Victorian Premier’s Design Award

We are strong supporters of local design at ISM Objects and it’s always great to see outstanding designs recognised through initiatives like the Premier’s Design Awards. Celina Clarke, co-founder of ISM Objects, was appointed chairperson of the awards in 2016 and we’re pleased to announce she’s back in the chair this year!

The Premier’s Design Awards were launched in 2012 to recognise and reward Victorian designers and businesses that use design in effective and sustainable ways. The awards aim to raise awareness of the importance of design in making products, services, spaces and experiences more functional, safe, efficient and attractive.

There are eight design categories – architecture, communication, digital, product, service, fashion, student design and design strategy. While the primary designer must be from Victoria, their client, or the organisation that commissioned their design, can be from anywhere in Australia or overseas.

The 2016 Design of the Year award went to the Oi Bike Bell, which has transformed the traditional clunky bell in to a beautiful, functional design object.

As chairperson, Celina is responsible for selecting and coordinating the panel of 24 international judges. This year’s jury includes Victoria Judge, head of interiors at Smart Design Studio in Sydney; Chris Wilkinson, founder and director, WilkinsonEyre Architects in the UK; Chelsia Lau, chief designer design in the strategic concepts group at Ford Motor Company in China ; and Ken Nah, professor of design management at the International Design School for Advanced Studies in South Korea.

When she took up the role of chairperson last year, Celina wanted the jury to represent diversity of thought and location and this remained a goal for her this year.

Entries have now closed and judging will soon be underway. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in November. There’s sure to be some inspiring designs.

For more information visit the Premier's Design Awards website.