Lexus Design Award 2021: Call for Entries Now Open

Lexus has recently launched the Lexus Design Award 2021 and is calling on talented creators from around the world to submit their entries to its annual design competition. Now in its ninth edition, the prestigious award offers a unique platform for aspiring designers to develop and showcase their talents on the global stage. 

Established in 2013, the program continues to evolve and inspire innovations in design from emerging creators whose works can lead to a better future. Lexus remains committed to supporting tomorrow's talented designers by providing a launchpad for their careers that offers world-class mentoring, prototype funding, and unparalleled international exposure. 

Every year, the event attracts thousands of entries from around the world. The proposals submitted span a diverse collection of disciplines, ranging from industrial design, architecture, and engineering to interior design and fashion design. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative concepts and imaginative solutions that highlight the creative interplay between design and technology. 

One Grand Prix winner will be selected from among six finalists by an esteemed judging panel of today's most influential figures in art, design, and technology. Past judges have included renowned luminaries Paola Antonelli, Aric Chen, and Sir David Adjaye. The judges' decision will be based on three key principles of the Lexus brand: Anticipate, Innovate, and Captivate, with an emphasis on design that leads to a better tomorrow.

“We are delighted to launch the 2021 edition of the Lexus Design Award and invite emerging creatives to share their visions with the world. The award represents a unique opportunity for talented young designers to transform their ideas into exciting new possibilities with the help of seasoned industry experts,” said Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. “Pushing the boundaries and going beyond the conventional are at the heart of Lexus’ approach to design, and these awards underline our commitment to inspiring the great minds of tomorrow to anticipate the future and create amazing experiences. I would like to extend my gratitude to design enthusiasts around the world for their continuous support, which contributes to the award’s success and serves as powerful motivation in our quest to uncover creative solutions to tomorrow’s challenges through brave design.”

In early 2021, Lexus will announce the six finalists who will go on to participate in a workshop with world-class design professionals acting as mentors. Each participant will receive up to JPY 3 million (over USD 25,000) to develop their designs into physical prototypes, and will also benefit from continual follow-ups and advice. Mentors confirmed for this year’s program include Nigerien architect Mariam Kamara, Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis, and the sought-after American creative and entrepreneur Joe Doucet. 

The Lexus Design Award will conclude with the announcement of the Grand Prix winner following the presentation of prototypes by each of the six finalists on a world stage during Press Day at Milan Design Week 2021. 

The judges for Lexus Design Award 2021 include Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator of Architecture & Design at The Museum of Modern Art, and Simon Humphries, Head of Lexus Global Design. They will be joined by two additional judges whose identities have yet to be revealed. The complete list of Lexus Design Award 2021 judges and mentors will be announced in the fall of 2020.