Best Design Awards 2025
Posted October 24, 2025
Earlier this month, the Element 17 team had the privilege of attending the Best Design Awards. Held at the Viaduct Event Centre in Auckland, the awards recognised excellence across all areas of the design industry, from product, graphic, website, brand, lighting, spatial and much more.
Being surrounded by hundreds of New Zealand's top design professionals was incredibly inspiring, and reminds us of how lucky we are to work in this vibrant industry we love so much. Although we come from many different backgrounds, everyone in the room was united by one thing; our love of creativity. And what gets a room buzzing more than a group of creatives getting to share the projects they are so passionate about? Add a few wines to the mix, and the excitement is palpable.
This infectious positivity showed us how resilient the design community really is. As we all know, 2025 has been a challenging year in the business world. Knowing that the business community invests in creativity in this way is incredibly reassuring, and inspires us to strive ahead and make improvements in all areas of our work.
Yes, the night was about design and the incredible community that surrounds it, but it's also about creating places that people genuinely want to be. When a space connects with people, it becomes more than just a fit-out; it becomes part of their routine, their stories, their nights out.
That’s what we set out to do with The Loft Bar, and to have it recognised in both the Hospitality and Lighting Design categories makes it even more special. A win for design, a win for the people, and a win for the business.
Big thanks to everyone involved, and to our team for a great trip and a night that reminded us why we love what we do.