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2008 Gold Key Award Winners Announced

Roger Thomas of Wynn Design and Development named Designer of the Year, and Roger Milliken receives Icon of the Industry award.

Laurel Petriello -- Interior Design, 11/11/2008 12:00:00 AM

Roger Thomas, 2008 Gold Key Designer of the Year

This year’s run for the coveted Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design culminated yesterday morning as the 2008 winners were announced during a breakfast at New York’s acclaimed Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Sponsored by Interior Design and HOTELS magazines, the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show recognized seven national design firms for cutting-edge design concepts implemented in hospitality properties built or renovated within the past 18 months.

Upon receipt of a record-breaking 209 entries, Gold Key judges Jane Ayers of NBBJ, Robert Henry of Robert D. Henry Architects, Leland Lewis of InterContinental The Barclay New York, and Donna Rodriguez of B.R. Guest Restaurants narrowed the list to 27 final projects that were selected based on aesthetic appeal, practicality, and functionality of design.

“The design firms receiving this year’s Gold Key Awards are leaders in their field, demonstrating ingenuity and forward-thinking design,” said Lynn White, show manager. “The properties represented—whether casual dining restaurants or high-end hotels—are among the most impressive design destinations in the world.”

The Hospitality Industry Network (NEWH) opened the breakfast with the presentation of the third annual Icon of Industry award to Roger Milliken, Chairman of the Board for Milliken & Company, while Jaclyn Livelli, a senior at Savannah College of Art & Design, received the NEWH 2008 Icon scholarship award.

Closing the ceremony, Gold Key emcee and Interior Design editor in chief, Cindy Allen, graciously awarded Roger Thomas, executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, the 2008 Designer of the Year award for 30 years of hospitality design excellence in Las Vegas, NV.

The Liberty Hotel, Boston