As a category in the 2021 INDE.Awards, The Influencer is in a league of its own. Throughout our Indo-Pacific region there are buildings that are exemplars, that stand the test of time, make an impression and leave a legacy and The Influencer category seeks to celebrate projects such as this.

The Influencer is a product or project that represents how design impacts our region and the world at large and demonstrates how progressive design can improve the world.

INDE.Awards 2020 ‘The Influencer’ category winner, Riverbend, Bambu Indah by IBUKA. Photo by Stefano Scata

The qualities and characteristics under consideration for The Influencer award include: demonstrated focus on the needs of people, and the project or product’s ability to serve this in an original and creative format.

To enter The Influencer the project or product will be distinctive in its concept and purpose, and demonstrate real outcomes as a result of its design. It will serve as a shining example of the region’s experimental and visionary approach to architecture and design for the good of people.

To be eligible for this category your project and your studio must be located in the Indo-Pacific region and the project must have been completed between 1 September 2019 and 19 February 2021.

As supporter of The Influencer in this year’s INDE.Awards, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is deeply committed to recognising and supporting best practice.

Regional Director American Hardwood Exports Council Oceania, India, MENA, Rod Wiles commented, “The Influencer category is all about setting the design agenda for the future and a significant part of that is thinking about the impact of the material we use. For a sustainable resource, it makes complete sense for the American Hardwood Export Council to align with this category.”

There is no doubt that iconic buildings are not created every day but to showcase those that rise above the design norm is to explore architecture that makes a difference, both aesthetically and on a human scale.

INDE.Awards 2020 ‘The Influencer’ category winner, Riverbend, Bambu Indah by IBUKA. Photo by Stefano Scata

The winner of The Influencer in the 2020 INDE.Awards was Riverbend, Bambu Indah by IBUKA. This luxury retreat in Indonesia epitomises the idea of sustainability in every way – from the concept and build through to the client experience.

Designing for the future is designing with sustainability in mind and AHEC as the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry collaborates with a global community in order to spread the word of renewable resource and fine design.

We are excited to anticipate the ultimate winner in The Influencer category in the INDE.Awards 2021 that recognises the best in design that influences the rest.

The 2021 INDE.Awards will close on the 1st April so now is the time to enter your project of distinction in The Influencer.