DOTY 2026: Celebrating Design Intelligence

The annual Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards returned for its 16^th edition at Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur on 9 April 2026, honouring the exceptional works of talented local and international designers

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlighted how design in architecture and interior has evolved beyond mere aesthetics to encompass functionality and sustainability, where user experience, environmentally-friendly materials and technology integration are essential to well-being and efficiency.

As always, DOTY recognised these brilliant designers for their ingenuity, innovation and workmanship. It also remains the platform for them to showcase their outstanding works, reinforcing their unwavering dedication and commitment in advancing the industry, especially in Malaysia.

Scenes from DOTY 2026 at Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur on 9 April 2026

DOTY 2026 would not have been possible without the instrumental contribution of our valuable Strategic Alliance Partners: Goldenduck International as the Platinum Partner; Super Ceramic Tiles and Design Sdn Bhd, Guocera Sdn Bhd, Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, and KLOT Resources (M) Sdn Bhd as Silver Partners; alongside Global Titanium Coating Sdn Bhd as the Trophy Maker.

DOTY 2026 Strategic Alliance Partner (Platinum): Goldenduck International

DOTY 2026 Strategic Alliance Partner (Silver): Super Ceramic Tiles & Design Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Strategic Alliance Partner (Silver): Guocera Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Strategic Alliance Partner (Silver): Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Strategic Alliance Partner (Silver): KLOT Resources Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Trophy Maker: Global Titanium Coating Sdn Bhd

Equally vital was our esteemed panel of judges: Duangrit Bunnag of Duangrit Bunnag Architect Limited (DBALP); Filippo Bertoni of Pavilion Design Group; Kezia Karin of Kezia Karin Studio; Mustasha Musa of Boustead Properties; and Michelin Chef Lee Zhe Xi of Bakkar Restaurant.

DOTY 2026 Judge: Duangrit Bunnag (Duangrit Bunnag Architect Limited, DBALP)

DOTY 2026 Judge: Kezia Karin (Kezia Karin Studio)

DOTY 2026 Judge: Mustasha Musa (Design & Planning, Boustead Properties)

This time around, the event honoured the achievements of winners across 11 categories. Of note, the prestigious Asia’s Most Influential Designer Award (AMIDA) went to acclaimed Vietnamese-German designer Quách Thái Công, known for blending European sophistication with Vietnamese sensibilities to create luxurious, personalised living spaces.

Mr Quách was just one of many VIPs in attendance. Other notable guests included Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency – Kuala Lumpur; Datuk Edmund Kong, board member of Epicon Berhad; and renowned architects and interior designers such as Ar. Dr. Tan Loke Mun of DTLM Design Group, Ar. Alan Teh of Atelier Alan Teh Architect, Ar. Fabian Teh of Fabian Teh Architect, Ng Sek San of Seksan Design Sdn Bhd, and IDr. Ooi Boon Seong from Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd.

Also worth mentioning is Alan Fong, Design Principal and Director of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd, who served as this year’s Trophy Designer. A reimagination of the number 16 to mark DOTY’s 16^th year, the trophy’s sleek, one-of-a-kind form is crafted from waste material sourced at Global Titanium Coating’s factory. It embodies growth and renewal, reflective of Alan Fong’s perspective on design, where it is a constant evolution and when grounded in sustainability, leaves a lasting impact on spaces and the people within them.

The Rising Star Award and Best Showhouse Design were the first two awards presented at the event.

DOTY 2026 Rising Star Award: EO Plus Holdings Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Rising Star Award: Winelo Design & Renovation Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Rising Star Award: Addy Design Consultant Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - High-Rise (Gold): Zues ID Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - High-Rise (Silver): Metrics Global Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - High-Rise (Silver): Stuarts Design Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - High-Rise (Bronze): What Design Studio

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - Landed (Gold): Morph Design

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - Landed (Gold): Designstudio MVH Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - Landed (Silver): MIL Design & Construction Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - Landed (Silver): Art by Three Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design - Landed (Silver): Northmos Sdn Bhd

This was followed by the Future Design Star Award (FDSA) 2026, which returned for its second year. The initiative by DOTY in partnership with selected institutions of higher learning aims to recognise young design talents to encourage and motivate them to strive for greater success in the design industry.

