Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh today announced the winners of the inaugural $50,000 Queensland Premier’s Design Awards.

”I am delighted to announce Alexander Loterzstain as the winner of the $40 000 Smart State Design Fellow and Kent Gration as the winner of the $10 000 Emerging Design Leader award,” said Bligh.

“Both designers have demonstrated their dedication, being the best in their chosen fields and each in their own way have contributed to the Queensland economy and lifestyle, taking Queensland design beyond our borders to the world.”

Alex Loterzstain is member of the Queensland Design Council and the principal of derlot – a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Brisbane.

Best known for his award-winning Costello stool, which has received wide recognition for its sustainable design, Kent Gration established Integration Studio in 2004

“Emerging Design Leader Award winner Kent Gration has an unquestionable commitment to sustainable design. His best known work, the bamboo Costello stool, has attracted much recognition and acclaim as has his Wambamboo furniture range.”

The Smart State Design Fellowship, supported by ABC Radio National, recognises significant contributions made by an individual or team in developing a design culture in Queensland.

The Emerging Design Leader Award, supported by Indesign Group, acknowledges the embodiment of excellence in skill and expertise and a commitment to design.

Arts Queensland
arts.qld.gov.au/arts

Photography of Alexander Loterzstain by Florian Groehn

Other photography by Kent Gration