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The finalists
Design ◆ Interior Products
Are
Finalist
Project
Oceanic
Designer
Jodie Padgett of Camira, U.K.
Manufacturer
Camira, U.K.
Summary
One person’s trash is another person’s polyester. Camira’s ultra-durable textile is a tribute to the strength of recycling: Half of its recycled polyester yarn comes from marine plastic pollution, and the other half from plastic bottle waste diverted from landfill. Dyed with a light warp yarn and deeply saturated weft threads for a contrasting weave, the fabric is available in 16 shades, including a full range of aquatic blues and soft, sandy browns inspired by the ocean shoreline.
Finalist
Project
Dwellings
Designers
Jill Malek with Daniel Tillman of C3 Design, U.S.
Manufacturer
Jill Malek, U.S.
Summary
Taking cues from the idea of shelter at its most primitive, this collection of wallcoverings recreates the organic forms and rich textures that characterize animal habitats in the wild. Four non-repeating patterns — each custom-scaled to match a space’s specific dimensions — reflect different corners of the great outdoors. Reef recreates the look of an underwater landscape, Nest mimics woven roosts, Cocoon evokes cozy swaddling and Stalactite recalls a mystical cave environment. For those who like to run their paws along a wall, optional felt accents can be layered on top of each pattern as an additional tactile element.
Finalist
Project
Matheson Cookware
Designer
Castor Design, Canada
Summary
A must-have for any at-home chef, the cast-iron pan is one of the few kitchen products that actually improves with heavy use. With this in mind, chef Matty Matheson and Castor Design have created the ultimate cookware. It’s a reunion of sorts: Both Matheson and Castor Design are icons, if not iconoclasts, of Toronto dining and design; the heavily tattooed Matheson (who stars in his own Vice show) is a beloved restaurateur, while Castor’s Brian Richer and Kei Ng are veterans of the city’s design scene — and also among the founders of OddFellows and Parts & Labour, two restaurants that once employed Matheson. More than a decade later, the trio has reconnected to make an heirloom pan that will last for years to come.
Finalist
Project
New Horizons Collection
Designer
Michael DiTullo, U.S.
Manufacturer
Kirei, U.S.
Summary
The challenge: turn down the volume on unwanted noise without creating a space that feels strangely muted. Enter this energetic range of wallcoverings ready to elevate both acoustics and aesthetics with high-impact felt-like finishes. Five sound-absorbing products — including interlocking panels, partitions, tiles and full floor-to-ceiling solutions — are ready to address a wide range of environments in 31 bold colourways. Wave, grid and gem pattern options add a sense of depth, and the entire line is made from recycled materials to help protect the stillness of nature for many years to come.
And
Design ◆ Interior Products
The Winner
+ The Peoples Choice
Is
Project
Matheson Cookware
Designer
Castor Design, Canada
Matty Matheson: 2021 AZ Award Winner in Interior Products
Presented By: Keilhauer

A must-have for any at-home chef, the cast-iron pan is one of the few kitchen products that actually improves with heavy use. With this in mind, chef Matty Matheson and Castor Design have created the ultimate cookware.

It’s a reunion of sorts: Both Matheson and Castor Design are icons, if not iconoclasts, of Toronto dining and design; the heavily tattooed Matheson (who stars in his own Vice show) is a beloved restaurateur, while Castor’s Brian Richer and Kei Ng are veterans of the city’s design scene — and also among the founders of OddFellows and Parts & Labour, two restaurants that once employed Matheson. More than a decade later, the trio has reconnected to make an heirloom pan that will last for years to come.

The thick-bottomed skillet’s defining feature is its distinctive edge: The lip gently rises where it meets the handle, providing more surface area to collect sauces when the pan is tilted and serving as a handy resting spot for a cooking utensil.

“This understated piece takes an object that’s been around and reinvents it in such a way that it feels fresh, right down to its well-considered details.”
Paul Filek, AZ Awards 2021 Juror
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