Gold Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026

Metal

Furniture

Homewear & Decor

Completed / Built / Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Kym Gold

Studio:

The Style Union LLC / dumae

Design Team:

Kym Gold, Sakshi Khurana, Alicia Sutton, Maddie Nadimzadeh

Copyright:

dumae

Country:

United States

This sculptural taper candle holder reimagines a familiar object as a quiet architectural presence within hospitality environments. Inspired by the form of a tree trunk, its silhouette reflects the strength and organic irregularity found in nature, balancing softness with structure while functioning as both a practical object and a refined spatial accent.

Carefully proportioned to feel delicate yet grounded, the form echoes natural growth through subtle variations in contour, supporting a slender vertical profile anchored by a stable base. Crafted in solid brass with a warm reflective finish, the surface responds gently to changing light, creating depth and warmth without visual excess.

In hospitality settings, the piece contributes to layered lighting and atmosphere across dining tables, guestrooms, lounges, and spa environments. Its compact footprint allows flexible placement, while durable materiality and weighted construction ensure stability and longevity in high traffic spaces.

By elevating candlelight into an intentional design gesture, the object brings intimacy and calm to shared environments, demonstrating how small scale elements can meaningfully shape the guest experience.

The Style Union LLC / dumae

dumae is a design-led homeware brand inspired by nature and motivated by tradition. Designed in Los Angeles and handcrafted in India, our pieces reflect the meeting of our founders’ Malibu roots and Indian heritage, uniting contemporary perspective with generational craftsmanship.

Defined by organic form, weighted curves and refined restraint, every design is shaped by duality and purpose. A dialogue between heritage and modernity, brought to life by the hands of skilled artisans.

dumae is about building a home over time, creating a collection that lives together in quiet dialogue. Across decor, lighting, tableware and textiles, each piece complements the next. Objects made to be used, lived with, kept and passed from one generation to the next.