USE OF COLOR (Commercial)
1st Place
Greene & Co.
Photo by: Melissa Douglas
In a former car garage reimagined as a children’s hub, today the Fascination Factory in Birmingham hosts birthday parties, workshops, parent connection opportunities, and open play. The design team was challenged to take a dark and industrial space and use color to create an open, biophilic, and joyful place. Anchoring strategic pops of color and drawing attention to its mission through interactive, non-technology toys and games is key to the design’s success.
2nd Place
Amy Elizabeth Designs
Photo by: Joseph Tiano
3rd Place
Greene & Co.
with Hannah Architects
Photo by: Shelby Dubin
RETAIL INTERIOR DESIGN (Boutiques, Stores, Salons)
1st Place
Silvia Schaeffer Design
Photo by: Emin Kadi
Formerly a large office, the Eras Bookstore in Oxford was transformed into a vibrant literary haven. The client’s vision was to create distinct areas. The use of different flooring textures and colors helps achieve that goal. In the café, colorful tiles were selected, while the book section is distinguished by vinyl flooring that mimics concrete. To enhance the ambience, wooden pergolas were installed on the ceiling to mark the shop’s different zones.
2nd Place
McIntosh Poris Architects
Photo by: Karl Moses
3rd Place
VERSA Design
Photo by: Sally Matak
RESTAURANTS/BARS
1st Place
Pophouse
Photo by: John D’Angelo
In an unsuspecting alley you’ll find Detroit’s most intimate room: Saksey’s. Born from the intersection of indulgence, mischief, charm, and sophistication, this cocktail lounge is an invitation to immerse oneself within a seamless blend of opulence and warmth. The world above ceases to exist within this petite space, where elevated hospitality is bolstered by the refined use of glossy woods, sumptuous velvets, dreamy lighting, and adventurous patterns.
2nd Place
Patrick Thompson Design
Photo by: John D’Angelo
3rd Place
MCIntosh Poris Architects
Photo by: Jason Keen
COMMUNITY/OFFICE SPACE (Kitchen, Breakroom, Conference Room, Etc.)
1st Place
Davis & Davis Interior Design
Photo by: Nick Vansen
Upon entering Lucido Fine Jewelry in Birmingham, visitors are greeted by a 24-foot-long sculptural reception desk that’s centered below a raw walnut wall-to-ceiling surround illuminated by more than 150 feet of indirect cove lighting. The design team aimed to emulate the client’s reputation for showcasing beautiful and timeless jewelry in the interior and architectural design; the result is an equally high-end experience for its customers.
2nd Place
Davis & Davis Interior Design
Photo by: Peter Kubilus
3rd Place
Amy Elizabeth Designs
Photo by: Joseph Tiano
OFFICE
1st Place
Pophouse
Photo by: John D’Angelo
Nestled within Detroit’s Capitol Park Historic District is the new headquarters of Pophouse — a strategic and fitting home for the boutique commercial interior design firm. The new 5,000-square-foot office in the David Stott Building boasts a variety of spaces for use by team members and clients alike. The forward-thinking environment was designed with a hospitality-driven mindset, recognizing the need to provide a place for the team to create and thrive, yet also providing areas for socialization, collaboration, and respite.
2nd Place
Pophouse
Photo by: John D’Angelo
3rd Place
Greene & Co.
Photo by: Shelby Dubin
LOBBY
1st Place
Patrick Thompson Design
Photo by: John D’Angel
Thanks to a sweeping renovation of Detroit’s Hotel David Whitney, the interior now blends the building’s gilded grandeur with a genuine sense of approachability. The heart of the renovation is the soaring four-story atrium, which sits beneath an ornate skylight. Elaborate white terracotta stonework, rich slabs of marble and mahogany, and gold accents provide a sophisticated backdrop. At once elegant and informal, the lobby welcomes guests and locals to unwind in the city’s grand living room.
2nd Place
Greene & Co.
Photo by: Shelby Dubin
3rd Place
Davis & Davis Interior Design
Photo by: Josh Appel
HISTORIC RENOVATION/RESTORATION (50 years or older)
1st Place
Pophouse
Photo by: John D’Angelo
When Roland Berger, a global consulting firm, relocated its Detroit office to a historic site on Woodward Avenue, the firm desired a headquarters that celebrated its heritage and forward-thinking culture. The design team wanted to achieve a vibe that exuded sophistication and functionality, featuring thoughtful layers of hospitality. The result is a blend of new and historic, focused, and collaborative spaces, with ample room for making social connections.
2nd Place
Pophouse
Photo by: John D’Angelo
3rd Place
Sharon Kory Interiors
with Vivid Design Studio and The Ron Jona Collaborative
Photo by: Martin Vecchio
Detroit Design Awards 2025
Judges
Details
Exteriors
Interiors
Homes
Commercial Design
Rising Star
Readers’ Choice
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