Each year, the INDE.Awards recognises a stalwart of the architecture and design industry, a figure who has dedicated their life’s work to their art. Luminaries are recognised for their legacy, for a name that transcends the sum of its parts and signifies a movement, an aesthetic, a way of being and creating that will live on long after they retire from their work.

For this year’s program, the Luminary category was proudly partnered by Wilkhahn who’s company ethos of excellence and timelessness closely aligns with the Luminary initiative.

In 2021, this most prestigious award was given to Penelope Forlano, an Australian designer and public artist with over 25 years of experience in her chosen field. Sitting at the helm of Forlano Design, Penelope strives to create connection and meaning through public art and the built environment. She has experience across art, architecture, design and anthropology and has spent much of her career studying and teaching across the world, including the completion of a doctorate on intergenerational object meaning and object/place attachment.

As a company who also looks to establish human connections through thoughtful, ergonomic design, Wilkhahn’s philosophy draws similarities to Penny’s life’s work and so they jumped at the opportunity to present her award to her in person. After another year of lockdowns and restrictions, Wilkhahn’s Perth showroom proved the perfect place to meet Penelope in person, presenting her award in celebration of all that she has achieved.

Photography by Rebecca Johansson.

Read more about Wilkhahn here.