As the premier architecture and design awards program that spans the Indo-Pacific, the INDE.Awards showcases the very best projects and people of the region and gives voice to the talented and dynamic practitioners that reside in the many countries throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Having a special trophy for winners enhances the experience, knowing that you are the best, represented by the physical form of an object that will last forever is a tangible memory of success (and is always a welcome addition on a shelf or coffee table). 

This year the incredibly talented glass artist, Ruth Allen and her team r.a.g.e will create something special for the INDE.Awards – the Pinnacle Trophy. Allen’s work speaks of craft and the handmade and it is appropriate that an artist of such calibre is partnering with the INDEs to create a trophy that combines Allen’s signature bark artworks. The opulent material of glass will be transformed into a statement that is not only beautiful but will stand the test of time. 

“The Pinnacle Trophy represents the peak of excellence in design, created to honour the INDE.Awards’ 10th year of awarding the very best across our rich and ever-evolving design community. Drawn from my ongoing practice of mould-blowing glass from fallen tree bark, the trophy evokes the quiet strength of old-growth forests – symbols of endurance, accumulated knowledge and living legacy. It also reflects our shared commitment to thoughtful innovation, where efficiency, material intelligence and ecological responsibility are collective values shaping the future of design.” reflects Allen.

r.a.g.e is located in Coburg North, Melbourne and is renowned as Victoria’s premier studio dedicated to contemporary glass art and craftsmanship. Allen, an Australian-based, New Zealand born artist leads the studio and has more than 35-years’ experience in her field. 

Ruth has taught and participated in workshops in prominent venues across the globe, including Pilchuck Glass School (USA), Espace Verre (Canada) and Tokyo Glass Art (Japan). As an acclaimed glass artist, her artwork has been acknowledged in multiple awards and prizes including the Clarence Prize, Waterhouse Natural Science Award, Tom Malone Prize, Best Bespoke Product Design Award and the INDE. Awards. She has exhibited globally, most recently at the Venice Design Biennial in 2025.

While Allen creates her own visions from glass, focusing on installation, sculpture and performance, she has also worked collaboratively with internationally and nationally acclaimed artists, designers and architects to actualise their ideas in glass. 

Her studio, r.a.g.e offers hands-on public workshops, tailored art services across multiple sectors, and a specialised glassblowing traineeship program for emerging artisans committed to mastering the craft. Alongside her team, Ruth is building the Glass Epicentre – Victoria’s first independent, purpose-built, community glassmaking facility. Her studio, and the establishment of this new facility, pays homage to the ancient craft of hot glass and keeps the intricacies of the process alive. 

We are thrilled that Ruth Allen and her studio r.a.g.e will be partnering with the INDE.Awards this year and can’t wait to see the trophy design for our special 10th anniversary. Stay tuned!

Entries for the 2026 INDE.Awards are currently open. Start your submission today at www.indeawards.com.