Newcastle designer takes award for work on Ladhar bars

The director of Newcastle-based Collective Design has scooped one of the most prestigious design awards in the UK to be crowned The Interior Designer of the Year.

Simon Mcilwraith collected his prize at the 11th annual Northern Design Awards in Manchester.

This year’s Awards were the biggest ever held, with organisers welcoming more than 300 of the North’s most respected celebrates, designers and architects, plus a star-studded judging panel for a night of glamour hosted by Red or Dead founder Wayne Hemingway.

Wayne was joined by interiors expert and TV personality, Linda Barker, along with Geoff Alsop (RIBA Chairman), Nick Munro, Jan Constantine and Sir Terence Conran.

The award was judged upon Simon’s work on the interior of Newcastle’s “Pleased To Meet You” bar, which since opening its doors earlier this year on High Bridge has been become one of the most popular bars in the city.

Collective Design also worked on other Ladhar Group bars and venues such as Lady Greys and Redhouse.

Barry Ladhar of Ladhar group said: “We are so proud of this achievement. For PTMY to be acknowledged in this way is outstanding.

“We have a strong relationship with Collective design and have a number of ground breaking projects in the pipeline for 2014 which Collective are developing with us at the moment. We believe 2014 will be another successful year and we are very excited.”

Simon added: “Pleased to meet you was a privilege to work on and was both challenging and rewarding. I am so pleased that I was voted as Interior designer of the Year based on this project. It’s great to be recognised for something you love to do.

“Next year will be very special as I plan to develop some of the most stunning interior designs imaginable. I wish to create something which people have never seen before and which will expand the imagination.”

Wayne Hemingway said of his involvement with the awards: “As a proud northerner and designer, I was excited to have the honour of both judging and hosting the Northern Design Awards this year. T

“There is a great deal of passion, drive and talent in the north and these awards serve to recognise and reward those who go the extra mile. Winning such accolades can do wonders for businesses large and small.”

Simon founded Collective Design in January 2010 and has since enjoyed massive success in the world of interiors.

He featured as a finalist in the Andrew Martins review of the world’s greatest interior designers in 2011 and again in 2012.