Douglas Outdoor & Textile Innovation has won an international upholstery award in the USA, based on its installation at an Ahuriri bar.
A Hawke’s Bay hospitality venue has gained international recognition, with Douglas Outdoor & Textile Innovation winning an international Upholstery Award of Excellence from the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), USA, for its custom booth seating at Mix’d Cocktail Bar in Ahuriri.
The award was announced as part of the 2025 International Achievement Awards, which recognise excellence in upholstery and specialty textiles across hospitality, commercial and architectural sectors worldwide. The ATA is based in Minnesota and represents thousands of textile and fabrication businesses globally.
The winning project was delivered through a collaboration between Simkin Construction and Douglas, with a strong focus on comfort, durability and guest experience in a busy bar and dining environment.
Mix’d’s curved booth seating was designed by siblings Olivia and Gus Simkin to provide a softer, more relaxed alternative to bar seating, encouraging guests to settle in and enjoy food and drinks at an unhurried pace.
Douglas was brought in early to help assess feasibility and guide material and upholstery decisions as the design evolved.
The final result saw Douglas craft 98 bespoke bolsters and curved squabs, upholstered in Macrosuede ‘Spruce’ and built over high-resilience foam, commercial-grade materials chosen to withstand heavy daily use while retaining a plush, welcoming feel.
Adam Greville, Co-owner of Douglas, says the project highlights the importance of fit-out decisions in hospitality success.
“Good seating plays a huge role in how long people stay and how comfortable they feel. We were grateful to be invited into this project and to help create something that works just as well on busy nights as it does for quieter moments.”
After first winning a national Award of Excellence at the ATANZ Awards, Douglas entered the project into the international ATA awards, where it was recognised on the global stage.
Open daily for lunch, dinner and casual drinks, Mix’d has become a popular Ahuriri destination for its inventive cocktails, modern cuisine and beachfront location.
Tucked to one side of the venue, the booth seating has become a favourite for date nights and smaller groups, particularly once the evening buzz along the waterfront gets going.
“The booth seating is a real feature and a photography sweet-spot for visitors,” said Olivia Simkin, the creative force behind Mix’d.
“It’s comfortable, durable, and gives that part of the bar its character. We love how people settle in and enjoy a cosy cocktail in an easy, small-group flow, and now to have it recognised internationally is so special.”
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