Participating in competitions offers an excellent opportunity to showcase and apply the skills you've learned in school. The American Standard Design Award (ASDA), presented by Lixil, allowed students to refine their craft while competing against talented designers both nationally and internationally, providing a platform for students to present their work to a global audience.
Held at the Secret Haven at Mount Sophia in Singapore on July 10, 2024, the event saw participants from across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, all contributing to the theme “Home Away From Home” in the hospitality bathroom design category.
With over 4,502 registrations, 1,129 official entries, and judged by a panel drawn from over 30 experts from the architecture, design, and sanitary ware industry, ASDA provided a platform for innovative ideas. "By creating this competition, we want to invite students to showcase their ideas that can have a massive impact on the way we look at interior design and arrange our homes," said Antoine Besseyre des Horts, leader of Lixil Global Design, Asia. "It’s a platform for students, but at the same time, it’s a great source of inspiration for us because we get many ideas about how our products can be utilized."
Audrey Yeo, leader of Lixil Water Technology, Asia Pacific, also added how the competition provides a way to develop future generations of designers. “When we thought about ASDA, it was primarily about elevating excellence and nurturing new, up-and-coming talent. That was the sole objective.” she shared. “In many ways, because we work with a lot of designers and architects in our industry, when we have conversations with them, we mention that this would be a great platform for reaching out to young students and emerging designers. We see it as a way to play a small part in developing their future. Our customers, designers, and architects were very happy to be part of this journey with us.”
Winning at the national level brings numerous benefits beyond just the honor and recognition. The APAC Grand Prize winner was awarded a total cash prize of $5,000, with each winner receiving a cash prize of $2,000 and was mentored by their national ASDA judges as they advanced to the APAC regional finals.
Celebrating excellence in bathroom design
The true reward comes when your hard work and dedication are recognized, culminating in the honor of winning national awards and proudly representing your country. From Australia to Vietnam, these future professionals showcased creativity and innovativeness that earned them the title of national winners in their respective countries.
The Philippines emerged victorious at this year’s ASDA, with Ricardo Noel Bonalos from the University of Santo Tomas winning the grand prize for his entry, “SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis.” His design prioritizes simplicity and ease of navigation while incorporating innovative elements, such as a modular shelving system that adapts to the needs of every guest.
“Beyond the financial reward, the connections I made during the awarding exhibit were priceless. Interacting with guests and fellow designers has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations. ASDA 2024 has not only propelled my career forward but has also reaffirmed my passion for design and commitment to creating impactful spaces that enhance people's lives,” shared Bonalos.
Next is Australia, where Nguyen Minh Chau from Deakin University presented "Welcome Back," a tranquil retreat inspired by the beauty of nature, featuring soft lighting, plush textures, and earthy tones. Similarly, Davy Sophonn from Kirirom Institute of Technology in Cambodia showcased a design that embraces natural elements, reminiscent of a countryside home. Her incorporation of greenery and a welcoming ambiance offers guests a sense of comfort and familiarity, reminiscent of finding comfort in their personal sanctuary.
Luist Yansen from Tarumanagara University in Indonesia showcased a fresh perspective on modern hospitality spaces familiar to many. His design, “Limitless Space, Limitless Experience,” reimagines conventional bathroom layouts by enhancing versatility and comfort. Similarly, Podsatorn Keela from Khon Kaen University in Thailand echoed this sentiment, pushing the boundaries of traditional bathroom aesthetics. His design, “Pixel Cube,” integrates customizable lighting to personalize the space, transforming it into a personal sanctuary.
Lastly, Mai Ha Vo from Danang Architecture University in Vietnam presents her project titled "Design Speaks - Through Feelings." Her design emphasizes guests' emotions, where the design approach focuses on engaging human senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste – to create unique and comfortable user experiences through sensory and interactive design.
The future of design at Lixil
As part of the benefits of being regional finalists, they were invited to an exclusive tour in Singapore, where they explored the country's architecture, visited the Lixil Experience Center, and attended a design workshop at the Lixil Design Center.
Designed to be an interactive experience rather than a standard display, the Lixil Experience Center captivates its customers, helping them appreciate and choose the products that best fit their homes.
As guests enter the experience center, they tour three different showrooms, each themed to specific products. American Standard showcases a family lifestyle, Grohe features luxurious and pristine bathroom setups, including its premium sub-brand Grohe Spa, and Inax is inspired by Japanese tradition, culture, and the seasonal changes of nature. All showrooms include shower toilets and bidet seats, baths and showers, toilets, shower enclosures, wash basins, vanities, and basin faucets.
The ASDA winners were also given an exclusive tour of the Lixil Design Center, where they gained valuable knowledge from Lixil product designers and insights from industry experts Lea Aziz, principal of Elenbee Design, and Martin Aerne, founding director of Aerne Architects and Associates. Aziz shared her expertise on designing an airport as the “window of the country,” while Aerne offered ten tips for succeeding in design competitions. Both experts imparted their extensive experience to the students, with the aim of aiding them in their future careers.
ASDA has been a momentous event for both Lixil and the participating students, who gained valuable experience and knowledge. Looking ahead, Liza Rachel Cancino, leader of Brand and Marketing Communications for Lixil Water Technology, APAC, shared that the next ASDA will be held in Manila, Philippines, and revealed the following details: “For the future of ASDA, we aim to strengthen and expand this program. The initiative will now include partnerships with leading universities and professional associations. As such, we will take a pause and return with a very strong ASDA 2026, which will open for entries in July 2025.”