LAS VEGAS—Design firm Chute Gerdeman took home multiple honors at the recent A.R.E. Design Awards ceremony, as two of the firm's recent projects were recognized, and the firm's co-founder and CEO, Denny Gerdeman, received the annual Markopoulos Award from DDI magazine.
The Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) recognizes the best of worldwide retail design at its annual Design Awards. This recognition program is the most widely respected in the retail design industry.
Chute Gerdeman's rebranding/redesign of Exchange (formerly known as the Army Air Force Exchange Service) took home grand prize in its category (Discount/Mass Merchant). The firm's Meadowlands Stadium Flagship Store Powered by Reebok project took home several awards, including Outstanding Merit in its category (Softline Specialty Store) and Special Awards for Branded LED Lighting and Multi-brand Store Fixtures.
Both projects have been recognized at several other design competitions this year.
In addition to the firm's design awards, Denny Gerdeman took the stage to receive the 2011 Markopoulos Award. The prestigious honor, named after the late visual merchandising legend Andrew Markopoulos, is presented by DDI to one outstanding industry professional annually. In winning the award, Gerdeman is recognized for his distinguished career as well as his efforts to give back to the profession.
"I am extremely pleased that DDI has recognized my contributions to the industry," says Gerdeman. "My wife and business partner, Elle Chute, has been a major part of the success I have achieved, and I accept this award with deep thanks to her, as well as to the entire Chute Gerdeman team."
Under Gerdeman’s leadership, Chute Gerdeman has been recognized for more than 150 design awards, including numerous first place and grand prize awards, as well as being named Designer of the Year by DDI in 2006.
The awards were presented at Las Vegas' Venetian Hotel, following the first day of GlobalShop 2011.
