EARNED, NOT GIVEN.
The Mortarr Awarrds celebrate the most inspiring pros and brands in the commercial construction and design industry in 2020. Mortarr Awarrds honor subscribers making waves within the industry, and across the globe through their extraordinary work changing the skyline of the built environment and the digital landscape.
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This isn't one of those award show rackets that charges you to enter or forces you to listen to some presenter drone on about why they're amazing and you're not. You don't even have to fly to a host city and make small talk with strangers. Check back on February 8th for the most inspiring digital award show experience you've ever attended.
JAW-DROPPING AWARRD
Can we say buzz worthy? Buzz worthy.
Franklin Alan’s Bumble Headquarters project is so good it hurts. Hive-inspired spaces and textures, and vibrant, on-brand color schemes made our judges crush on this space more than we thought possible. Make the first move and take a look for yourself.
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MOST INSPIRING PROJECT
WINNER: Bumble Headquarters | Franklin Alan
SHARP SHOOTER AWARRD
Inspiring Chaps.
When it comes to project after project of hair rising, spine tingling, giddy with excitement provoking work, Townsend Leather Company nails it. Enough talk, see it for yourself by checking out their projects featured on Mortarr. You may want to sit down for this.
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MOST INSPIRING PORTFOLIO
WINNER: Townsend Leather Company
HIGH PROFILE AWARRD
Love at first light.
Daylight that is. From their sustainability certifications to their impressive 22 gallery Showroom, the fascination with Kalwall’s work is real. With no detail or collaborator left untagged, consider our judges impressed. Mortarr was made for brands like this. Bravo!
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MOST ENGAGING PROFILE
WINNER: Kalwall® Corporation
TAG! YOU'RE IT! AWARRD
In the world’s largest game of tag, they win.
We’d like to think of Mortarr as a friendly neighborhood, and DJR Architecture is the kid rounding up all the other kids for one epic game. Their portfolio is impressive, and we love to see the way they show appreciation for the other pros and brands they work with. Go ahead and show them some love for showing the love. You’re it.
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MOST COLLABORATIVE COMPANY
WINNER: DJR Architecture
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MOST MORTARRIEST AWARRD
All for all.
This project is a text-book example of why Mortarr came to be. When incredible pros and brands like Stahl, Meyer Borgman Johnson, and HAWORTH come together to bring a collegiate engineering building together, and you can actually see who did what, it’s glorious. Not to mention it’s LEED Gold certified and has won a few other awards for the shelf. It’s okay to click around.
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TOP COLLABORATION PROJECT
WINNER: UMD Swenson School of Engineering | Stahl, Meyer Borgman Johnson, HAWORTH
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MOST INNOVATIVE AWARRD
Is there something better than silk?
Launching a new product takes a lot of time and effort, which makes launching a new product in 2020 just sound scary. Fellert made it happen, and had us all ooo-ing and ahhh-ing at their new line, Even Better Silk. Smooth, suave, and sturdy. So, that answers the question. Even Better Silk is better than silk. Round of applause.
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BEST NEW PRODUCT
WINNER: Fellert | Even Better Silk
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POLARIS AWARRD AWARRD
The stars are aligned.
Not to put one individual on a pedestal, but when that’s what they’re known for it’s probably okay. The 21C Museum Hotel Rooftop by Bison Innovative Products was the shining star of Mortarr in 2020 gaining the spot for most starred photo. Take a look at this captivating project for yourself. No telescope needed.
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TOP STARRED PHOTO
WINNER: 21c Museum Hotel | Bison Innovative Products
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ALL EYES ON YOU AWARRD
Your Phone is Ringing
We all know what happens when ordinary individuals step into the phone booth. Framery’s Framery O at the MOW Supernova Coworking Offices earned its cape as the number one viewed photo on all of Mortarr. Out of 28,000 images that’s superhero status in our phone book.
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MOST VIEWED PHOTO
WINNER: framery
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KILLER COATTAILS AWARRD
Can we catch a ride?
We don’t believe in following the crowd, but we would follow Crossville. They’ve laid a firm foundation with their tile options on Mortarr, and took the lead for follower count in 2020. We’ll keep our follower counts hidden, but feel free to use this as your cheatsheet.
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MOST FOLLOWED COMPANY
WINNER: Crossville
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GREENEST AWARRD
What’s greener than being green?
The work on the MSR Design Offices has us feeling like green is the new black. Our launch of sustainability features on the site with the help of ILFI only reiterated the need to shine a light on the people making a damn difference. This project encompasses everything we could want in a partner: beauty, grace, and a dog-friendly environment. Take a look for yourself- it’s quite the treat.
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MOST ECO-FRIENDLY PROJECT
WINNER: MSR Design | Stahl, InUnison Design Inc., Allsteel, Hufcor
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DO-GOODER AWARRD
Guardians of this galaxy.
