Voyageur Stays: Madison Company Becomes Wisconsin’s First Interior Design Finalist at International Awards

Madison, WI – The Medallion, a Madison-based extended stay apartment, has made history as Wisconsin’s first-ever finalist for the prestigious  Dezeen Design Awards. Selected from over 4,000 entries worldwide, The Medallion is now one of five finalists on the global stage in the hotel and short stays category. The project stands out as just one of just four finalists from the United States across all interior design categories this year.

The project, which offers 21 fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments for stays of 30 days or more, is a collaborative effort between Madison’s Voyageur Stays and Voyageur Design Build. The team worked closely with Dutch designer Arno Hoogland, local master woodworkers, and Wisconsin craftsmen to create a cohesive, affordable, and innovative design.

“The Medallion is a testament to the creative energy and craftsmanship that make Madison a design hub,” said Jason Ilstrup, President of Downtown Madison Inc. “It’s exciting to see a local project receive international recognition, and we are immensely proud of the team behind it.”

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation in Mid-Term Hospitality

In the mid-term hospitality industry, high craftsmanship is uncommon due to tight profit margins. This project sought to challenge that notion, exploring how handcrafted production could be both valued by guests and achieved affordably.

Voyageur’s husband and wife team employed innovative fabrication techniques such as CNC robotics, laser cutting, plywood steamforming, and 3D printing to meet tight deadlines and budget constraints. They prioritized local artisans and sustainable materials, while their collaborations with emerging international designers allowed for fresh, inventive approaches.

They used non-traditional materials in unconventional ways—vehicle wraps, for example, were applied to cabinets for an affordable, custom design finish. They repurposed Industrial LED modules and used 3D-printed diffusers to enhance fixtures.

To further optimize efficiency and cost savings, they developed modular components for sofas, headboards, and ornamentation, streamlining production while maintaining a custom feel. Even custom light fixtures were partially pre-fabricated in collaboration with glass manufacturers and assembled on-site, balancing artistry and cost-effectiveness.

“We love pushing boundaries to create beautiful, cohesive designs that are both affordable and sustainable,” said Kristopher Steege-Reimann, owner of Voyageur Design Build. “Our goal is to prove that handcrafted furniture and thoughtful design can be integrated into hospitality without breaking the budget.”

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability was a central focus of The Medallion’s design approach. The team emphasized durability and repairability, sourcing sustainably harvested local wood and using high-quality Axminster wool rugs. Furniture was designed to be easily repaired, reducing the need for full replacements, while existing cabinets were refreshed rather than discarded.

“Our commitment to enduring, repairable designs is the opposite of the fast-fashion mentality that dominates today’s hospitality design,” added Steege-Reimann. “We believe in creating pieces that last a lifetime.”

A ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ Approach

Dutch designer Arno Hoogland drew inspiration from The Medallion’s architectural features, particularly its signature diamond-pattern brickwork. This motif became the foundation for the visual language of the project, with nearly every piece of furniture and fixture custom-designed to harmonize with the building’s exterior. Heavily influenced by the philosophy of Wisconsin’s own Frank Lloyd Wright, Hoogland embraced the concept of a gesamtkunstwerk—a holistic approach where every design element works in harmony with the others.

“Working with The Medallion’s existing architecture allowed us to create a truly integrated design, from the furniture to the smallest fixtures,” Hoogland remarked.

About Dezeen Awards

The Dezeen Awards, organized by the world’s leading design website Dezeen, celebrate the best architecture and design projects globally. With low entry costs that encourage submissions from small studios, the awards focus on projects that are not only beautiful and innovative but also socially and environmentally conscious.

Photos of the Medallion
Photos of the Voyageur Design Build Team

For media inquiries, please contact:
Julia Steege-Reimann
Owner/Operator, Voyageur Stays and Voyageur Design Build
hello@voyageurstays.com | +1 (608) 205-8164

About Voyageur Stays and Voyageur Design Build
Voyageur Stays offers curated, furnished rentals for long and short stays in downtown Madison, WI. Its sister company, Voyageur Design Build, specializes in innovative, beautiful, and affordable custom designs. Learn more at voyageurstays.com and voyageurdesignbuild.com.

