Celebrating the best young talent in our region, The Prodigy category in the 2021 INDE.Awards showcases designers and architects who are impacting the architecture and design community and in the process making a name for themselves within their chosen creative field.

As a category, The Prodigy defines imagination and originality and each nomination exemplifies best practice. As the sponsor of The Prodigy category in 2021, Milliken understands that the stars of tomorrow lead the way for the future and to help that star burn brightly they need support and nurturing.

Shaneel Deo, Managing Director, Milliken-Ontera explained, “At Milliken-Ontera, we believe in the power of ideas to impact the world. Core to our success has been our focus on innovation and always looking for better ways to do things. The prodigy category symbolizes the spirit of innovation and the pursuit to continuously push the boundaries.”

Over the years The Prodigy has honoured some of the region’s finest designers and architects, those who lead rather than follow, those who push the boundaries and are not defined by them – creatives who have a voice and are not afraid to use it. These architects and designers are looking to the future but also learn from the past. Milliken identifies with these ideals, as this company has an ethos that is the embodiment of sustainable design and manufacture. As Milliken also looks to the future it incorporates all that it has learnt and accomplished since the company was established more than 150 years ago and so the path for success is assured.

Deo further elaborated, “We continuously seek to partner with industry associations to provide opportunities for designers to showcase their talent to the rest of the world. We are very proud of our “Reconciliation Through Design” initiative that supports indigenous artists and “To the Floor” our partnership with the Designers Institute of New Zealand to promote New Zealand-based designers. “

As The Prodigy applauds the work of the young trailblazers, Milliken has also paved its own way forward, reducing its global footprint, creating circular economies and caring for communities. It’s all about the future and driving a business model that is both ethical and sustainable.

Commenting on the future, Deo says, “At Milliken-Ontera, we look beyond our day-to-day business and consider the positive impact we can have on the world. Collaboration and courage are the keys to creating innovations that improve lives and guide our work to create a safer, more sustainable, and healthier future. Together we strive to positively impact the world around us for generations to come.”

Supporting the designers and architects of the future is an inspirational gift for those wishing to achieve and scale the heights in their chosen area of design. The future is at hand and The Prodigy category is proof that it will be exciting.

Category criteria for The Prodigy

Winner of The Prodigy in the INDE.Awards 2020 was Flack Studio, David Flack and Mark Robinson.