HUXHUX Design Inc named Best of Practice for Interior Design Firms
Announced by the Architect’s Newspaper 2025
The Architect’s Newspaper
The Architect’s Newspaper (AN) is a leading voice in American architecture and design media. Founded in 2003 and based in New York City, AN offers in-depth reporting, project features, firm profiles, and critical commentary aimed at architects, designers, and built-environment professionals. Published seven times a year in print, along with a robust digital presence, AN is known for its clear, accessible coverage of everything from cutting-edge projects to industry trends. In addition to its flagship newspaper, AN publishes AN Interior, a quarterly magazine focused on interior architecture and design. The publication also hosts widely respected events and conferences—such as Facades+ and Tech+—and runs annual award programs that spotlight excellence in design, product innovation, and architectural practice. With its blend of journalism, events, and thought leadership, AN continues to be a trusted source of insight and inspiration across the design community.
“Retail is an under-appreciated type of design commission. HUXHUX Design showcases how it can be done in an experimental way while keeping a focus on people.
”
The Best of Practice Award
The Best of Practice Awards—now in its fifth year—spotlight North American firms across the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) sector for excellence in design quality, company culture, and social impact, rather than just individual projects or products. Judged by a panel of architects, educators, and industry experts, the awards seek to recognize organizations that are shaping the future of built environments through thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable business practices.
By receiving the Best of Practice award this year, HUXHUX Design Inc. has been publicly recognized for:
Excellence in Design – Demonstrating high-quality, thoughtful design across completed projects.
Strong Internal Culture – Fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace that nurtures employee growth and diversity.
Positive Social Impact – Engaging meaningfully with communities and contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
As a winner, HUXHUX was featured in The Architect’s Newspaper across print, digital, and social platforms, reaching a wide audience of design professionals and industry leaders.
What made HUXHUX stand out to the Jury?
Founded in 2012, HUXHUX Design Inc. is an interior design firm dedicated to thoughtful, people-centered design. The firm emerged from a charitable design project that created furniture, wallpaper, and ceramic tiles, bringing them to market and donating proceeds to DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). While building a strong commercial portfolio, HUXHUX has consistently pursued projects that push beyond conventional design practice. In 2015, we partnered with NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine to develop a master plan for HAWA Memorial Saviour Hospital in Osiem, Ghana. In 2017, we collaborated with A/D/O to create multiple interior scenarios for this community-based design hub, designing custom furniture throughout its incubator, meeting, and exhibition spaces. In 2020, we launched a Black-Owned Business Interior Design Grant and worked with Brooklyn Clay Industries to expand their community ceramic studio in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. More recently, we designed Copps Island Oyster’s headquarters in Norwalk, CT, transforming it into an ecological education center that connects visitors with sustainable seafood practices and environmental conservation.
“The design team seamlessly integrated artifacts from our history—including repurposed oyster dredges and hand-dyed starfish mops—into functional, striking elements”
Our studio fosters a culture of design education and professional development, mentoring interns and supporting team members in obtaining LEED and NCIDQ certifications. Founder and principal designer, Justin Huxol, has shared his expertise through teaching and guest lectures at Parsons New School of Design, New York School of Interior Design, and Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
With a deep portfolio in the retail sector, HUXHUX Design Inc. is committed to inclusive retail design. With our own studio comprised of a female POC majority, we deeply value diversity, equity and inclusion and bring that perspective to our work. While the decision for a brand to change their product design, representation or advocacy is essentially a dealer’s choice, as designers, it’s up to us to determine how our agency meshes with the agency of our client’s brand. It’s what we are as a firm. It’s who we decide to work with as clients. It’s how we use our skills as designers to impact our clients’ design brief.
Recognized for our excellence in retail design, Fast Company Magazine named HUXHUX Design Inc. one of the best retail designers of 2020 for our work with Studs. In 2021, we received the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Calibre Award for excellence in commercial design in the Health & Wellness category for our lead interior design of Dr. Barbara Sturm boutiques and spas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we partnered with IDEO to research the future of workplace design. This work informed our corporate headquarters projects, such as Bentobox and J/PR, where we reallocated spaces for new work realities. We continue to seek meaningful innovations tailored to our clients’ evolving needs.
At HUXHUX Design Inc., we believe in the power of design to create positive change, whether in commercial, cultural, or community-based spaces. Through collaboration, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to impactful design, we shape spaces that reflect the values and aspirations of the people who use them.
