DEmark Awards 2026: Three Projects by The Collective Studio Selected for Judging
- 3 days ago
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The DEmark Awards 2026 (Design Excellence Award) is one of Thailand’s most prestigious design awards, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with leading design organizations from Japan.
The award aims to elevate Thai design to international standards by recognizing excellence not only in aesthetics, but also in functionality, business potential, innovation, and relevance within a global context.
This year, The Collective Studio is proud to have three projects selected for the final judging round across two design categories: Graphic & Communication Design and Interior Design.
Category 1: Graphic & Communication Design
This category focuses on transforming identity, information, and storytelling into meaningful visual communication systems and immersive spatial experiences.
1.Samui Elephant Home Learning Center
From seeing elephants to understanding elephants
The Samui Elephant Learning Center was developed around the concept of transforming passive observation into meaningful understanding.
The Collective Studio translated historical, biological, and cultural information into an accessible communication system using the "elephant footprint" as a universal navigation and storytelling symbol.
Visitors are guided through eight exhibition zones that collectively explore the relationship between elephants, humans, and conservation.
Key exhibition experiences include:
Introduction Zone
A transitional space that prepares visitors for the exhibition journey while introducing the concept:
The Elephant’s Legacy: Traces of Time, Steps of Change
Welcome Zone
An orientation area featuring information about the organization and the learning center.
The Beginning – Evolution of Footprints
An exploration of elephant evolution from prehistoric times, demonstrating how elephants adapted physically and behaviorally to changing environments over millions of years.
Elephant Skeleton Zone
A life-sized Asian elephant skeleton model accompanied by educational content explaining elephant anatomy and physiology.
Elephant & Humans "Walking the Same Path"
This zone explores the long-standing relationship between humans and elephants, from warfare and transportation to tourism and conservation.
Through the symbolic use of elephant footprints, visitors gain insight into how the role of elephants has evolved throughout history.
Asian vs. African Elephants Zone "Different Footprints, Shared Importance"
This zone compares the physical characteristics, behaviors, and cultural significance of Asian and African elephants while highlighting their equally important ecological roles.
Conservation & Future "Footprints That Must Not Fade Away"
The final zone inspires visitors to recognize the urgency of elephant conservation by illustrating population decline, habitat loss, and the consequences of environmental destruction.
The gradually fading elephant footprints serve as a powerful metaphor for the future of elephants if conservation efforts are not sustained.
2.Buri Sriphu Hotel Rebranding
The Buri Sriphu Hotel Rebranding project represents a strategic repositioning of a long-established hospitality brand.
The design process involved redefining the hotel's identity, strengthening its brand positioning, and creating a renewed visual language that resonates with contemporary travelers while preserving the property's heritage and legacy.
By rebuilding the brand from its foundations, the project demonstrates how design can create new value and business opportunities through thoughtful communication and identity development.
Category 2: Interior Design
3.Buri Sriphu Hotel Renovation
The Buri Sriphu Hotel Renovation transforms a long-established hotel in the heart of Hat Yai into what we call an "Oasis of Hat Yai."
The project reimagines the hotel experience through a carefully planned spatial framework designed around three key user journeys:
RECHARGE
Spaces dedicated to rest, comfort, and relaxation for hotel guests.
CONNECT
Flexible meeting and MICE facilities that support business events, conferences, and social interaction.
EXPLORE
Experiences that encourage guests to discover the local culture and destination.
Through strategic spatial planning and interior architecture, the renovation creates clear functional zones while enhancing guest experiences and generating long-term business value.
Design as a Tool for Transformation
Having all three projects selected for the DEmark Awards 2026 is a significant milestone for The Collective Studio.
More importantly, it reinforces our belief that design should go beyond aesthetics. Great design creates meaningful experiences, solves real business challenges, and generates lasting value for users, communities, and organizations.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the judging committee, clients, collaborators, and every member of our team who contributed to these projects.
Their trust and support continue to inspire us to create thoughtful design solutions that help advance Thailand's design industry on an international stage.
Exhibition Showcase
The selected projects were presented as part of the DEmark Awards 2026 exhibition, where designers, industry professionals, and visitors had the opportunity to explore the ideas, processes, and impact behind each project.
