote speakers and hospitality design leaders, delivering insightful roundtable discussions and thought-provoking sessions.
About Hotel & Shop Plus:
As Asia’s leading trade show, Hotel & Shop Plus takes place from March 31 to April 3, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. It gathers architects, designers, hospitality leaders, and innovators from across the globe. With over 2,000 exhibitors, the show is a one-stop platform for cutting-edge solutions in Hospitality design and architecture, smart technologies, and operational tools. This event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, inspiration, and collaboration in a rapidly evolving industry.
The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner:
The highlight of the multi-day events will be the LIV Hospitality Design Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held at the prestigious Shangri-La Kerry Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai, on April 2, 2025.
The ceremony will honour the outstanding achievements of the 2023 and 2024 winners, offering a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers and press representatives. Attendees will enjoy presentations of the winning projects, a seated gala dinner, and the chance to engage with winners, jury members, the press, and the organizing team. This special evening promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity, innovation, and networking, bringing together industry leaders and distinguished guests for a night of inspiration and connection.
Join us in Shanghai for this extraordinary celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in hospitality design. The conference program and the awards ceremony details will be communicate early 2025.
Mark your calendar – April 2nd, 2025 – and be part of this unforgettable experience!
Your design has the potential to inspire, captivate, and redefine the future of hospitality. The LIV Hospitality Design Awards celebrates the world’s most outstanding living and dining spaces—and we believe your project belongs among them.
With the final submission deadline approaching on December 15, 2024, this is your chance to share your vision with a global audience that values innovation and creativity. Don’t miss the opportunity to let your work shine on an international stage, gain recognition, and join us in Shanghai for a night of celebration and inspiration at the prestigious awards ceremony. This is your moment to leave your mark—submit your project today!
From breathtaking architectural wonders to captivating interior masterpieces, each winner represents the epitome of excellence in hospitality design. The esteemed LIV Hospitality Design Awards proudly announces the winners of its highly anticipated fourth edition, recognizing exceptional architectural ventures and interior design projects that are shaping the global hospitality industry.
The submissions for the 4th edition of the LIV Awards closed at the beginning of February 2024, with an overwhelming response from professionals and students worldwide. The jury panel, comprising experienced architects, designers, and developers in the hospitality sector, reviewed over 540 applications from 43 countries to select the most outstanding projects in each category.
In the Architectural Design of the Year – Eating Space category, Daewha Kang Design secured the title for The Grand Courtyard and Pavilion at the OWO, while Richard Parr Associates triumphed with the Restoration of the Farmyard at The Newt in the Living Space category. Gabriel Velasco, hailing from Savannah College of Art and Design, emerged victorious as the Emerging Architect of the Year with Relinquetur.
For Interior Design of the Year – Eating Space, Run For The Hills claimed the top spot with Audrey Green & Larry’s Bar at London’s National Portrait Gallery, while Lambs + Lions impressed the judges with OKU Kos in the Interior Design of the Year – Living Space category.
In the Emerging Interior Designer of the Year – Eating Space category, Jiin Park from Art Center College of Design took the honor for Radiant (Wine Tasting Restaurant), while Mihika Chatterjee from New York School of Interior Design clinched the title for Inter(Vo)ven- A Fashion Hotel in the Emerging Interior Designer of the Year – Living Space category.
Founder of the LIV Awards, Astrid Hébert, expressed, “Behind every exceptional design is a story waiting to be told. At LIV Awards, we’re not just celebrating spaces; we’re celebrating the narratives they hold and the experiences they create.”
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards proudly remain at the forefront of the dynamic hospitality industry, recognizing designs that elevate the guest experience and redefine industry standards. Congratulations to all the winners of the fourth edition!
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards recognize the excellence in Hospitality Architecture, Interior Design enhancing exceptional Guest Experiences globally. The yearly catalog showcases the LIV Awards 2022 winners in the Architecture and Interior Design categories as well as the interviews of the professionals and students’ grand prize winners.
