Two big-name design firms with high profile projects ongoing across Asia have been recognized for their efforts by two separate industry awards. Paul Steelman won two awards at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) "Excellence in Design" Awards 2007, while Hirsh Bedner Associates (HBA) has been named "Designer of the Year" by the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS).

Steelman's two awards, the AIA Unbuilt Category Citation Award and the AIA People's Choice Award, were both in respect to Macau 's Jade Entertainment Complex, which is scheduled for completion in 2010. Of particular merit, said jurors, is the environmentally friendly design, in which "the air shaft doubles as a dramatic center core."

At the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, HBA was named Designer of the Year for their global portfolio of work. Three HBA projects were also nominated for the IH/M&RS Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. Amongst the projects selected is the Ritz-Carlton Beijing, in the Best Hotel Design category.

Michael Bedner, CEO of HBA said: "it is especially gratifying because it has come from our peers in the industry and reflects our entire body of work around the globe." At the AIA Nevada awards presentation ceremony , Paul Steelman, CEO, Steelman Partners said he was " extremely honored by the awards and believe it to be recognition of [our] commitment to excellence in architecture, and innovation in green building design." RFP