We probably don’t have to tell you that 2020 was a challenging year. Andersen’s Research + Development Team chose to focus on designing, developing and manufacturing critical PPE to support frontline workers’ efforts to fight the coronavirus in our communities. Andersen’s ability to rise to the occasion dates back to WWII efforts with wooden ammunition boxes, so it’s really no surprise they were able to provide 50,000 face shields, 100,000 face shield components, and fiscal donations to ConnectedMN + nonprofits across America. We’re amazed at what they can do when shift happens.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT
WINNER: Andersen Windows & Doors
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THE MORTIE AWARRD
Can they fix it? Yes they can.
Problem-solvers, game-changers, mad-scientists. They even have a not-so-secret lab to do it in. Durasein doesn’t just look at where things are, they consider where things could be and then they get to work. Early adopters of the digital shift in our industry and wave-makers in solid surface design — they are creating the future one space at a time.
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INDUSTRY INFLUENCER
WINNER: Durasein
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CHARLIE HUSTLE AWARRD
Big flex.
With a company like NanaWall, it’s no surprise they’re open to new ways of doing things and understand the value of being flexible. When the world said trade-no, they said tradeshow-to-go. They built their digital booth and had everyone stopping. Upping their digital ante proved worthwhile- we think you’ll agree. You can see what we saw in their Mortarr Showrooms.
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MOST UPDATED PROFILE
WINNER: NanaWall
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CRANE KICK AWARRD
Off the charts.
We asked architect and design students across the country to use Mortarr to enhance a current class project, and man, did they deliver. Our finalists submitted projects full of thought, creativity, tons of inspiration, and pure, raw talent. None more so that our winners (we love team efforts), Carolina Cardona and Mariapia Sierra from the Florida International University. Their Aventura Hospital’s Emergency Department submission increased the heart rates of all our judges with its high level of thoughtfulness and sophistication. They even invited a nurse into the design room to share helpful thoughts + notes on functionality and design. Take the full tour — the doctors are in.
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TOP STUDENT PROJECT | MiTC SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER: Aventura Hospital’s Emergency Department | Carolina Cardona + Mariapia Sierra
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SOCIALITE AWARRD
They’re solid alright.
And they have a social media presence to prove it. Durasein’s channels are similar to their product- a carefully crafted work of art. They build their following like they build their materials- with attention to detail, lots of care, and a stunning look. They sprinkle on top of that a great, personable brand voice, and we should stop talking so you can head to their feeds and see for yourself.
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BEST SOCIAL PRESENCE
WINNER: Durasein
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POWERFUL PIXELS AWARRD
The website that deserves a spotlight.
Fluxwerx flipped the switch with the launch of their new site and it’s the perfect Portal to their world. From the moment you arrive you’ll be transfixed by the storytelling and attention to detail as they enlighten searchers on their brand and what they offer. Clean, timeless, and, well, downright sexy. It’s too brilliant not to share.
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BEST WEBSITE
WINNER: Fluxwerx
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LEGENDARY LOGO AWARRD
I’d wear that.
If you’d put it on a hat and actually wear it, that’s the mark of a truly stellar brand identity. Uneebo has a distinctive logo. It’s simple but savvy. And the connectedness shows us just what we’re going to get when we use them for office design, a “silky smooth” experience. What more could you ask for?
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BEST LOGO
WINNER: Uneebo
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DAN WIEDEN AWARRD
What’s in a brand?
Three-time nominee for this category, and now two wins. That’s more than Leo can say. The dream team leading the charge at SIXINCH North America has turned the contract furniture world on its head. A history of jaw-dropping projects, stellar products, a great social presence, and above all really cool people, makes them stand out in the crowd. Out of the box partnerships with Aaron Draplin, Ilthy, and Machine Gun Kelly bring even more street cred to their name. That’s a wrap.
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TOP OVERALL BRANDING
WINNER: SIXINCH® USA
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PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARRD
Asked and answered.
The people have spoken and Pioneer Millworks is walking away with this year’s People’s Choice Awarrd for their work on the Timberland HQ. Their GreenGuard certified White Oak flooring had people double-tapping faster than you can say timber. We don’t just like them, we love them.
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MOST ENGAGING SOCIAL PHOTO
WINNER: Pioneer Millworks | Timberland Offices
JUDGES
We set out to assemble a panel of judges unlike the world has ever seen. Queue the music. Like any good team-building scene, we music montaged our way through an action sequence and recruited some of the brightest minds in commercial design, marketing, and photography to help give credit where credit is due. Meet the team that'll save the world from mediocrity.
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DISCLAIMER: Judges are not allowed to weigh in on categories when their own firm is nominated as a Finalist. Just saying, we’re keeping it fair.
JESSIE HOULIHAN
PRESIDENT, STAHL
Jessie is responsible for developing and implementing corporate strategies that provide for long-term sustainable management and client satisfaction. Her background in marketing, communications, and business position her to be an effective leader at Stahl.
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She earned her degree in environmental science, policy and management with a second major in professional journalism and technical communications from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where she also completed the mini-MBA Executive Program through Carlson School of Business Management.