Winners can view and download the PDF version on our website or purchase it from your preferred Amazon online store:
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.fr Amazon.de Amazon.co.uk Amazon.jp and more …
Switzerland – Zurich: The LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2023 is now open for submissions, inviting the global design and architecture community to showcase their brilliance and creativity in the field of hospitality design. Recognizing excellence in architecture, interior design, and guest experiences, the awards celebrate the diverse perspectives and innovations that shape the industry.
Renowned as an independent endorsement and an outstanding indicator of success in the hospitality sector, last year’s record-breaking 450 professional and student applications from 53 countries demonstrated the fierce competition and quality of entries received. A panel of 41 experienced architects, designers, and developers in hospitality evaluated the submissions through a multi-round voting process to select the winners in each category.
In the upcoming fourth edition of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards, a grand jury panel composed of experienced architects, designers, and developers in hospitality will evaluate the submissions and select the winners in each category. The jury members include Kavitha Iyer, Head of Design, Americas at Intercontinental Hotel Group; Luis Galofre, Director of F&B Design & Development CALA at Marriott International; Monika Moser, Chief Operating Officer at Campbell House; Mao Hua, Founder of EK Design and PP Design Gallery and Design Director of YuQiang & Partners Interior Architects Studio from China; Najee Syriani, Corporate Vice President Projects at Rotana Hotels; Marc Ledesma, Director F&B Design & Development MEA at Marriott International; and more.
Founder Astrid Hébert is excited about the upcoming edition of the awards, stating, “Celebrating the exceptional work of designers and architects is at the heart of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards. As we embark on the fourth edition of the program, we remain committed to promoting design excellence and recognizing the diverse perspectives and innovations that shape the hospitality industry. We are thrilled to welcome this year’s submissions and look forward to seeing the highest level of ingenuity from the global design community.”
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards is a groundbreaking program that stands out in the design industry. With 41 categories in the LIVING section and 25 categories in the EATING section, it’s a comprehensive program dedicated to rewarding those whose work unites creativity, and innovation, and enhances guest experience. The benefits of winning extend beyond recognition and prestige, as awardees gain new opportunities for PR and promotion, attracting new talent, and boosting team morale. Winning a LIV Award inspires confidence in guests and attracts new clients, making it an excellent investment for design professionals.
This year’s competition promises to be another exciting edition, and early submissions before July 15th, 2023, will receive a 10% discount.
Marcus at Baha Mar by Will Meyer Gray Davis
Discover the Winners of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards 3rd Edition: Honoring Exceptional Architectural Ventures and Interior Design Projects Shaping the Future of the Global Hospitality Industry.
Zurich, Switzerland – The LIV Hospitality Design Awards has announced the winners of its highly anticipated third edition recognizing exceptional architectural ventures and interior design projects that are shaping the worldwide hospitality industry today.
The program, which is an inclusive platform for exceptional projects within living and eating spaces, received over 450 professional and student applications from 53 countries. The submissions were evaluated by a panel of 41 experienced architects, designers, and developers in hospitality, who went through a multi-round voting process to select the winners in each category.
The LIV Awards celebrates the quality and diversity of projects from co-living spaces, boutique hotels, and beach resorts, to fine dining restaurants, lounges, and pop-up bars. Each project was evaluated on its own merit, rewarding the most striking designs and properties that stood out with new concepts, uniqueness, and design stories.
“Celebrating the best in hospitality design is more than just acknowledging outstanding work – it’s about inspiring and empowering designers to push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and innovation. At LIV Hospitality Design Awards, we strive to foster a global community of forward-thinking designers who are committed to shaping the future of hospitality design. With a record number of applications in the third edition, we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting and dynamic industry, recognizing the designs that elevate the guest experience,” said Astrid Hébert, Founder.
The range of work was astounding with honorees in Architecture including Olson Kundig for the design for Comedor, a modern Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin, Pure Design Studio for Avana Retreat set on a mountainside in northern Vietnam, emerging young talent from Savannah College of Art and Design, Tony Wu for Green Booster and Mansoor Al Harbi from American University of Dubai for Areesh Retreat.
