An unforgettable night at the 2025 AD Awards
Last Friday, November 21, I had the privilege of attending, as CEO of Barasona Diseño y Comunicación, one of those events that remind us why we love this sector: the AD 2025 Awards, held at the Casa de la Arquitectura in Madrid. An incomparable setting for a night in which architecture, design, interior design and art spoke the same language: that of excellence.
From the first moment there was something special. In the hall, in the corridors, in every corner, glances and conversations between architects, interior designers, designers, editors, gallery owners, artists, actors and design lovers exchanged. It was exciting to see how different generations shared the same enthusiasm for the projects that are shaping the present – and the future – of our spaces.
One of the most striking moments of the night was to feel so close to figures who have marked and continue to mark the history of contemporary architecture. Seeing the great Norman Foster in the room, listening to Kengo Kuma (AD 2025 Architect of the Year Award) or Sabine Marcelis (AD 2025 Designer of the Year Award) speak was a real luxury. Not only because of their careers, but also because of the naturalness with which they mixed with the rest of the guests, demonstrating that true greatness is usually accompanied by humility and closeness.
The gala was a journey through projects that, each in its own way, reinterpret space, matter and light. From the work of Hugo Toro, Interior Designer of the Year, to the universe of Elsa Urquijo and the recognition of the work of the Prado Museum in cultural dissemination, this year’s list of winners reflected a very inspiring balance between rigour, sensitivity and vision of the future.
As a communication professional specialising in interior design, architecture and design, experiencing this night in the first person was also a reflection on the power of dissemination to accompany creators. Behind each award there are many hours of work, research, models, sketches, tests, failures and small victories. And there are also media, editorial teams and communication professionals who help these projects reach the public, are understood and valued.
At Barasona Diseño y Comunicación we work precisely on this bridge: connecting brands, designers, architects, interior designers and product firms with the media and with people. That’s why finding myself surrounded by so many references we admire, and seeing how AD brings together the best of creative talent year after year, was also a confirmation that we are on the right track: that of betting on honest design, on well-thought-out materials, on spaces that excite and improve people’s lives.
The Casa de la Arquitectura was the perfect setting: a venue that not only hosts the gala, but reinforces the message of the evening. Between models, plans and exhibitions, the awards become more than just a ceremony; They are a celebration of the culture of the project, of the importance of caring for the built environment and of continuing to innovate without losing respect for history.
I left the 2025 AD Awards with a heart full of inspiration, lots of new ideas, and the feeling of having shared a historic night with some of the names who are writing the future of design. As always, I will continue to bring that spirit to each project we develop at Barasona Diseño y Comunicación, with the same enthusiasm with which I lived this evening: convinced that good design communicates, excites and leaves a mark.