FDSA 2026 Judge: Vincenns Lim (Goldfield Concepts Sdn Bhd). Other judges are Dr. Eric Leong, John Jong (THINKSCAPE), Nick Fong (Nu Infinity), and Ar. Alan Teh (Atelier Alan Teh)

FDSA 2026 Judge: Nick Fong (Nu Infinity). Other judges are Dr. Eric Leong, Vincenns Lim (Goldfield Concepts Sdn Bhd), John Jong (THINKSCAPE), and Ar. Alan Teh (Atelier Alan Teh)

FDSA 2026 Judge: Ar. Alan Teh (Atelier Alan Teh). Other judges are Dr. Eric Leong, Vincenns Lim (Goldfield Concepts Sdn Bhd), John Jong (THINKSCAPE), and Nick Fong (Nu Infinity)

FDSA 2026 Winner (Gold): Lean Soong Hong of UCSI University (Project: Pantagonia Flagship in Pavillion Bukit Jalil)

FDSA 2026 Winner (Silver): Low Yong Hao of CSD College (Project: The Legend of Nunuk Ragang: Origin of the Harvest Festival)

FDSA 2026 Winner (Bronze): Wong En-How of The One Academy (Project: Guardians of Tradition)

FDSA 2026 Winner (Merit): Wong Jie Ming of The One Academy (Project: Klipsch Echoes in the Ruin)

FDSA 2026 Winner (Merit): Mandy Wong of Mobius Academy (Project: Sukra: Re-Leaf Sanctuary)

The Best Product Design Award, which celebrates the most innovative products that enhance quality of life, went to HVEA by HVEA Select Sdn Bhd, QILS Flagship Series by Q Innovatio Lighting Solutions, Marble & Travertine by Best Stone, Verticas by Guocera Sdn Bhd, Visionnaire by Forest Contemporary Furnishing Design Sdn Bhd, GLOS by Lightverse (M) Sdn Bhd, Gandia Blasco by Tekni Furniture Sdn Bhd, and TECEjoy by TECE South-east Asia Pte Ltd.

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: HVEA by HVEA Select Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: QILS Flagship Series by Q Innovatio Lighting Solutions

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: Marble & Travertine by Best Stone Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: Verticas by Guocera Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: Visionnaire by Forest Contemporary Furnishing Design Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: GLOS by Lightverse (M) Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: Gandia Blasco by Tekni Furniture Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Product Design: TECEjoy by TECE South-east Asia Pte Ltd

Returning categories included the Tri-Star Achievement Award as well as the Building Transformation Recognition Award (BTRA). Whereas the former celebrates designers who have been awarded a DOTY for three consecutive years, the latter honours those who have overcome the challenges of restoring and transforming existing buildings in the spirit of sustainability, heritage preservation and creativity.

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: A Plus Interior PLT

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Stuarts Design Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Alvinterior Concept Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: What Design Studio

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Metrics Global Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Paperworks Studio PLT

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: IDPM Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Dot Works Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: DAA Design Associates Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Beh IDesign Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Ind'finity Design (M) Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Tri-star Achievement Award: Art by Three Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Building Transformation Recognition Award: Lab Two Design

DOTY 2026 Building Transformation Recognition Award: Yong Studio Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Building Transformation Recognition Award: Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Building Transformation Recognition Award: DrTanLM Architect

DOTY 2026 Building Transformation Recognition Award: Fabian Tan Architect

The Builders Achievement Award (BAA), which recognises design companies exemplifying excellence in building and construction through impressive technical skills, innovative practices and commitment to quality, was awarded to Ilmugaya Sdn Bhd, having first received it in the category’s inaugural year in 2025.

With the special categories completed, accolades were handed out for the main categories, beginning with Merit Residential Design, followed by Best Residential Design for High-Rise and Landed, and finally Best Commercial Design across a wide array of project categories.

