Atlanta - Three professional associations, representing more than 90 percent of the commercial interior design, architecture and corporate real estate/workplace management sectors, have announced the winners of the Sustainable Design Leadership Awards, an international awards program. Partnering on this collaborative venture were the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Interiors Committee and CoreNet Global.

The awards recognize sustainable design leadership as articulated by advocacy, mentoring and projects that reflect consistent commitment to the principles of sustainability in professional practice. They are awarded in two categories: (1) design firms practicing sustainable architecture and interior design, and (2) corporate/organizations that have established sustainable business operations and practices which include architecture and interior design.

The design firm award was presented to Mithun Architects+Designers+Planners, Seattle. Two awards recognized operational achievements: Toyota Motor Sales, Torrance, Calif., (recognizing their achievements within the corporate, for profit, sector), and Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia (recognizing their work as a non-profit/government organization).

According to the jury, "As we become more deeply involved with the global community, we see that the decisions we make with regard to design, building and development affect everyone. This requires a more current definition of design excellence, one that balances aesthetic with social, economic and environmental aspects of the project. The winners reflect both a fresh and a solid approach to sustainable design, and the business processes necessary to achieve it. They reach beyond their own organizations to help educate their peers and, very importantly as we move on, they provide measurable metrics for benchmarking their achievements."

The Sustainable Design Leadership Awards, underwritten by corporate sponsor, Tandus, (Dalton, Ga.), are unique, according to Ross Leonard, director of architecture and design marketing: "These awards recognize those who are providing us with new ways of looking at our processes. They lead by example and through their long-term commitment to sustainability. Thanks to their efforts we are broadening our definition of design excellence and best business practices."

Special commendations were also given to HOK (St. Louis), and to Fox & Fowle New York) recognizing their pioneering efforts in the practice of sustainable architecture and interior design.