In competition with some of the nation’s top interior design firms, taking the top Best In Show Award from the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) was a shock to Marion Philpotts Miller. She and designer Lowell Tom were recognized in the Bay Area ceremony recently for work they did restoring the famous landmark Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach.

 

Marion was even more surprised when she saw the kind of glamorous projects the others had done – many of which she admired. In true island style (and no doubt still stunned) she danced a hula on her way across the stage to pick up her award. Her thank you’s ended with a “shaka” sign to the audience.

 

Breathing modernity into a cherished hotel icon is never easy, however necessary for them to compete. That Marion and Lowell were recognized for the transformation they undertook was gratifying and exciting.