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Jessie is typically the lead contact for clients and partners. She is involved in communicating with stakeholders and monitoring projects to ensure client value is maximized and the Stahl team is resourced and supported in a way that ensures top performance. She directs efforts throughout projects with special emphasis on alignment of goals and objectives.
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Jessie serves on the Young Leaders Executive Committee and co-chairs the Resilient Communities Product Council for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Minnesota. She also serves as a mentor for the ULI Mentor Program and has participated in the Minnesota/St. Paul Business Journal Meet Your Mentor Program: BizWomen Mentoring Monday. In 2017, Jessie was selected as an Honoree for the Women Who Lead in the Minnesota Business Magazine. Most recently, Jessie was selected by the Twin Cities Business magazine as one of the ‘100 People to Know in 2019.’ She consistently strives to build with resiliency and pursue projects which will have a lasting, positive impact within our communities.
CHRISTINE FRISK, ASID
OWNER + PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, INUNISON DESIGN
As the owner of InUnison Design and FUSE showroom in International Market Square, Christine brings her signature mix of passion and process to every project.
Whether Christine is designing an innovative workplace, a light-filled modern home, or a European-style passive house, her work is always guided by the understanding that great design has the power to transform the human condition.
A leader in the Twin Cities commercial and residential design community, Christine is a past president of the Minnesota Interior Design Legislative Action Committee. She's also the former president, vice-president, and committee chair of ASID Minnesota. Christine is active in the Business Women's Circle, and a mentor to design students at the University of Minnesota and other schools.
When Christine's not in the studio or on a job site, she donates her time to Gilda's Club, ASID Minnesota, and other non-profits. She also loves doing yoga, finding original art at the MCAD Art Sale, and going to outdoor rock concerts with her husband Ron.
Christine and Ron also love discovering design inspiration and memorable meals in Spain, Italy, Mexico, and other fun-loving countries. Christine and Ron have three grown children and an ever-expanding collection of contemporary furniture, original art, and photography.
TIM BOUCHARD
OWNER + CEO, LUMINUS
Owner / CEO of Luminus, a creative agency in Buffalo, NY focused on digital. Host of the Building Brands podcast, a podcast dedicated to building materials / products branding and marketing conversations. During 15 plus years in the advertising and creative industries, Tim has experiences in creative teams, freelancing, and owning an agency. He also served as President of AAF Buffalo from 2016-2018 and is currently serving on the AAF National Board of Directors as Division II Chair.
JOSH TAYLOR
BRAND DIRECTOR, SIXINCH® USA
Josh Taylor is the Brand Director for SIXINCH® USA and co-founder of Xtract Energy.
In his current role as Brand Director for SIXINCH, Josh leads strategic marketing efforts to drive top-line revenue along with growing brand awareness. Using creative and outside-the-box approaches, Josh is able to connect multiple channels to create unique stories and collaborations that are then infused into the furniture DNA.
Before joining SIXINCH in December 2016, Josh served as Marketing Director for Polywood LLC, a 100 million dollar outdoor sustainable furniture company, and Promotions Manager for WSBT-TV, a market 96 television station.
Josh’s specialties include brand building/awareness, social media, digital media, videography, photography, graphic design, copywriting/PR, consumer behavior, and omnichannel marketing campaigns.
Josh holds an associate degree from Ivy Tech and is a 5-time Mario Kart cup winner.
SAM GUMIENY
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING + EVENTS, BARN LIGHT ELECTRIC
Samantha is the Director of Marketing and Events for Barn Light Electric, a Florida-based residential and commercial lighting manufacturer with customers around the globe. Equipped with a degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she is responsible for building the company's online brand, executing all internal and external marketing efforts, and identifying new and innovative ways to align Barn Light Electric for success.
CHRIS BLISSETT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING +
ASSOCIATE, EMANUELSON-PODAS CONSULTING ENGINEER
At Emanuelson-Podas, Christopher spearheads efforts to create and deliver a superior brand experience for the company’s clients and partners. Drawing on his extensive agency experience in graphic design, advertising and brand management, he crafts outreach initiatives that capture attention and drive personal connection. A firm believer in the great value of “what if?” questions, he considers himself lucky to work alongside engineering colleagues who patiently tolerate his many misses and appreciate his occasional hits.
GRETA NORRIS
PROJECT MANAGER, DJR ARCHITECTURE
Greta’s passion for architecture began on a high school mission trip to Haiti, where she saw a huge need for housing and few solutions that took the community’s needs into consideration. This experience sparked Greta’s interest in housing and urban planning as a means of forming better communities. A recently licensed architect at DJR Architecture, Greta has participated in the design of various mixed-use housing projects.
DAVID W. HENSLEY, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
PRINCIPAL, HENSLEY LAMKIN RACHEL, INC.
During his 29 years of architectural design experience, David Hensley has had the opportunity to work on transit-oriented design, urban infill housing, mixed-use communities and university campuses across the country. As LEED AP, David is focused on integrating sustainable design and green building into all the firm's projects. David has been recognized with more than a dozen design awards from organizations including the National Association of Home Builders and the American Institute of Architects.
David received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
