The Clarke Kitchen Design Contest has been spotlighting the best kitchen designs in New England for more than a decade. Every two years, Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero/Wolf/Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen, assembles an esteemed panel of judges from the design industry to select the best kitchen designs in New England. The announcement of the winners has traditionally been part of Clarke’s legendary Designer Appreciation Night, a themed evening event filled with extraordinary food, drink and entertainment held at one of the Clarke Showrooms. With Covid-19 impacting every facet of life and business, the Clarke team pivoted to create a unique virtual event to announce the 2020 Clarke Kitchen Design Contest award winners via a live-streamed presentation on Friday, May 1.
With a “Triple Crown”-themed invitation, the event featured winners in three categories: Traditional Kitchen (billed as the Kentucky Derby), Contemporary Kitchen (Preakness) and Transitional Kitchen (Belmont Stakes). Expectations were high with $15,000 in prizes being awarded to first and second place winners. Clarke President Sean Clarke and Director of Business Development Joe Tanguay (dressed in jockey silks) hosted the event from Clarke’s Boston Seaport Showroom with typically entertaining style. CEO Tom Clarke opened the awards in a video feed from his home. Dressed in dapper Derby attire, he poured a Mint Julep, the official beverage of the Kentucky Derby, to toast the design community.
Clarke received 60 qualifying entries, which were judged in advance by an esteemed panel of judges: David Andreozzi of Andreozzi Architects, Lindy Weaver of Lindy Weaver Design Associates, Paul Reidt of Kochman, Reidt and Haigh and Adolfo Perez of Adolfo Perez Architects.
In a new twist, to underscore the innovative virtual platform and Triple Crown theme, guests were invited (through their online invitation) to “Place Bets” on the winners. In addition, Clarke’s Chef Domenick created themed food and beverages for all three races, with recipes available to the guests.
The winners are…
1st Place Traditional – Michele Kelly – Venegas and Company
1st Place Contemporary – Karen Swanson- New England Design Works
1st Place Transitional – Michele Kelly – Venegas and Company
2nd Place Traditional – Robert Paladino – Mellowes & Paladino Architects
2nd Place Contemporary – Paula Accioly – Jewett Farms + Co.
2nd Place Transitional – Donna Venegas – Venegas and Company
Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to more than 150 guests who joined Clarke online for the Triple Crown event. Learn more about each of these award-winning kitchens in spotlight articles on Clarke’s blog in the weeks to come.