The refurbished Hotel Rose Bay has jointly won the 2020 Australian Interior Design award for best hospitality design. The 90-year-old Hotel Rose Bay, which was updated last year by Jonathan Richards of Sydney’s Richards Stanisich, also took out the NSW award for Best of State Commercial Design. New western Sydney performing arts centre Sydney Coliseum Theatre, at retail, dining and entertainment precinct West HQ in Rooty Hill, was awarded the prize for best public design.

Melbourne restaurant Di Stasio Citta took out the Premier Award (considered the top gong) at the awards ceremony, which was held online for the first time in its 17-year history on May 29. Di Stasio Citta also tied with Hotel Rose Bay for the Hospitality Design award.

Adelaide’s respected Leigh Street Wine Room and Melbourne Japanese diner Eazy Peazy both received commendations in the Hospitality Design category.

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Commenting on Hotel Rose Bay’s joint award for best hospitality design, the jury commented that “the project represents interior design of the absolute highest standard”.

“It’s an incredibly sophisticated response to the renovation of an iconic 1929 pub and the designers have shown remarkable skill, while also fulfilling all programmatic requirements,” said the jury. “Significantly, there’s consideration of both the materiality and motifs relevant to the building’s history, which sees the original art deco style retained yet delivered in a completely fresh, modern way.”

Hotel Rose Bay was refurbished last year – the first time in two decades – with Richards Stanisich removing its dated dark wood finishes to craft a more modern, elegant interior. A beautiful terrazzo-tiled bar was installed, with spotted gum timber, rose gold finishes and an emerald granite countertop. The ceiling has been raised and bi-fold windows open out to the street.

Of Rooty Hill’s lavish, $100 million Coliseum Theatre, which was designed by Cox Architecture and opened in December last year, the jury said it “unanimously agreed the relationship between interior design and the architectural fabric of the building is particularly successful, providing a sense of occasion through exceptional materiality and detailing. This is an outstanding civic project that creates a theatre experience accessible for everyone.”

The jury also made mention of the grand, sculptural staircase that connects all levels of the building, and said the design of the venue itself elevates the experience for theatre-goers.

View the full list of winners here.