Kelley Cozzolino from Bigelow Interiors has been named the winner of the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC) inaugural Designer of the Year award. The first-of-its-kind local design competition was created to recognize excellence in design among Southern Nevada interior designers and design students.

"Kelley and her team did an exceptional job of ensuring there was strong continuity throughout the home," said Randy Wells, VP of LVDC and one of the judges for the competition, "She kept the original cottage structure yet transformed the interior to ensure it was up-to-date and comfortable. This competition was created to inspire designers, and it's been inspiring to see the depth of talent in our local design community."

Seven judges, consisting of select LVDC showroom owners and managers along with World Market Center Las Vegas senior management, juried the submissions and ultimately awarded Cozzolino the grand prize during an awards luncheon on November 10.

"I'm thrilled to win this competition. What an amazing experience," said Cozzolino. "I'm very passionate about design and appreciate that LVDC has pioneered this competition to pay homage to local designers."

Third place was awarded to Heather Soto and Michelle Dimauro from Inhabit Design for their project, Lock Residence Addition. Second place was awarded to Alice Roussos from Interior Motives for her project, Meyer's Residence. The winner of the student category was given to Divina-Grace Balazo, a student at UNLV's School of Interior Design & Architecture, for her conceptual design of an Aveda store in Cape Town, South Africa.

As the winner of the competition, Cozzolino received a VIP weekend for two at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. All winners received engraved crystal awards from Tiffany & Co.

Photos: Cottage in Cardiff remodel by Cozzolino.