Deco Communities’ Cabana on Thomas project won the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Arizona North Chapter’s prestigious Adaptive Use award, a top design industry award honoring excellence in interior design.

Cabana on Thomas is one of Deco Communities’ apartment renovation projects in which infill buildings are revamped and given a new vibrant life. The property’s interior design team is Valley-based Private Label International. Private Label a full service, integrated interior design firm that develops strategic environments and lifestyle brands.

“The Private Label team has been instrumental in helping us define the Cabana brand as a concept that is fresh, inspired and forward-thinking in terms of style and design,” said Deco Communities Partner Rob Lyles. “We are honored that Private Label has received this prestigious award. This award is recognition that the Cabana brand is setting the standard for adaptive use projects both in the Valley, and across the country.”

Deco Communities purchased the 1960’s apartment complex in an transitional urban location and wanted to breathe new life back into this once-desirable place to live. The project scope included a comprehensive property-repositioning plan inclusive of exterior paint schemes, signage, graphic and cultural brand elements.

Public spaces included a leasing office and club room, bike storage, EV charging stations, model units, branded laundries, a fitness center, as well as exterior common spaces and signature pool cabanas. The challenges were to transform the property on a minimal budget and reuse as much of the existing architecture as possible. The overall vision for the property was strongly influenced by international fashion trends, national art and design, with a focus on the local community.

The designers pulled in unique vintage pieces from the neighborhood shops, incorporated one-of-a-kind art, and brought in a local artist to create exterior murals as public art. The combination of each of these elements resulted in the unique look that is attracting both tenants and the attention of the design community.

Representing the Society’s rich history, the annual ASID Design Awards signify the highest level of excellence in the interior design community, honoring those who have made substantial contributions toward the advancement of the profession, while exemplifying a commitment to enhancing quality of life.