July 13, 2018

The winners of the second edition of the Richelieu Awards for Young Designers were announced on June 20 during a ceremony held in Montreal. This contest provides a springboard for students and young professionals in interior design by offering participants an exceptional opportunity to stand out and get noticed. The Richelieu Awards for New Designers aim to inspire creativity in today’s designers to envision the home of tomorrow.

The winners, André Jacques—a graduate from a school of interior design in St-George-de-Beauce in Québec—and Charles Laurence Proulx and Gil Hardy-Groleau—from the design firm NÓS Architectes in Montreal—let their ideas shine by proposing well-balanced and accessible solutions. Each winner was awarded a trophy and a $1,000 scholarship.

The challenge consisted in designing a layout for an optimized and versatile living space in a 450-sq.-ft. micro-condo according to universal accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility. By cleverly using Richelieu’s innovative products, young designers shared their vision of an adaptable space that adjusts to the age, physical condition and needs of its occupants to make their life easier.

Multifunction at Richelieu revolves around the changing needs of all occupants in a home. Richelieu’s selection of innovative products helps maximize comfort and transform spaces while integrating into the decor. Furniture and specialized hardware are used to create an environment that supports inclusion, accessibility and well-being for all.

This year, some designers featured a space with accessories that adapt, transform and evolve with the needs of occupants for an optimal use of the condo. Layouts embraced the themes of universal design in every aspect, offering ergonomic storage and ease of movement for people with reduced mobility, all in an inspiring setting.

Other designers presented projects that were resolutely universal, versatile and timeless. Each area of the condo—bedroom, kitchen, living room and home office—was perfectly suited to meet the challenges of all occupants regardless of their condition while providing practical, ergonomic and valuable storage areas.