Marking the inaugural AHEAD awards programme, AHEAD Asia took place on 7 March at The Capitol Theatre, Singapore, and welcomed 350 architects, designers, developers and operators, among others, to recognise hotel design in all its forms.

The ceremony saw Australian architect Kerry Hill receive the Outstanding Contribution award, honouring his four-decade career and vital role in the evolution of Asian hospitality design. Working in partnership with Sleeper, Dezeen documented the night, speaking to Hill about his career and design philosophy.

Born in Perth in 1943, Hill was one of the first to complete a degree in architecture at the University of Western Australia. He worked for Howlett & Bailey for three years before accepting a job with Palmer & Turner in Hong Kong, going on to manage their office in Jakarta.

Hill founded his own practice in Singapore in 1979, championing the notion of experiential architecture. His style, one that combines abstract modernism with sensitive local touches, draws from indigenous tropical building forms and can be seen in some of the most ambitious projects across south-east Asia.

Hill’s acclaimed portfolio includes The Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia; The Chedi in Bandung, Indonesia; and the recently opened Amanemu in Ise-Shima, Japan. The Outstanding Contribution award has previously been awarded to Jaya Ibrahim and Adrian Zecha.

www.aheadawards.com