In terms of interior design, the program awarded Ukranian design studio Yod Group for Terra Restaurant capturing the essence of Western Ukraine’s natural beauty and cultural richness, Not a Number Architects for MonAsty Autograph Collection drawing inspiration from the byzantine heritage of Thessaloniki, emerging interior designer Hyojung Cha from Pratt Institute for Mad For Garlic and Sarah Choudhary from New York School of Interior Design for Hotel Cirque in Montreal.
The third edition of the LIV Awards saw an array of distinguished honorees, including Kerry Hill Architect for Anantara Chiang Mai, Wilmotte & Associés for Maybourne Riviera, NELSON Worldwide for W Philadelphia Hotel, Faci Leboreiro for Green Grass Masaryk, Stickman Tribe for Ambros – The Ritz Carlton Amman, YANG & Associates Group for Qinhuangdao Marriott Resort, Emily W Design for Bussey Rooftop Bar, Yodezeen architects for Native House, and many more. For a complete list of winners, please visit livawards.com.
The LIV Hospitality Design Awards recognize the excellence in Hospitality Architecture, Interior Design enhancing exceptional Guest Experiences globally. The yearly catalog showcases The LIV Awards winners in the Architecture and Interior Design categories as well as the interviews of the professionals and students’ grand prize winners.
You can view and download the PDF version freely below or buy it on your favorite Amazon online store.
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.fr Amazon.de Amazon.co.uk Amazon.jp and more …
International architecture and design firm MG2 was the Architect of Record for The Fairmont Olympic – Grand Restoration “LIV Awards Architectural Design of the Year,” and Shannon Suess was in charge of preserving the historic elements of the property while integrating new interior design concepts. Principal at MG2 in the Seattle office, we sit with Shannon to discuss her design journey and upcoming projects.
Could you tell us a little about your professional journey?
I began my 30+-year professional journey at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. My university program offered a diverse curriculum that included industrial, product, furniture, graphic, interiors, and architectural design. I learned the importance of understanding and integrating these specialties.
My first job was with The Jerde Partnership in Venice Beach, California, where I worked on international projects. That experience sparked my interest in the “authentic place” in design. For more than 10 years I designed hotels and resorts worldwide with WATG in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2016 I joined the Seattle office of MG2 to grow the firm’s Hospitality and Interior Design studio.
How/when did you discover that you wanted to work in Architecture and Design?
I took a weekend course in environmental design, which was offered by a local college to high school students. This was where I learned to fuse my skills in art and drafting. We were exposed to furniture design, space planning, and graphic arts. The class sparked a love of design and introduced me to architecture and interiors.
What was most important for you when planning this project?
As the Architect of Record, we focused most on preserving the historic elements, while integrating new interior design concepts.
What were the biggest challenges you and your team faced on this project?
The historic renovation of a landmark building is always exhilarating, but never without its challenges. No matter what you think you know about the structure, it will always surprise you.
At the Fairmont Olympic, one of those surprises was the terrazzo we discovered under the carpeting of the main staircase and landings. No one knew the hotel’s original terrazzo floors, which had been hand laid by artisans in 1924, still existed. Replacement carpeting had already been ordered, but the unearthed floors were too beautiful to cover up. With the help of a specialist, the flooring was refreshed. The hotel’s terrazzo staircase is as beautiful today as it was almost 100 years ago.
Where do you get your motivation and inspiration for your work?
I get inspiration from meeting new people, seeing new places, experiencing new cultures—and all the other things that accompany travel. My love of hospitality design is a natural outcome. I’m a life-long learner and believe experiences shape your thinking. The more opportunities I have to travel and see the world, the more inspired I am. And the more I am able to move people’s hearts and minds through design.
What are you working on now? What is in the pipeline for you?
