Announcing the Winner of DNG 2018!

We are excited to reveal the winning mosaic of the 2018 Design ‘N Gather competition, sponsored by Bostik Smart Adhesives, at a special reception during BDNY. Architects, designers, and industry leaders gathered at the Cupola on the rooftop of The Nomad Hotel to watch the unveiling of “Starry Nights” designed by Kavitha Iyer. 

“Kavitha’s mosaic was an outstanding fit for the Cupola” says Ted Acworth, Founder & CEO of Artaic. “The scene depicted in her design captured the essence of the hotel’s rooftop – it gives the room a feeling of intimacy, as if the guests are witness to a magical night sky.”

Utilizing Artaic’s vitreous glass tiles and Bostik’s Hydroment Vivid™ grout, Kavitha Iyer’s “Starry Nights” mosaic features an abstract scene of a starry sky with low handing tree branches entwined in lights. The color palette contains moody blues, blended purples and night sky pinks with hints of gold glass tile to weave in the magic. The mosaic reimagines the simple experience of being under the “real” twinkling lights of the night sky, bringing them indoors into the Cupola’s elegant event space. 

“I wanted to bring the outdoors in, evoking the experience of a star-lit dinner inside the walls of the Cupola. It’s a simulation – as if you are dining outside surrounded by trees with the city’s lights peeking through,” says Kavitha Iyer. “I didn’t want to compete with what’s already fabulous. New York is the ultimate hero and inspiration – this mosaic is meant to complement New York’s iconic skyline, a lasting interpretation of a memory that you can’t easily recreate. Artaic’s Tylist™ program gave me creative freedom to express my vision and it’s so humbling to see it installed in a space guests can enjoy for years to come.” 

When asked if she had previous experience using the installation materials, including Bostik’s grout, Iyer’s answer was a resounding, “Yes! For so many things! I work in the hospitality industry, with a phenomenal team of creative people, who every daydream up the next guest delight and how to truly make it come to life.” 

In addition to the Design ‘N Gathers winning prize, Artaic introduced the People’s Choice Award, where the popular choice designer was awarded a dinner for two in The Nomad Hotel’s Cupola. This year, the People’s Choice Award was given to Kate Lux, designer of “The Monarchy.” The Monarchy features a flutter of the stunning Monarch butterflies, representative of the “nomadic” journey Monarch butterflies make throughout their lifespan, similar to that of the travelers that frequent The Nomad Hotel. 

Pictured below, Ted Acworth, Founder & CEO of Artaic, Kate Lux, winner of People’s Choice and Scott Banda, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Bostik. 

The winning design was graciously installed by this year’s sponsor, Coastal Tile & Marble, Inc. pictured below: Mark Sorbella, Doug Polle, Andre Segatti with this year’s winner Kavitha Iyer. 

For additional details visit designngather.com and stay tuned for future Design ‘N Gather competitions!