The distinguished list of global design leaders will be working with next generation creators.
Lexus announces that LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2023 will be welcoming back Joe Doucet as a mentor and Paola Antonelli and Simon Humphries as judges, all of whom are drawn by the inspirational experience of interacting with
enthusiastic up-and-coming creators through this program. Additionally, Lexus is also thrilled to announce the addition of Karim Rashid as a judge and Marjan van Aubel, Yuri Suzuki, and Sumayya Vally as mentors for this year’s event. These giants of the design world share the global design vision of nurturing and supporting promising creators and will work together to create a better tomorrow.
To accomplish this vision, mentorship by the world’s leading creators has always been the heart of the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD’s ever-evolving program. The newly streamlined and expanded LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2023 mentoring experience will begin with four award winners chosen to receive the opportunity of a lifetime-being
mentored by world-renowned designers. With four winners, the mentors will be able to engage in richer discourse to encourage creative growth through personalized advice while guiding each project closer to maturity.
Joe Doucet, award-winning multidisciplinary designer, has mentored emerging talent in
the program since the 2020 edition commented: “Being with the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD program for three years as a mentor, I have gained some perspective as to the unique benefits of the structure of the program. From a mentor’s perspective, we get to watch the blossoming of talent before our eyes. I am so grateful to take this role in what is a truly rewarding experience where we all benefit by working and growing together.” Joe Doucet brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his mission of inspiring and guiding the winners. Through his ongoing refinement of the mentoring process, he continues to earn the gratitude of the participants.
Paola Antonelli, senior curator of architecture and design at MoMA, New York, is another indispensable figure in the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD story with whom the program’s goals resonate. Since the award’s establishment in 2013, she has kept a watchful eye on the program while welcoming the stimulating experience of interacting with fresh talent, and will once again share her bold perspectives and insights as a member of the judging panel. Her deep concern with design’s responsibilities and possibilities informs her perception of creative potential in the next generation of designers.
Simon Humphries, Head of Toyota & Lexus Global Design, will again serve as a judge, representing Lexus’ pursuit of Design for a Better Tomorrow. The global designer Karim Rashid’s legendary work straddles the spectrum from
industrial design to interior design. With more than 4,000 designs in production across more than 35 countries, Karim Rashid is in high demand for collaboration with famous brands. As a judge, Karim will join Paola Antonelli and Simon Humphries in their quest for the creators of a better tomorrow.
In appreciation of the opportunity to collaborate with the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD, Karim Rashid said, “It is an honor to review such a vast body of work and ideas in the promotion of design as the definitive shaper of the future and culture. I encourage all designers entering the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD to find new languages, new semantics,
new aesthetics, experiment with new material, and behavioral approaches. Competitions such as this were formative to my creative and professional growth, and I look forward to seeing the beautiful individuality and originality that will result.”
After selection by the judges, the four winners will be invited to mentorship sessions with Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel whose innovations integrate sunlight and technology for a sustainable future; Japanese sound artist and experience designer Yuri Suzuki; and South African architect Sumayya Vally, who expresses hybrid identities and territory for African and Islamic conditions.
Sumayya Vally stated, “I am honored to be a part of the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD mentor team, and to support and nurture the creative empowerment of the next generation. Listening to and drawing on voices of difference, to innovate design-led ideas, plays an important role in shaping our future. Beauty and social justice are not
mutually exclusive. Beauty is social justice.”
These three creators will join fourth-time mentor Joe Doucet, to form a dynamic team to steer the next generation of creators. Their diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise will make the mentorship program a deeper experience than ever. Lexus is looking forward with confidence to mentor-mentee collaborations pursuant of a better future.
After three months spent developing and refining the four winning concepts, winners will
present their work in the spring of 2023.
For those who are interested in entering, Lexus will hold an orientation webinar for creators around the world who may be interested in applying for the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD so they can get a deeper understanding the award’s purpose and features, and also learn about how to participate. During this orientation there will also be a session
where past award winners will talk about their personal journeys to creative award success. Sign up to get valuable pointers on competition entry and to learn more about the program.
LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2023 ORIENTATION WEBINAR
September 21 st , Wednesday: EDT 23:00 / PDT 20:00 / SGT 11:00 / CEST 05:00
Pre-registration is required. Participation is free of charge.
For details and registration go to https://forms.gle/UF4vipJrpW4YPsY3
LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2023 is open for entries through October 16, 2022. For more information, please visit lexusdesignaward.com.
Banner photo from Lexus.