Cooper Hewitt Design Museum Announces 2023 National Design Award Winners, Recognizing Innovation and Societal Impact
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has unveiled the winners of its prestigious National Design Awards for 2023. With its 24th year, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are using design to make a positive impact on society and enrich everyday life.
The announcement comes as the museum prepares to host a gala on October 5th, where the recipients will be honored across 10 categories. As part of its commitment to accessibility, the museum will offer free admission during its annual National Design Week from October 2nd to 8th. This week will also feature special programming, workshops, and panel discussions to engage and attract visitors.
One of the standout awardees is Naeem Khan, who will be honored with the Fashion Design award. Khan, born in India and based in New York, has gained recognition for his intricate and elegant eveningwear, which features elaborate embroidery. He remains dedicated to maintaining age-old craftsmanship, sourcing from his family-owned factory in India. Throughout his career, Khan has dressed prominent figures such as former first lady Michelle Obama.
The Design Visionary award will be presented to Seymour Chwast, founding partner of Push Pin Studios. Chwast has been pushing the boundaries of graphic design since the 1950s and continues to innovate in the field with his distinctive style and typography.
Arem Duplessis, a renowned creative director, will receive the Communications award. Known for his work with prestigious brands like Apple, the New York Times Magazine, and GQ, Duplessis played a key role in developing the widely recognized typeface Gotham, which has been used in notable campaigns and advertisements.
Clement Mok will be honored with the Digital Design award for his outstanding contributions to the design of digital products, environments, and experiences. Mok’s expertise spans various fields, including software development, publishing, and design. His work has significantly impacted companies like CBS and Apple, where he played a crucial role in enhancing the user-friendliness of Mac computers.
Emerging Designer Beatriz Lozano is recognized for her typography that bridges the physical and digital realms. An immigrant rights activist, Lozano utilizes graphic design to promote social change and improve access to resources and knowledge.
The Architecture award goes to nArchitects, a firm that focuses on socially engaging work. Co-founded by Eric Bunge and Mimi Hoang, their projects use public spaces and buildings to bring communities together. Their notable works include New York City’s first micro-unit apartment building, Carmel Place, and the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center.
In the face of increasing concerns about climate change, the Climate Action award is presented to Biocement Tiles by Biomason. This innovative company aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions generated by cement manufacturing, which contributes significantly to global emissions.
Landscape Design honoree Kongjian Yu emphasizes environmentalism in his work. Having grown up on a farm and trained at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Yu founded the Peking University College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Through his firm Turenscape, he focuses on designing landscapes that combat flooding and restore ecological balance.
The Product Design award will be bestowed upon Atlason, a renowned design firm that has collaborated with major brands such as L’Oréal, the Museum of Modern Art, Ikea, and Johnson & Johnson. Atlason is known for its exceptional design-driven approach, working across various industries to create innovative and functional products.
Finally, The Archers, founded by Richard Petit and Stephen Hunt, will be recognized with the Interior Design award. The Archers’ outstanding work in creating unique and captivating interiors has garnered them widespread acclaim and influential clients.
These National Design Awards highlight the transformative power of design in shaping our world for the better. The Cooper Hewitt Design Museum’s commitment to accessibility and engagement during National Design Week demonstrates its dedication to showcasing the profound impact of design on everyday life.
