8 S  here are some who are all about extravagance when it comes to their fur-child. Jewel-encrusted leashes, self-refilling water dishes, outdoor shoes and outfits – no expense is too lavish. This was sort of the idea behind the 5th Annual Design for Dogs event hosted by Facings of America. This custom dog house design and build competition is a fundraiser that benefits Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in the state. In 2018, the state-of-the-art designer dog house competition raised $20,000 for AAWL. This showcase challenges participants to think outside the box to produce unique dog houses that will fetch a handsome price. Since the dog-centric event debuted in 2015, it has attracted local architects, interior designers, builders and industry partners. With its determination to give back to the community, Facings of America leaders were eager to pursue a partnership with AAWL because of its inspiring motive, philosophy and work ethic. While every year has been memorable, 2019 marks the most successful event yet with more sponsorships than ever before. “We are so excited to be able to support an organization as great as AAWL,” Rheagan Mulvey of Facings of America said. “Design for Dogs is all about raising both money and awareness for rescued animals.” This year, 13 design and build teams accepted the challenge to construct dog houses to be auctioned in support of the cause. Each house was different, but some of the most innovative and memorable features included solar-powered lights, custom taps for water bowls and shag carpet. “Design for Dogs was an incredible event that raised much-needed funds to help AAWL fight against pet homelessness. We are so grateful to Facings of America and our community for the outpouring of support,” said Michael Morefield of AAWL. With impressive craftsmanship and effort on full display, teams were up for awards including People’s Choice and Best in Show. The winner of the Judges’ Choice and Best in Show was “5,000 Bones” by Slabhaus. “Being around so many talented designers was an Homes for hounds Elaborate dog houses fetch donations for AAWL outside the box to produce unique dog houses that will fetch a handsome price. Since the dog-centric event debuted in 2015, it has attracted local architects, interior designers, builders and industry partners. community, Facings of America leaders were eager to pursue a partnership with AAWL because of its inspiring motive, philosophy and work ethic. While every year has been memorable, 2019 marks the most successful event yet with more sponsorships than ever before. organization as great as AAWL,” Rheagan Mulvey Annual Design for Dogs event hosted by Facings of Paw-ffee Table | 80 Degrees. Bark N Brew | Weitz + Deutsch Architecture Group. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMANDA VENTURA

“Design for Dogs is all about raising both money and awareness for rescued animals.” absolute honor for us, and to win best in show was beyond amazing. We are big dog lovers and being able to create a custom dog house to raise money for our little friends felt really great,” said Brandon Boetto of Slabhaus. “Modern Mutt Hut” by Ownby Design + Cyber Technology took home the People’s Choice award. “We are beyond honored to win the People’s Choice award. Teaming up with Cyber Technology group, we had so much fun designing the Modern Mutt Hut and loved seeing it come together,” said Rachel Koepke of Ownby. “It really came down to the last minute and we could not have done it without our awesome supporters.” Editor’s Note: A few of the other homes mentioned above are featured in the March 2019 edition of Arcadia News . The Barkminster Fuller Dog House Lakin Design + Heavy Headless Industries. People’s Choice winner: Modern Mutt Hut Ownby Design + Cyber Technology. Best of Show and Judge’s Choice winner: 5,000 Bones | Slabhaus.