We are currently working on renovations to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Hotel in Hawaii. We also have several projects in the pipeline—additional hospitality renovation work as well as new ground-up hotels.
Last, what would be your best advice to young talented Designers and Architects?
Don’t be afraid of failure. Learn to be in uncomfortable situations and lean into them. You’ll never know how successful you might be unless you try—and then try again. Good design comes from the exploration of ideas. Look at every project (no matter how large or small) as a way to enhance your skillset. Attack every single one of your projects with determination and an inquisitive mind.
More information on the Fairmont Olympic – Grand Restoration / Photo Credit: The Fairmont Olympic
Founders of the YOD Group in 2004, Volodymyr Nepiyvoda and Dmytro Bonesko decided to focus on “hospitality projects” as the industry is setting trends. Winner of the LIV Awards 2021 “Interior Design of the Year”, with the renovation of the Buddha-bar New York, we sit together to look at their professional journeys and upcoming projects.
Could you tell us a little about your professional journey? Where are you from?
Volodymyr Nepiyvoda: I came from a family of construction managers. I spent my teenage years on construction sites, where I learned how to work with my hands. Then I realized what one person could do was limited. To scale big, I decided to get a degree in architecture and started working for one of the largest Ukrainian restaurant chains. There I explored how the F&B industry works from the inside. After some time, I met Dmytro and decided to run the YOD Group.
Dmytro Bonesko: I was always into art and creativity. After graduating in industrial design and before launching YOD, I worked as a graphic designer, participated in game development, and designed interiors for private jets.
How/when did you discover that you wanted to work in design?
We founded the YOD Group in 2004 in Kyiv. From the very beginning, we chose the direction: of commercial architecture and interiors, hospitality design, and development. We wanted to create restaurants, bars, hotels, and spas because we believed that the hospitality sector always takes a step forward and sets trends. In private interiors, you depend on one person whose taste may be questionable. In hospitality, your judges are hundreds of demanding people and the market. Each time you have to create something innovative, a place with a unique vibe, you have to see the hidden potential of the space and evolve the concept. We aimed to do our best, to create interiors that turn visitors into habitues and help owners build their successful businesses.
How would you characterize your winning project? What is the main idea behind Buddha-Bar New York?
Buddha-Bar New York is our biggest project in the USA. The point was to rethink the idea of an iconic restaurant chain, which first opened in Paris in the ’90s. We aimed to express the Buddha-Bar brand DNA with authenticity in the New York context.
What was most important to you when planning this project? What were the biggest challenges you and your team faced?
The biggest challenge was to persuade the client to share our vision and step out of their traditional Buddha-Bar design approach. We aimed to find new ways to express the fusion aesthetic.
What does this recognition mean to you, and why do you think these awards are important?
It is a great honor. As a Ukrainian-based company that has created a significant project in New York and gained recognition from the Switzerland-based hospitality design award, we are sure that anything is possible when you work hard and create boldly.
Where do you get your motivation and inspiration for your work?
These days, we get our inspiration from our country. Our beautiful nature and our courageous people. It feels even sharper now that the war has come to our land.
What are you working on now?
The point is that we had to adapt our work to the current situation. After the full-scale Russian invasion started on February 24, almost all projects in Ukraine were frozen or put on hold. First of all, we made sure all our colleagues were safe, and then we continued to work on our projects abroad. We rely on them to pay our bills, pay salaries to our staff, and support multiple volunteer projects and the Ukrainian economy.
We are open to international cooperation with architectural and design studios all over the world. We can definitely enrich their projects with our experience and our vision.
What is in the pipeline for you?
We are on the furnishing stage of two hotels in the Carpathian Mountains. This is Western Ukraine, the safest part of our country, where life is going on almost as before. We are working on an Asian restaurant in Germany and a few restaurants in Dubai.
We believe that Ukraine will win and remain an independent country, and one day we will rebuild our projects in Mariupol, Chernigiv, and Kharkiv, which were destroyed.
More information on the Buddha-Bar New York / Photo Credit: Andriy Bezuglov