DOTY 2026: The Promising Stars of the Design Industry

At the Designer of the Year Award (DOTY), recognition isn’t limited to seasoned designers.

The Rising Star Award, one of DOTY’s main award categories, honours emerging design firms that for the novel and innovative approaches they bring to their projects. For these firms, such recognition validates their effort and dedication to their craft, motivating them to continue pursuing top-class design work while boosting their credibility in a dynamic industry.

For the 16^th edition, the award went to four outstanding design firms recognised for their drive for excellence in the field.

Bluedraft

Founded in 2020, this Sabah-based design firm is a member of Sabah Interior Designers Society. It strives to transform spaces in ways that value users’ well-being, connections and experiences via strategic design and innovative solutions.

At DOTY 2026, Bluedraft received Best Commercial Design – F&B (Silver) for its project Seora, as well as Merit Residential Design – Landed for Chaléur.

EO Plus Holdings Sdn Bhd

Consisting of subsidiaries EzyOffice, Ezylease, Airsurance and Rekadecka, EO Plus specialises in commercial design, with a vision of elevating business environments through innovation, sustainability and high-quality solutions.

Its commitment to delivering exceptional services shows in its portfolio of projects for some of Malaysia’s most renowned companies. Among them are the Boost Holdings Office and the CelcomDigi Innovation Hub, which earned EO Plus Best Commercial Design – Workplace: Office (Gold) and Merit Commercial Design – Workplace: Office at DOTY 2026, respectively.

Winelo Design & Renovation Sdn Bhd

This Penang-based design and construction firm offers end-to-end services for residential, commercial and light civil projects. Winelo combines functionality, aesthetics and sustainability to reimagine spaces that fulfil the unique needs of its clients.

Its high-rise project, Casa del Arco House of Arches, garnered Best Residential Design – High-Rise (Bronze) at DOTY 2026.

Addy Design Consultant Sdn Bhd

Established in 2018, Addy Design Consultant has grown into an innovative, youth-driven design firm with completed projects throughout Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. Under the motto “Artistic Design Defines Youth”, the firm emphasises creativity, collaboration and resilience across its wide-ranging works that are both visually striking and functionally purposeful.

At DOTY 2026, Addy Design Consultant received Best Commercial Design – Workplace: Sales Gallery (Bronze) for its project, Sales Gallery Refurbishment.

About the Designer of the Year Award

The Designer of the Year Award (DOTY) aspires to discover and honour the exceptional works of talented designers from Malaysia and beyond. It sets the benchmark of excellence in design and is committed to championing them in architecture and interior.

The theme of DOTY 2026, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlights how design 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.

Visit https://doty.com.my/ for more information.