Photo courtesy NORR Limited, Architects & Engineers. Image © Steven Evans, Steven Evans Photography

At its annual NeoCon Canada show, ARIDO handed out 17 Awards of Merit. The Renfrew County Courthouse in Pembroke, Ont., by Attilio Labriola/Norr Limited Architects and Engineers, earned one for deftly pairing existing heritage with new elements.(Interior photo below.)

Last month, the IIDEX/NeoCon Canada show was abuzz with awards, exhibitors, seminars, and speakers at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. As one of the country's largest expositions and conferences for the design, construction, and management of the built environment, the show included more than 16,000 registered attendees, over 1000 products on display, and 80-plus award winners.

Among the winners were recipients of the 24^th annual Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) Awards of Excellence. The following six projects received an Award of Excellence:
• Osler Chalet, by Connie Braemer/Connie Braemer Design;
• Butterflies and Plants, Partners in Evolution, by Fang-Pin Lee/Reich+Petch Design International;
• Private Residence, by Elaine Cecconi/Cecconi Simone;
• Pengrowth Corporation, by Sharon Martens/Martens Group Licensed Interior Design Studio; and
• Kasian Toronto Office and Touchdown Area, both by Dean Matsumoto/Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning.

Photo courtesy NORR Limited, Architects & Engineers. Image © Shai Gil, Insite Photography

Also announced were the winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards, run by the Interior Designers of Canada and Merchandise Mart Properties. Fifty-three recipients were honoured for achievement in new product design.

More fanfare and festivities can be expected at next year's show, which marks the 25^th anniversary of IIDEX/NeoCon and the 75^th anniversary of ARIDO. The 2009 show will be held September 24 to 25.