Now in its 8th cycle, Shaw Contract Group’s “Design Is… Award” is an initiative that aims to give recognition to the works of architecture and design firms that are changing the set ideas “of what design is”, and redefining the way we work, play and organise our lives.

Clifford Chance, Singapore by Space Matrix (winning category: Mid-size office). View design statement and project feature

The competition considers the overall design of a space, and entrants are asked to define design through the challenges, process and results of their projects.

Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, Malaysia by SWOT Design Group (winning categories: Asia Pacific & Retail). View design statement

This year, a new Market Awards was introduced to the competition to honour the best projects within an industry segment and/or geography region. Recognition went to works that achieved both human and business goals in ways that represented the best practices in global design.

SYNQA ITOKI Innovation Centre, Japan by ITOKI Corporation (winning categories: Asia Pacific & Mid-size office. View design statement

This year’s 48 market winners come from 26 countries across the globe, and have been picked by an international and independent 23-member design jury. Shown here are winners from Asia and ones further afield.

Natural History Museum of Utah, US by GSBS Architects (winning categories: US West Coast & Mountain). View design statement

The winners will now go on to compete in the 2013 Design Is… Award global judging. In addition, the public can now visit the Shaw Contract Group website to cast their vote for the People’s Choice award (voting closes on 4 July 2013)

State Government of Victoria Offfice, Australia (winning category: Asia Pacific). View design statement

The People’s Choice award along with the Design Is… Award global winners will be announced on 6 September 2013.

Top image: Le Salon Croissanterie et Restaurant, Hong Kong by 4N Architects (winning categories: Asia Pacific and Hospitality). View design statement

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