Trivers Associates Receives Inspirations Award

Contract magazine has presented its 2010 Inspirations Award to Trivers Associates for conversion of the former Woolworth's store in the historic Grand Center district into the headquarters for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBSEMO). The firm won the highest honor in the category, "Social responsibility in commercial interior architecture: using design and/or design skills to improve the quality of life for those in need."

Trivers Interior Designer Hilary Machovina, IIDA, LEED® AP, received the award in person in San Francisco, along with a $5,000 grant for BBSEMO from Contract's Inspirations Awards sponsor and partner, Tandus Flooring. The Inspirations Awards celebrate leadership in socially responsible design among commercial interior designers and architects.

When selecting Trivers' design, the judges said: "The project combined adaptive reuse-a highly sustainable/socially responsible response-and clever design solutions to transform a former Woolworth department store into a landmark...."

Machovina used vibrant colors, varied textures and playful furniture, along with a modern, efficient work environment, to serve BBBSEMO employees, volunteers, youth and families both now and into the future. She says: "Our goal was to create a space that not only would meet their needs, but also would support and encourage their future growth."

Her efforts have served the organization well. "We are absolutely thrilled with the way the new building turned out. The building maintains its historical significance while the new design energizes our staff and members of the community that come through our doors," said Becky James-Hatter, CEO of BBBSEMO.

As a result of winning this prestigious award, Trivers' work for BBBSEMO appeared in the April issue of Contract magazine, considered "The Interior Design Magazine for Industry Professionals," print and digital magazine editions and online at contractmagazine.com.

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