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.

Big Lift Adds CMO and VP of Sales to its Management Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Big Lift Adds CMO and VP of Sales to its Management Team
Strategic Hires Help Support the Company’s Goals into 2025 and Beyond 

Madison, WI (Oct. 16, 2024) – Today, Big Lift, LLC announced the appointment of Martin Boyd as Chief Marketing Officer and Jason Dunigan as Vice President of Sales for its Big Joe and EP North America brands. Dunigan started in his role this week and Boyd will begin in January of 2025. These executive positions will support the company in its many objectives including a strong focus to expand its leadership in lift truck electrification.

“Big Lift has a clear focus on where our products will best serve our customers moving into 2025 and beyond, and the addition of both Martin and Jason to our team will help us be better positioned for success,” said Dan Rosskamm, President of Big Lift. “As the industry shifts to modernize warehouse equipment, these most recent executive appointments will help us continue to provide cleaner, more efficient technology that makes today’s supply chain run smoothly. We welcome them to the Big Lift brands and look forward to working together for the success of our company.”

With more than 30 years in the material handling industry, Boyd will lead all marketing functions for both brands. Prior to Big Lift, he worked with major OEMs such as Hyster-Yale Group, Cascade Corporation and Toyota Material Handling, holding leadership positions in engineering, technical service, product management and marketing.  As Big Lift’s newest addition to the senior executive team, Boyd will utilize his experience to strengthen the Big Joe and EP brands in the North American market. His customer-centric passion will serve to ensure the company’s resources are focused on delivering the right solutions, based on market trends.

As Vice President of Sales for Big Lift, Dunigan will lead the national account and dealer development teams for both brands. He comes to Big Lift with more than 25 years of sales management experience with more than 20 of those focusing on the industrial forklift industry. Dunigan is a US Army Veteran that most recently worked with KION North America where he was instrumental in increasing Linde’s market share in North America by transforming the Key Account Department and developing partnerships with distribution channel partners.

About Big Lift LLC:

Big Lift is a customer-driven North American material handling equipment company, that distributes innovative products and in-between-handling applications, purpose-built counterbalanced lithium forklifts and market-leading autonomous solutions. The company distributes Big Joe and EP brands in North America. Based in Wisconsin, Big Lift provides engineering expertise, customer service, aftermarket parts, and warranty support to the brands it distributes.

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Media Contact:

Kirsten Brundahl
(714) 366-6003
kirsten@masterplancommunications.com

or

Rachel Leadholm
(847) 602-1578
rachel@masterplancommunications.com

Wisconsin Union: Departure of Sunburst Terrace Chairs from Memorial Union Terrace Anticipated to Begin Oct. 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 14, 2024

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/terrace-closing-2024

DEPARTURE OF SUNBURST TERRACE CHAIRS FROM MEMORIAL UNION TERRACE ANTICIPATED TO BEGIN OCT. 28

MADISON, Wis. – The nonprofit Wisconsin Union anticipates that the 2,000 yellow, orange and green Terrace chairs and 431 tables will begin to make their exit from the Union’s outdoor dining and entertainment space, the Memorial Union Terrace, on Oct. 28. This date is subject to change based on multiple factors, such as staffing.

The Terrace chairs’ and tables’ departures mark the end of the Wisconsin Union’s outdoor film, music, and art entertainment series, known as Terrace season. The first full Terrace season occurred in 1929. Each year, the Union welcomes about 1 million patrons to the Terrace.

The Memorial Union Terrace opened for the 2024 Terrace season on April 17. Terrace season usually takes place from late spring to early fall each year. The season features free film showings, free concerts, free and low-cost art activities, seasonal dining options, and low-cost outdoor recreation experiences.

“We, at the Wisconsin Union, host experiences for a lifetime year-round, and, even though our event venues and restaurants are on a college campus, we are a community union that welcomes hundreds of thousands of community members and tourists throughout the year,” Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell said.

The Wisconsin Union’s indoor dining options remain open after Terrace season ends. Indoor dining choices at Memorial Union include: the pub food destination der Rathskeller; the pasta and pizza eatery Strada; the sandwich and salad shop Carte; the desserts cafe Daily Scoop; the house-made baked goods and beverages stop Peet’s Coffee; the snacks, meals and beverages stop Badger Market; and the snacks and beverages restaurant der Stiftskeller.

In addition, for the first time since it opened in 2017, Lakeview Lounge is anticipated to remain open throughout the year. Lakeview Lounge features house-made pizza, shareables, a beer lineup with more than a dozen selections, and a Friday fish fry with hand-battered, wild-caught cod, house-made coleslaw and a side choice of waffle fries, potato salad, or cheesy hashbrowns.

Concerts, art events and activities, and free film showings continue at the Union’s indoor event venues post-Terrace season. Additional, upcoming events and activities include free art exhibitions, performing arts events, talks by thought leaders, bowling, free video and board games use, billiards, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals and activities. Visitors can find a full list of Wisconsin Union events, which grows throughout the year, at union.wisc.edu/events.

Patrons’ purchases at Wisconsin Union dining locations and at the online Terrace Store help the Wisconsin Union provide free and low-cost experiences, its spaces, and student leadership opportunities, some of which provide academic stipends of up to 80% of in-state tuition. Patrons can also support this work through donations.

Guests can visit union.wisc.edu for information about Wisconsin Union dining options, events, services, and activities.

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About the Wisconsin Union

The Wisconsin Union enhances the lives of members and visitors through recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities. Formed in 1907, the Wisconsin Union is a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more about the Union and its tradition of providing experiences for a lifetime: union.wisc.edu.

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.