And just like that…its Awards season once again!

The TDF + Laminex Design Awards is BACK in 2021 for what we have no doubt will be another bonanza year! Last year it was so inspiring to see the hundreds of creatives (more than 500, to be precise) who submitted their projects across the 10 categories, despite the challenges and upheavals we all faced. And this year, we are so ready to celebrate all the incredible design talent across the country in style!

We created this awards program to showcase the diverse pool of talent Australia has to offer – which we believe is world class! From architects and interior designers to weavers and furniture makers, the TDF + Laminex Design Awards seeks to celebrate all creative practices, big and small.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, enter here!

Joining us again as Presenting Partner for the awards this year is Laminex. We’re so proud to partner with Laminex to realise the awards program – their ongoing support will enable the program to continue well into the future, and we’re thrilled to be working closely with this heritage Australian brand. 

We’re immensely grateful to all our sponsors for throwing their invaluable support behind this awards program  – THANK YOU to COLORBOND® steel, Miele, Eco Outdoor, Jardan, Thames &Hudson, Country Road and Phoenix Tapware!

ALL the info, prizes, judging criteria and eligibility can be found on The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards website (thank you Annie Portelli and PDA – legends!)… but here’s a breakdown of the categories we’ll be awarding :

Residential Architecture

This category seeks to award one standout Australian residential architecture Project. Ground-up builds, renovations and additions are all eligible within this category.

Judges : Aaron Peters (Vokes & Peters), Tristan Wong (SJB) and Kerstin Thompson (Kerstin Thompson Architects).

The Residential Architecture award is presented by COLORBOND® steel. 

Interior Design

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian residential interior design Project created by an individual or studio.

Judges : Pascale Gomes McNabb (Pascale Gomes McNabb Design), Sue Carr (Carr Architecture and Interior Design) and Mardi Doherty (Doherty Design Studio). 

The Interior Design award is presented by Miele. 

Landscape Design

This category seeks to award one standout Australian Landscape Design project. Residential, public and community gardens are all eligible within this category.

Judges : Paul Bangay (Paul Bangay Garden Design), Amanda Oliver (Amanda Oliver Gardens) and Myles Baldwin (Myles Baldwin Design).

The Landscape Design category is presented by Eco Outdoor. 

Furniture Design

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian furniture design project. Individual products and/or product ranges developed within Australia, bespoke pieces, fixed and freestanding furniture designs will be considered in this category.

Judges : Nick Rennie (Nick Rennie Studio), Khai Liew (Khai Liew Design).

The Furniture Design category is presented by Jardan.

Lighting Design

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian lighting design project. Individual products or product ranges developed within Australia, bespoke designs, one-off lighting projects and installations will be considered in this category.

Judges : Christopher Boots (Christopher Boots) and Celina Clarke (ISM Objects).

Textile Design

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian textile design project. One-off textile designs, textile collections and textile-based fashion or homewares products will be considered in this category.

Judges :  Luciana Wallis (Warwick Fabrics) and Sophie Matson (Kobn)

Handcrafted

This category seeks to award one outstanding Australian handcrafted project, completed by either an individual, group or organisation. A single handcrafted functional, decorative or wearable item, or a handcrafted product range will be considered in this category. Practitioners of any handcrafted discipline are eligible to enter.

Judges : Nicolette Johnson, Amanda Dziedzic and Elisa Carmichael.

Sustainable Design or Initiative

This category seeks to award one outstanding Australian sustainable designed product, concept, idea or initiative, developed by either an individual, group or organisation. Any project which is exemplary of sustainable innovation is eligible, including functional products, furniture and lighting, as well as concepts, ideas and community initiatives with positive environmental outcomes.

Judges : Ross Harding (Finding Infinity), Nik Robinson (Good Citizens).

The Sustainable Design award is presented by Country Road.

Emerging Designer

This category seeks to award one outstanding designer, architect, independent creative or studio, working in any creative discipline, who has/have launched their current professional practice within the last three years.

Judges : Adriana Hanna (Kennedy Nolan), Danielle Brustman.

The Emerging Designer Award is supported by Phoenix Tapware.

Collaboration

This category seeks to award one collaborative design project, where two or more separate creative practitioners, businesses or entities have come together to create one collaborative product, product range, installation, built structure or other creative project.

Judges : Jirra Lulla (Kalinya), Tyrone Wright (Rone) and Amanda Henderson (Gloss Creative).

Phew…!

Entries are open NOW – until June 4th (that’s just under 6 weeks!). The entry fee is $70, which makes ours the most accessible design awards program in Australia. However, The Design Files will waive fees for anyone for whom this is a barrier to entry. Please email awards@thedesignfiles.net  and we will be more than happy to assist.

First Nations makers and designers are strongly encouraged to apply for The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards. Please email sally@thedesignfiles.net if you are a First Nations maker or designer and you would like assistance with photography, waiving of entry fees or any other aspect of your application.

Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony at Deakin Edge, Federation Square in Melbourne on Thursday September 30th 2021!

ALL the info, prizes, judging criteria and eligibility can be found over at the TDF + Laminex Design Awards website.