DesignPhiladelphia Awards
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GUIDELINES AND LOGISTICS HERE
Local Community/Social Impact Award – Recognizes individuals or organizations whose work has significantly impacted their community by fostering inclusivity, equity, and social progress. Applicants should demonstrate how their project or initiative has uplifted underrepresented voices, addressed pressing social challenges, or enhanced quality of life through thoughtful design.
Global Impact/Practice – Honors designers or firms whose work has created a positive impact on a global scale. Applicants should highlight how their projects and/or practice address international challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, or global equity through innovative and culturally sensitive design solutions.
Sustainable Designer – Recognizes designers who excel in integrating environmental responsibility and resource efficiency into their work. Applicants should provide examples of innovative approaches to sustainability, including the use of renewable materials, energy efficiency, and regenerative practices.
Technology Innovator – Celebrates individuals or teams who leverage cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of design. Applicants should illustrate how they have used or created advanced digital tools, AI, or innovative fabrication techniques to transform the creative process or built environment.
Artist Collaborator of the Year – Honors designers or collectives that excel in collaborating with artists to produce groundbreaking and visually compelling work. Applicants should present projects that blend art and design, enriching cultural experiences and fostering creative partnerships.
Design Advocate – Recognizes individuals or organizations championing design at any scale in Philadelphia, celebrating their dedication to advancing design’s role in building stronger, more vibrant communities.
Emerging Professional Award – Highlights the achievements of young or early-career professionals (10 years or less in practice) who have demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and potential within design industries. Applicants should provide examples of their work and explain how they are shaping the future of design.
Company of the Year – Recognizes an outstanding design firm that has demonstrated excellence in practice, innovation, and community impact. Applicants should share their firm’s accomplishments, client engagement strategies, key projects that set them apart, and how they cultivate a positive and inclusive office culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth.
Rising Entrepreneur – Celebrates the accomplishments of a design-focused entrepreneur who has successfully launched or grown a business. Applicants should showcase how their innovative ideas have contributed to the economic and cultural vitality of their community.
Accessible Design – Honors designers who prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Applicants should demonstrate how their work embodies universal design principles, creating environments that are usable and welcoming for people of all abilities.
Lifetime Achievement – Acknowledges an individual whose career has made a profound and lasting impact on the design community. Applicants should outline their significant contributions, innovative practices, and dedication to advancing the field of design.