It looks like Melbourne is really home to the best eateries in Australia, at least when it comes to the design stakes. For 2017’s Australian Interior Design Awards, Melbourne cafe favourite Higher Ground was awarded top prize for the hospitality section.

Of the 116 projects made finalists, Higher Ground by DesignOffice in Victoria took out the Hospitality Design Award. The judges were particularly impressed with the way in which the project “is redefining of the typical café typology into a high-end hospitality venue, more akin to a hotel lobby than a casual eatery”.

Higher Ground’s clever design, and six-level interior allows for patrons to be able to enjoy the space in their own way – whether it be enjoying the picturesque internal view of high benches and communal tables, or taking refuge in one of the space’s many intimate niches. The jury applauded this project for “setting a high benchmark in advocating for good design in the hospitality sector, especially in a market as notoriously competitive as Melbourne’s”.

But Higher Ground wasn’t the only eatery that impressed in the design scene. Other venues well worthy of a commendation for the Hospitality Design Award included:
Genesin Studio for Antica Pizzeria e Cucina, SA
Flack Studio for Caravan, Seoul, KOREA
George Livissianis for The Dolphin Hotel, NSW
Ritz&Ghougassian for Morris and Heath, VIC
DesignOffice for Handpicked Wines, NSW
Karen Abernethy Architects with Louisa Macleod for Humming Puppy Sydney, NSW Ritz&Ghougassian for Penta, VIC