Inspired by this Custom Award?
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The idea for this award stemmed from Ubiquiti’s desire to create a single, standout piece that could be used universally to commemorate different years of service. Rather than producing a different design for each milestone, they envisioned one timeless and versatile award—something that could evolve in meaning over time while maintaining a consistent, recognizable form. This approach demanded a clean and streamlined aesthetic, where simplicity became the ultimate challenge. Ubiquiti aimed for an award that could symbolize longevity and excellence across the board, making it essential that the design be both elevated and enduring.
To bring this vision to life, Ubiquiti turned to Cristaux for our precision, creativity, and deep knowledge of materials. Together, we focused on using machined aluminum as the sole material—an intentional decision that kept the piece cohesive while pushing the limits of minimalism. The design plays with contrast through a polished versus raw metal finish, adding subtle sophistication without overwhelming the eye. This balance of restraint and refinement reflects the complexity behind a seemingly simple award, showcasing Cristaux’s ability to craft beauty through thoughtful detail and expert execution.
pounds of material used to create the awards
Manufacturing this award came with a unique set of creative and technical challenges. With a design vision rooted in simplicity—clean, classy, and free of moving parts—the biggest hurdle was translating that elegance into something tangible, especially when working with a single material. The logo posed its own design complexity; it wasn’t just a matter of placing it on the piece, but of thoughtfully building the entire form around it. Without embellishments or multiple textures to lean on, the award’s success depended entirely on the precision of machining and finishing. Sometimes, starting with a blank canvas can feel liberating—but in this case, it demanded more restraint, intention, and subtlety to ensure the final piece felt elevated and unmistakably on brand.
On top of the creative intricacies, time was a major pressure point. Ubiquiti had a tight deadline, meaning the design had to go from concept to prototype to full production in record time. Once in manufacturing, every step had to run smoothly—there was little room for delays or errors. Machining thick aluminum added to the complexity, as it increased machine time significantly, and in some cases, required re-polishing after laser work to maintain the desired finish. The production team had just one solid week to execute the first round of units, followed by only a few more weeks to complete and ship the full order. This project exemplified the kind of high-pressure, high-precision work where Cristaux thrives—combining speed, craftsmanship, and uncompromising attention to detail.
To bring Ubiquiti’s vision to life, Cristaux crafted the final award from a solid block of brushed aluminum—emphasizing weight, durability, and a strong presence. The standout feature was the logo, meticulously crafted from stainless steel. Known for its resistance to scratching and ability to hold a brilliant polish, stainless steel brought both refinement and resilience to the piece. Cutting it with precision required serious machinery—a high-powered laser capable of achieving clean, intricate detailing without compromising the material. The stainless steel pattern was then carefully inset into the aluminum body, creating a seamless contrast between the two metals. While the prominent “U” was a design anchor, the real challenge came from the three smaller square inlays, which demanded exacting precision: too much adhesive and they’d bulge; too little, and they wouldn’t hold. Balancing these tolerances was key to delivering a flawless final product.
The clean design followed a “less is more” philosophy, with the back of the piece intentionally left blank—serving as a customizable canvas for engraving individual milestones. This allowed Ubiquiti to use a single award SKU to commemorate varying years of service, creating both scalability and consistency across recognition efforts. Whether celebrating employees, long-standing suppliers, or dedicated partners, each piece could be uniquely personalized. A subtle yet impactful touch was the inclusion of the CEO’s signature embedded into the design, lending a personal tone and deeper sense of appreciation from the highest level of the organization.
Attention to detail extended beyond aesthetics. The award’s brushed finish was chosen not only for its modern look, but also because it resists fingerprints better than polished surfaces—ensuring it remains pristine over time. A felt bottom was added to protect desks and surfaces during display. And because the piece is completely solid, not hollow, it carries a meaningful weight that signals quality and significance. Designed to be shipped globally and presented in person, the final award embodies the thoughtful craftsmanship and elevated recognition experience that Cristaux is known for.
