ROYALMOUNT, which bills itself as Montreal’s premier lifestyle destination, has just been recognized as a leader in design excellence, taking home the most awards of any nominee at the 2025 Interior Design Awards.
“Founded in 2007 in Montréal, a UNESCO City of Design, the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards celebrate excellence, creativity, and innovation in design, architecture, and the built environment. Organized by Agence PID and presented on the INT.design platform, the competition was originally created to highlight the talent and exceptional achievements of Québec designers and architects. Over time, it has evolved into a prestigious international program, now open to professionals and firms from around the world,” according to officials.
Among ROYALMOUNT’s multiple wins, most notably, the property took home the “Award of the Year” for Inclusive Bathrooms (By: Borrallo Interiors + Chrome Design + Lemay). Focused on lived experience, Carbonleo, the developer behind ROYALMOUNT, considers green spaces and inclusivity as essential and relevant elements in contemporary Canadian society. This experience of inclusivity is extended as the main concept for the design of the public bathroom in ROYALMOUNT.
In addition to this top honour, several ROYALMOUNT tenants and collaborators were also recognized across categories, highlighting the site’s collective design excellence:
- Birks (Aedifica Architectes) – Gold, Retail ≤ 1,600 sq. ft.
- Dynamite (GDI Design) – Multiple Gold and Silver awards including Retail > 5,400 sq. ft., Lighting, Integration of Art, Collaboration, and Product Design.
- Le Fou Fou (Lemay Michaud Architectes) – Gold, Food Court Design, Branding & Signage, Art Installation.
- Qwelli (Huma Design) – Silver, Café & Counter Service.
- Rennaï (Borallo Interiors, Chrome Design) – Gold and Silver across Beauty Retail, Lighting, Colour, and Materials.
- Sports Experts (Conrath Architecte, INDESIGN) – Gold, Retail > 5,400 sq. ft.
Together, these wins reinforce ROYALMOUNT’s position as a destination where art and design intersect to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
Eve Larochelle, Principal Director of Design and 3D Studio at Carbonleo, said at ROYALMOUNT, Carbonleo set out to create more than a retail destination.
“The goal was to design a truly inclusive, human-centred environment that reflects the diversity, creativity, and sophistication of Montreal. Guided by principles of accessibility, connection, and timeless elegance, the design transforms every visitor touchpoint into an elevated experience that is both welcoming and inspiring,” she explained.
“This philosophy is exemplified in ROYALMOUNT’s award-winning all-gender washrooms, which received the Award of the Year at the INT Design Awards. Developed in close collaboration with Ana Borrallo, Chrome Design, and Lemay, these spaces redefine public amenity design by merging functionality, artistry, and emotion.
“At the heart of the space, a hand-themed art video installation by artist Cristina Mejías serves as a powerful metaphor for connection, empathy, and inclusivity reminding visitors that every gesture and interaction can bridge differences. This immersive piece, paired with the space’s carefully choreographed lighting, signature scent, and ambient soundtrack, transforms the washroom into a multisensory experience of calm and belonging.
“The design encourages privacy and comfort through individual enclosed stalls and a communal vanity island, while the materials, finishes, and acoustics evoke a sense of serenity and refinement. The result is a space that goes beyond function: a celebration of inclusivity, artistry, and human connection.”
Larochelle said Carbonleo’s emphasis on green spaces and inclusivity extends beyond the architecture to shape the entire visitor experience.
“The space was built with the intention of creating spaces for the community to enjoy. With over 77,000 square feet of landscaped public areas ROYALMOUNT stands as a true urban oasis – inviting guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy nature within a vibrant metropolitan setting. Featuring tree-lined promenades, abundant natural light, and a unique skybridge connecting the property to public transit, ensures the site remains welcoming, sustainable, and easily accessible,” she said.
“These international design recognitions reinforce ROYALMOUNT’s position as a world-class retail and lifestyle destination and elevate Montreal’s profile on the global design stage. Winning the INT Design Award of the Year for inclusive spaces underscores the project’s ability to blend innovation, empathy, and architectural sophistication – setting a new benchmark for inclusive, people-focused design in commercial environments.”
Behind this success lies a highly collaborative process between Carbonleo and its partners: including numerous talented design firms, architects, and tenant stakeholders, added Larochelle.
“From the earliest concept phase, Carbonleo’s internal design, tenant delivery, and construction teams worked hand in hand with these partners to translate the ROYALMOUNT’s vision into reality,” she noted.
“Through open dialogue, shared creative intent, and rigorous coordination, every element: from public spaces and façades to brand environments and interior details was carefully orchestrated to ensure design cohesion, technical precision, and experiential quality across the entire development.
“This seamless integration of vision and execution is what defines ROYALMOUNT: a project where collaboration, craftsmanship, and purpose converge to create a truly immersive and inclusive destination that reflects the best of Montreal’s design excellence.
“Looking ahead, these design recognitions both set the standard and inspire for the next phases of ROYALMOUNT and future Carbonleo projects. They reaffirm the company’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship as essential pillars of modern urban development, ensuring that each new addition continues to celebrate design as a catalyst for connection, sustainability, and meaningful human experience.”
Here are all the links to the Interior Design Award winners from ROYALMOUNT:
- Birks:
- Dynamite:
- https://int.design/en/project/dynamite-royalmount-boutique-phare-archi/
- https://int.design/en/project/dynamite-royalmount-flagship-store/
- https://int.design/en/project/boutique-phare-dynamite/
- https://int.design/en/project/boutique-phare-dynamite-rencontre-entre-lart-numerique-lintelligence-artificielle-et-la-developpement-durable/
- https://int.design/en/project/dynamite-royalmount-comm-design-de-marque
- Le Fou Fou:
- Qwelli:
- Sports Experts:
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