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The DesignPhiladelphia Awards spotlight the designers and innovators who are making a real impact. From fostering inclusivity to advancing global solutions, each category honors those pushing boundaries and shaping the future of design. Join us for an exciting night as we launch the 2025 DesignPhiladelphia Festival with the anticipated Kick-off + Inaugural Awards Celebration!
These awards reflect the voice of our community. Nominations come from the people who witness the impact of design every day. They help us spotlight designers who are actively shaping the world around them. By recognizing a wide range of practices, from up-and-coming talent to established professionals, we celebrate the full spectrum of creativity and purpose. This is a moment to honor that design at every level has the power to create real, lasting change. We are seeking nominations from anyone that sees design excellence within our community.
Recognizing work that fosters inclusivity, equity, and social progress.
This award is open to individuals or organizations whose work has significantly impacted their community by fostering inclusivity, equity, and social progress. Nominations should provide examples of how their project or initiative has uplifted underrepresented voices, addressed pressing social challenges, and/or enhanced quality of life through thoughtful design.
Honoring internationally recognized efforts addressing global challenges.
This award honors designers or firms whose work has created a positive impact on a global scale. Nominations should highlight how their work addresses international challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, or global equity; impacts other designers in their discipline and/or beyond by creating best practices; and/or through innovative and culturally sensitive design process / solutions.
Highlighting transformative collaborations between designers and artists.
This award honors designers or collectives that excel in collaborating with artists to produce groundbreaking and visually compelling work. Nominations should present projects that blend art and design, enriching cultural experiences and fostering creative partnerships.
Highlighting commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
This award recognizes designers who excel in integrating environmental responsibility and resource efficiency into their work. Nominations should provide examples of innovative approaches to sustainability, including the use of renewable materials, energy efficiency, and regenerative practices; and/or preservation, conservation, and reduce/renew strategies.
Honoring internationally recognized efforts addressing global challenges.
This award celebrates the accomplishments of a design-focused entrepreneur who has successfully launched or grown a business. Nominations should showcase how their innovative ideas have contributed to the economic and cultural vitality of their community.
Recognizing those championing design’s role in better communities.
Celebrating individuals or organizations championing design at any scale in Philadelphia, recognizing their dedication to advancing design’s role in building stronger, more vibrant communities. Nominations should demonstrate the accomplishments and efforts of the individual or organization championing design in Philadelphia.
Honoring companies excelling in practice, culture, and community impact.
This award recognizes an outstanding design firm that has demonstrated excellence in practice, innovation, and community impact. Nominations 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.
Celebrating early-career professionals shaping the future of design.
This award highlights the achievements of young or early-career professionals who have demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and potential within design industries. Nominations should provide examples of their work and explain how they are shaping the future of design. Emerging professionals will be defined as 10 years or less practicing.
Highlighting projects prioritizing inclusivity and universal design principles.
This award honors designers that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Nominations should demonstrate how their work embodies universal design principles, creating environments that are usable and welcoming for people of all abilities.
Honoring a career of extraordinary contributions to design.
This award acknowledges an individual whose career has made a profound and lasting impact on the design community. Nominations should outline their significant contributions, innovative practices, and dedication to advancing the field of design.
Showcasing advancements in design through AI, digital tools, and fabrication.
This award is for individuals or teams who leverage cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of design. Nominations should illustrate how they have used / created advanced digital tools, AI, or innovative fabrication techniques to transform the creative process or built environment.
