Last week on Wednesday, February 16, I had the pleasure of attending the sixth-annual International Design Association (IIDA), Georgia Chapter Best of the Best (b.o.b.) Forum Design Awards, held at Opera nightclub in Midtown. And, I must say, this was one of the biggest, most fabulous productions I’ve been to in the city yet. Each year, the theme revolves around a different decade, and this year paid tribute to the groovy ’70s. Approximately 400 folks from Atlanta’s design industries were in attendance, festively dolled up in their most fabulous Pucci prints, Go-Go boots, afro wigs and bell-bottom pants. We all feasted on tons of delicious food and libations, with complimentary desserts at our table—quite a treat! The Design Forum Awards—which encompassed winnings for historic preservation, residential, sustainability, retail, government and more—were presented by big names in the Atlanta design community, including Herman Miller, 3form, Tandus, Shaw, Maharam and CWC, with big winners like Insight Design, TVS Design and Perkins + Will (who also took home the “best of the best” designation). And in keeping with its true award show pomp, this event featured a short film series in between award presentations, “Bob’s Angels,” playing off the “best of the best” moniker. What a fantastic occasion! As you can see below, everyone had a blast. All photographs of the fête were taken by John Clemmer of John Clemer Photography.
Jason Hyder, Elizabeth Chambley and Chris Stulpin
Bryce Otte, Terah Henderson, Elizabeth Chambley and friends
The committee who put on this fabulous shindig
The scene inside Opera Nightclub
IIDA Georgia Chapter President-Elect Michele Lyden and President John Gaul
Chris Heard, b.o.b. Awards chair Keli Lauric and Jason Haner
More glamorous attendees
Several of the night's big winners, including Perkins + Will's Joyce Fowns, second from right.
Best of the Best Residential recipients Stephanie Martinez and Allison Lanier Jones of Insight Design along with presenters Bryna Wiggins and Jennifer Hopkins
