New to the game, the Design Awards, in conjunction with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), was conceived in an effort to honour Melbourne’s most creative minds.

Mark Bergin, Creative Director of MDA, explains that the Awards evolved from a desire to recognise the whole design process, not just the end result.

According to Bergin, another important aim of the Awards is to develop stronger links between designers and the broader public.

“MDA is about engaging industry and the public in all stages of design,” says Bergin. “By honouring the best of Melbourne’s design, we elevate the city’s position as a design hotspot globally”.

It’s also an opportunity for designers to get their foot in the door in what is a highly competitive market.

“The awards program offers potential for collaboration with industry peers and exposure to employers as well as connection with clients and future design commissions,” says Tony Battersby of SJB Architects.

The Awards comprise five categories – Spaces, Visual, Experiential, Object and Fashion.

Alongside these, a ‘best of’ awards category rewards services within the design industry including best design retailer and best design publication.

Melbourne Design Awards
melbournedesignawards.com.au