Lake Ridge Bank: Ted Gunderson Recognized as Elite Lender for Small Businesses

October 10, MADISON, Wisconsin— Ted Gunderson, Senior Vice President-Business Relationship Manager at Lake Ridge Bank, was recently named to WBD’s group of Elite Lenders. Formerly known as Wisconsin Business Development, WBD recognizes lenders from across the state for their commitment to and success in helping small businesses get the financing they need to grow, create jobs, and build communities.

To be named an Elite Lender, Gunderson distinguished himself by helping 10 businesses get the low, long-term, fixed-rate financing available through the SBA 504 program, which must be administered by a Certified Development Company, such as WBD.

Gunderson explains the SBA 504 program is an excellent option for small businesses who are in growth mode with good cash flow, but have little resources left over to finance expansion.

According to WBD, their organization has helped fund more than 3,500 businesses and created in excess of 76,000 jobs in Wisconsin and Minnesota since 1981.

For more information about how the Business Banking Division at Lake Ridge Bank can help your business find unique programs to finance growth and create job opportunities, visit lakeridge.bank/business or contact our Lake Ridge Bank location in your community.

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!

For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.

Voyageur Stays Achieves International Design Recognition

Voyageur Stays is thrilled to announce that their recent renovation project, The Medallion, is in the top 3% of entries for the prestigious Dezeen Awards, which celebrate design excellence and innovation from architects and designers worldwide. They are still in the running to be finalists in the hotel and short stays category.

From 4,130 from 82 countries, The Medallion has been selected as one of just 141 interior projects still in the running to become a finalist for an award this year.

The Voyageur Stays Team collaborated with Dutch designer Arno Hoogland during this project. The team wanted to prove that mid-term hospitality consumers would value a strong investment in design and handcrafted production. They also wanted to show that building things by hand doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive than buying mass-produced items. They focused on innovative fabrication techniques including CNC robotics, plywood steamforming, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The Medallion is a true gesamtkunstwerk- all elements are designed in harmony with each other.

The team at Voyageur Stays looks forward to the announcement of the finalists later this year and are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their commitment to outstanding design and innovation.

Voyageur Stays Awarded Best New Development or Renovation (Under $2 Million) at the 2024 In Business Commercial Design Awards

Voyageur Stays is proud to announce its recognition as the recipient of the Best New Development or Renovation (Under $2 Million) award at the 2024 In Business Commercial Design Awards for the renovation of their 21-unit extended stay apartment building, The Medallion. The Voyageur Stays Team collaborated with Dutch designer Arno Hoogland during this project. The team wanted to prove mid-term hospitality consumers would value a strong investment in design and handcrafted production. They also wanted to show that building things by hand doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive than buying mass-produced items. They focused on innovative fabrication techniques including CNC robotics, plywood steamforming, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The Medallion is a true gesamtkunstwerk- all elements are designed in harmony with each other.

The In Business Commercial Design Awards celebrate excellence in commercial design across various categories, and this recognition reinforces Voyageur’s mission to deliver exceptional extended stay experiences in Madison.

Voyageur Stays: Julia Steege-Reimann Recognized for Industry Success on the Cover of BRAVA Magazine

Voyageur Stays is proud to announce that Julia Steege-Reimann, owner and operator of the company, has been featured on the cover of BRAVA Magazine in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry in Madison, WI. Through her commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, Julia has played a pivotal role in elevating Voyageur Stays, consistently redefining its hospitality standards and operational efficiency. Her leadership not only inspires her team but also contributes significantly to the growth of the mid-term rental sector in Madison, WI.

The feature highlights Julia’s rise to success, her business strategies that allow for Voyageur to thrive, and the experiences that led to her passion for community engagement.

To read the article, please visit https://bravamagazine.com/julia-steege-reimann-building-real-estate-empire/.