by NEW YORK — Ami Austin, president of her Memphis firm Ami Austin Interior Design, won the Interior Design Society 2023 Designer of the Year first place award for Best Studio Design. The award was presented last Friday at the IDS National Conference Gala in New York City.
It is Austin’s 12th IDS Designer of the Year award. The Interior Design Society, founded in 1973, is one of the country’s largest design organizations serving the interior design industry.
The winning design is the Memphis retail showroom for Ami Austin Home located in Laurelwood Shopping Center. The award selection was based on studio goals, design and business impact as well as the visual before and after transformation.
In accepting the award, Austin explained her design philosophy.
“An important goal was establishing my Ami Austin Interior Design brand through the Ami Austin Home concept—taking advantage of a popular, well-located upscale outdoor retail center that attracts sidewalk traffic and shoppers,” she said. “An inviting entry showroom displays retail products and furniture in versatile vignette arrangements. Interior statement doors reveal a spacious studio work space that highlights functionality with a central work console and an easy-to-use fabric and materials library housed in retrofitted wall units.
“The entry and working areas create interactive, tactile design experiences that showcase eclectic decorating styles and stimulate imaginations for home living. And an open office area encourages visitors to talk with our knowledgeable and friendly design help. Overall, my Ami Austin Home showroom has had a very positive impact for the brand and business.”
Established in Memphis in 2004, Ami Austin Interior Design is a full-service interior design firm that provides residential, office and commercial designs regionally and nationally. In addition to design, Austin offers a wide variety of furnishings and materials including custom upholstery, bedding and window treatments.
