• i+s 2024 Product Innovation Awards

    In its first year, the i+s Product Innovation Awards (PIAs) celebrates a spectrum of beautiful and functional solutions for commercial projects.
    Dec. 5, 2024
    2 min read

    Seeking out and spotlighting people, products, and projects that represent “design with purpose” is the mission of i+s, and the results of our first annual Product Innovation Awards (PIAs) pose no exception.

    Our editorial team and 2024 industry panelists were impressed with the level of product differentiation across a number of categories. A key point was the use of technologies such as advanced graphic printing techniques, 3D printing, and improved recycling/composition methods to employ materials in ways that were not previously possible due to manufacturing challenges or cost concerns.

    Panelists’ comments highlighted the thoughtful selection of materials—for example, increased percentage of recycled content, reduced waste product, recyclable components, and elimination of hazardous materials.

    They also noted the progress vendors have made in their operations, like launching take-back and recycling programs, reducing water and energy consumption, utilizing on-site renewable energy, and more. It’s evident that market leaders are moving beyond surface claims of sustainability, demonstrating a responsibility to ensure that products and materials are removed from the waste stream, and encouraging compliance with such initiatives.

    Comments on PIA entries also tracked with trends that have been increasingly covered throughout the year, such as biophilia and organic inspiration, inclusive design features, modularity, and flexible and multifunctional design.

    i+s is pleased to recognize 36 PIA winners this year. Click on the individual products below to learn more about each of these winners. We look forward to what the next year inspires for interior design innovations.