DOTY 2026 Merit Residential Design (High-Rise): Beh IDesign Sdn Bhd, DW Signature Sdn Bhd, Paperworks Studio PLT, Vuemont Signature ID

DOTY 2026 Merit Residential Design (Landed): Arterior Design Studio (M) Sdn Bhd, Balens Group Sdn Bhd, Bluedraft, Inspire Edge Studio, Own Design, Lemonfridge Studio Sdn Bhd, Mode Interior Design Sdn Bhd, Northmos Sdn Bhd, Lavender Interior

DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design - High-Rise (Gold): Alvinterior Concept Sdn Bhd, Nu Infinity Sdn Bhd, Art by Three Sdn Bhd, Boldndot Sdn Bhd, Doubble Interior Associates

DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design - High-Rise (Silver): DW Signature Sdn Bhd, Paperworks Studio PLT, Doubble Interior Associates

DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design - High-Rise (Bronze): Longface Design Atelier, Paperworks Studio PLT, Alvinterior Concept Sdn Bhd, Halo Interiors Sdn Bhd, Surface R Design Sdn Bhd, Winelo Design & Renovation Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design - Landed (Gold): Matthew Lim Associates, Nevermore Sdn Bhd, Stylecraft Design (M) Sdn Bhd, Surface R Design Sdn Bhd, Chaos Design Studio

DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design - Landed (Silver): Nu Infinity Sdn Bhd, Doubble Interior Associates, DAA Design Associates Sdn Bhd, Artitude Design Something Enterprise, Inspire Edge Studio

DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design - Landed (Bronze): A Plus Interior Concept Sdn Bhd, Pplus Design PLT, Inex Decor, Htiek Sdn Bhd, Boldndot Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Show Gallery & Common Areas (Silver): U Studio Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Show Gallery & Common Areas (Bronze): Custo Design, Metrics Global Sdn Bhd, MIL Design & Construction Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Education (Gold): GI Design Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Merit Commercial Design - Education: Ind'finity Design (M) Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - F&B (Gold): Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd, Nevermore Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - F&B (Silver): Bluedraft, Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd, Mode Interior Design Sdn Bhd, MOM Designer House, Rice Design Sdn Bhd, U Studio Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - F&B (Bronze): Hive Design Studio, Lab Two Design

DOTY 2026 Merit Commercial Design - F&B: Inch Theory, Arterior Design Studio (M) Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Hospitality (Gold): Designstudio MVH Sdn Bhd, Rice Design Sdn Bhd, U Studio Sdn Bhd, Wowspace Design Studio

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Hospitality (Silver): U Studio Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Retail (Gold): Dot Works Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Retail (Silver): Lemonfridge Studio Sdn Bhd, Matthew Lim Associates, What Design Studio

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Workplace: Sales Gallery (Silver): Designstudio MVH Sdn Bhd, Homlux Interior Furnishing Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Workplace: Sales Gallery (Bronze): Addy Design Consultant Sdn Bhd, Kort Studio Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Merit Commercial Design - Workplace: Sales Gallery: Stylecraft Design (M) Sdn Bhd, Stuarts Design Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Workplace: Office (Gold): Chaos Design Studio, EO Plus Holdings Sdn Bhd, IDPM Sdn Bhd, LK Works Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Workplace: Office (Silver): Homlux Interior Furnishing Sdn Bhd, Nu Infinity Sdn Bhd, Stuarts Design Sdn Bhd, Trinity Squad Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design - Workplace: Office (Bronze): IDPM Sdn Bhd, Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd, Thinkspace Sdn Bhd

DOTY 2026 Merit Commercial Design - Workplace: Office: TID Design (M) Sdn Bhd, Northmos Sdn Bhd, EO Plus Holdings Sdn Bhd, IDPM Sdn Bhd, LK Works Sdn Bhd, Young Concept Design Sdn Bhd, GI Design Sdn Bhd

The presentation behind them, winners and guests spilled outside the hall for the afterparty. With free-flowing drinks and non-stop music keeping them occupied, they indulged in conversations and recollections on their place in the design scene over the past year, rounding off a memorable night. As DOTY’s 16^th edition draws to a close, one thing remains certain: design never stands still, and neither does the celebration of the field. With that, we look forward to the future and, needless to say, we will see you at next year’s awards!