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From an outdoor pavilion that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living areas to a proposed hotel-lobby that incorporates musical symbols, the best work of local designers was celebrated during the Design of the Year Awards luncheon at the Las Vegas Design Center Oct. 27.

Three designers/firms and one design student were singled out for their work in the second annual competition.

The top winner was Shelley Gorman of SKG Designs. The first runner-up was Cary Vogel of Interiors by Cary Vogel, and the third-place winner was Three Foot Ninja. Karen Licea was the student winner.

"This is a huge honor," said Gorman, who also recently opened River North at Market LV at Tivoli Village, a one-stop design shop that offers designer-curated wallpaper, rugs, accessories and furniture along with design services.

Her winning design was for a backyard pavilion that incorporates space for entertaining, guest quarters and a go-kart track around the perimeter of the property. She said the key to her success was cooperation and regular meetings between her, the architect, Jason Strodl of Adapture, and the client.

"My first call (after winning) was to the client for allowing me to do this. The second was to the architect," she said.

Judges called Gorman's project reminiscent of the Barcelona Pavilion, an iconic piece in modern architecture designed by Ludwig Mies van de Rohe. They complimented her use of texture and material, saying no detail was missed. They also appreciated her creative solution of designing a concrete table that can be used for dining or playing pingpong.

Licea, graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' School of Architecture earlier this year, created a lobby concept for the Waverly Resort, a hotel catering to savvy business and leisure travelers. She said she was trying to create a visual symphony and was inspired by the classic shapes of musical instruments. Additionally, she had to support the property owner's desire to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification and four-diamond rating.

Judges said Licea's concept was well-developed and she presented a high level of attention to detail. They appreciated the overall design concept and the connection between all design elements featured.

After winning her award, Licea said she was excited and grateful for the opportunity to compete as a student.

Vogel was recognized for his clean, contemporary and uncluttered design of a 4,000-square-foot custom residence. The interior, done in neutral creams and beiges with soft, subtle pops of jade and apricot, was designed to meld with the home's desert contemporary exterior and showcase the owners' extensive art collection.

Judges were impressed with the seamless flow and execution along with how the home's décor and accessories were "well edited."

Three Foot Ninja created a fun and functional design for Logistical Solutions' office. The project transformed an existing office warehouse into a space that "mimicked the personality of both the company and, more importantly, the client," according to their design statement. The design incorporated bright shades of chartreuse and orange along with white.

Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers, parent company of World Market Center Las Vegas and the design center, said the good design makes our community better and makes our homes better.

This year's competition featured work by nearly 20 area designers, design firms and students. They were judged by a panel of design experts.