    Image courtesy of Nakamoto Forestry
    Gendai Yakisugi (Wood Cladding) by Nakamoto Forestry
    Nakamoto offers its yakisugi in 13 distinct finishes to enhance a range of architectural styles indoors and out.
    Image courtesy of Formica Corporation
    InDepth Surfacing by Formica Corporation
    Precision inline printing enlivens InDepth Surfacing laminates with realistic texture.
    Image courtesy of Rockfon
    Rockfon Contour Baffles
    Frameless stone wool absorb up to 8.0 Sabins per baffle.
    Image courtesy of 3form Elements
    Hush Stack by 3form Elements
    Designers can select two layers of 50% post-consumer recycled felt in an array of brilliant colors.
    Image courtesy of ICG Italia
    Palissandro White Porcelain Slab by ICG Italia
    Crystal inclusions simulate the look of natural marble with the durability of porcelain.
    Image courtesy of Chemetal
    Surface Mode: Transparency Panels by Chemetal
    Available in nine patterns and eight stock colors, Transparency can also be specified in custom powder-coat colors for more versatility.
    Image courtesy of Bentley Mills
    Pacific Standard Time Flooring Collection by Bentley Mills
    Earthy neutrals and subtle patterns in ECONYL yarn bring a high-end hospitality look to commercial floors.
    Image courtesy of Construction Specialties
    Acrovyn Wall Protection with Recycled Content by Construction Specialties
    PVC-free Acrovyn wall protection is available in Woodgrains, Strata, and Brushed Metal looks.
    Image courtesy of REGUPOL Commercial
    REGUPOL Upscale Rubber Flooring by REGUPOL Commercial
    Upscale rubber flooring provides a warmer and quieter alternative to terrazzo, ceramic tile, and LVT/LVP and offers more cushioning.
    Image courtesy of Fräsch
    FAZR Acoustic Ceiling by Fräsch
    FAZR acoustic ceiling mimics a linear metal ceiling look with the sound-dampening benefits of acoustical PET felt.
    Image courtesy of Kristin Faye Photography
    ReMaterial Flooring by Patcraft
    Carbon-neutral flooring can be fully recycled through Patcraft’s re[TURN] reclamation program.
    Image courtesy of Mohawk Group
    Shape Theory Carpet Tiles from Mohawk Group
    Shape Theory is a collection of sophisticated carpet tiles designed to create spaces that embody a “Culture of Care.”
    Image courtesy of ICG Italia
    THÉKĒ Trame Porcelain by ICG Italia
    THÉKĒ Trame porcelain blends visual fluidity with tactile sophistication by capturing the woven textures of carpet.
    Image courtesy of Interface
    Etched & Threaded Carpet Tile Collection by Interface
    Nuanced, hand-tufted textures meet commercial performance needs while helping to define spaces, create room borders, or support wayfinding.
    Image courtesy of Mannington Commercial
    Amtico Signature Abstract LVT Flooring by Mannington Commercial
    The robust, 2.5-mm thick LVT collection features a 40-mil wear layer and is backed by a 25-year limited warranty.
    Image courtesy of LauraJane Photography
    Beautiful Species Collection Sister Fabrics by Brentano
    In multiple nature-inspired tones and patterns, the post-consumer recycled polyester is bleach cleanable and resists pilling and abrasions.
    Image courtesy of Denny Strunc and Pete McDaniel
    Montrose Table by Tuohy Furniture
    Montrose offers power and connectivity, along with soft illumination and stylish surface options.
    Image courtesy of 3form
    100% Recycled Textures Resin Materials by 3form
    Matte and glossy panels in a variety of textures offer a spectrum of privacy when used as screens and partitions.
    Image courtesy of Arcadia & Encore
    Lineup Collection Furnishings & Booths by Arcadia
    Soft edges and clean lines provide a visually engaging, modern design in lounge areas, lobbies, modular seating, and meeting spaces.
    Image courtesy of Bold+
    Bold Select Collection Workspace Systems by Bold+
    Bold Select presents a streamlined kit of parts that brings flexibility to workspaces with human-centered personalization, technology, and privacy options.
    Image courtesy of Ghent
    GRVT Mobile Collaboration Hub by Ghent
    Constructed of marine-grade parts, GRVT can be used indoors and out for more collaboration flexibility.
    Image courtesy of Fernando Sanchez
    Aculux 5° Precision Spotlight by Aculux Lighting
    Whether creating elegant pools of light for wayfinding, grazing long, narrow columns, or accenting in lofty ceilings, the light fixture produces very low field light for heightened...
    Image courtesy of LightArt
    Clear Coil Collection Pendant Lighting by LightArt
    Clear, 3D-printed, 100% recycled pendants harness molecular recycling technology to upcycle discarded materials.
    Image courtesy of Lusive
    Arco Chandelier by Lusive
    The Arco fixture merges organic and industrial forms to create a harmony of color and geometry.
    Image courtesy of Juno Lighting
    Juno Trac Direct Canopy Mount Option by Juno Lighting
    The trackless lighting option saves on cost and labor while resulting in clean, open ceilings and unobtrusive wall mounts.
    Image courtesy of DMF Lighting
    A Series Illuminated Signage by DMF Lighting
    Featuring Braille to meet ADA compliance for the visually impaired, the signage is also compliant with California’s Title 24 energy code and Energy Star.
    Image courtesy of Luxxbox
    Kurtain Acoustic Pendant Light by Luxxbox
    Scalloped, renewable wool shade contributes to LEED credits while absorbing sound.
    Image courtesy of PureEdge Lighting
    Luca Recessed Downlight Series by PureEdge Lighting
    Up to 16 million colors support biophilic lighting that can be adjusted from bright daytime white to warm, sunset-like ambience.
    Image courtesy of Tony Madonna, Modular International Inc.
    Dim-to-Warm LED Modules by Modular International
    The modules integrate into a number of lighting form factors and offer incandescent-like dimming with greater efficiency.
    Image courtesy of CRL
    Latitude 34° Sliding Barn Door Collection by CRL
    Minimalist profiles, premium hardware, and field adjustability distinguish the Latitude 34° barn door series.
    Image courtesy of Serenity Sliding Door Systems
    InnSlide by Serenity Sliding Door Systems
    Soft-closing hardware, sound seals, and modern, warm wood finishes provide security and luxury appeal.
    Image courtesy of AIRMADA Drying Solutions
    AirPocket Door by AIRMADA Drying Solutions
    Timed, push-button AirJet technology dries out the glass inside the hidden pocket for improved aesthetics and hygiene.
    Image courtesy of Butler Photography
    D|13 Sink System Featuring XLERATORsync Hand Dryer
    Fixtures below the sight line align with the architects’ vision of a seamless and aesthetically pleasing environment.
    Image courtesy of Bradley Company
    Elvari Washroom Accessories by Bradley Company
    Characterized by its minimalist pill-shaped motif with smooth curves and soft edges, the Elvari washroom collection unifies and elevates washroom design.
    Image courtesy of Infinity Drain
    Adhesion Linear Drain by Infinity Drain
    Designed in collaboration with Gensler, Adhesion's pattern spacing allows water to flow effortlessly and delivers a sleek aesthetic.
    Image courtesy of Bobrick
    Automatic Top-Fill Soap Dispensers, Fino Collection by Bobrick
    ADA-compliant automatic soap dispensers reduce waste and save on labor with two distinct touchless designs.

    About the Author

    Carrie Meadows

    Editor-in-Chief

    Editor-in-Chief, i+s
    Phone: 603-891-9382
     
    Carrie Meadows has been a B2B media editor for more than 20 years, managing and writing for publications, websites and newsletters across fields including optics and photonics, machine vision, fiberoptic communications, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and most recently, LEDs and lighting applications. She joined i+s in 2024 from Endeavor Business Media’s Digital Infrastructure & Lighting Group, where she most recently served as editor-in-chief of LEDs Magazine.
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