On April 2, 2025, NEWH UK Chapter celebrated the winners of its much-coveted TopID awards inside VitrA London showroom. The awards campaign, which shines a spotlight and honours the creative talents of chapter members who are aligned with their mission of supporting scholarship and education, climaxed with an event that welcomed the UK design ad hospitality community together.
“We are delighted to be hosting the TopID awards ceremony in collaboration with NEWH at the VitrA London showroom,” said Nicola Friel, VitrA London Showroom Manager, ahead of the awards. “Supporting this important event that celebrates outstanding design in the hospitality sector is a privilege, and as members of NEWH, we’re proud to contribute to its mission of advancing scholarship and education within the industry.”
Kevin Swart, President of NEWH UK, said: “NEWH UK is a family of passionate designers, hospitality professionals and industry leaders. Connecting the community and recognising excellence is at the heart of what we do. The TopID awards hold a special place in our hearts because they are about celebrating the hard work, creativity and dedication of our chapter members. More importantly, they help pave the way for the next generation of designers through invaluable scholarship funds. We’re beyond thrilled that VitrA joined us as Headline Sponsor to host this special event – the venue, on the doorstep of many leading design studios, is perfect.”
And the winners are…
During the evening, this year’s winners – Design Command, DV8 Designs and THDP – were celebrated for their projects, completed in the past 12 months, with a short presentation from each studio followed by the presentation of their TopID award.
Design Command, established in 2013 by Clare McDonald, is a multi-award-winning interior architecture studio based in London and Hertfordshire. Specialising in hospitality design, the studio has contributed to more than 50 restaurants and numerous hotels for both independent and global brands.
McDonald said: “We are thrilled to receive this accolade from NEWH and TopID awards 2025 for the second time! This recognition is a testament to 12 years of Design Command’s dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional design.
“It is an honour, and we are so grateful to be awarded by such an inspiring organisation – thank you for this incredible acknowledgement.”
DV8 Designs, founded in 2006, is an award-winning architectural and interior design practice based in the North West UK. The studio specialises in the commercial and hospitality sectors, focusing on creating unique spaces that ‘deviate away from the ordinary’.
Lee Birchall, Managing Director at DV8 Designs, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have DV8 Designs recognised as a 2025 Top ID firm by NEWH. This honour highlights the passion, creativityand dedication our team pours into every project, and it’s deeply rewarding to see our efforts celebrated by such a respected organisation. Being part of a community that defines and energises the interior design industry is both an honour and a privilege. We look forward to continuing to push boundaries and deliver inspiring spaces in the years to come.”
THDP is a forward-looking, luxury interior design studio, based in both London and Milan. Founded in 2005 by architect Manuela Mannino and interior designer Nicholas J. Hickson, THDP works internationally, delivering inspiring properties using their wealth of knowledge and impeccable sense of style. The creative team is experienced in hospitality design, overseeing pioneering projects throughout Europe.
Both Hickson and Manuela, said: “To be named TopID 2025 by NEWH is both an honour and a responsibility. It acknowledges the work we’ve done and challenges us to keep striving for excellence in our craft. We are deeply grateful to NEWH for this recognition and for celebrating the power of design.”
