Design Distinction

Back for its second edition this year after a rousing launch in 2019, Fifth Black’s Design Anthology Awards makes good again on its raison d’être to recognize the best in Asia and Australian design, an act that couldn’t be more welcome in a world in dire need of things to celebrate and feel good about.

Initiated by one of Asia’s foremost design titles, (We got to interview their indefatigable editor-in-chief Suzy Annetta back in 2020) Design Anthology Awards 2021 returns with a recognition program divided into three categories: People, Places, and Products, which are then split into 21 awards. The winners from each accolade are to be rigorously deliberated by an esteemed panel of judges. Vector Architects’ Dong Gong, Architect Itsuko Hasegawa, and the Philippines’ very own Kenneth Cobonpue are among the nine creative luminaries tasked with ascertaining the winner of each category, who get to bring home a bespoke Lasvit trophy, a spot in the Design Anthology Awards book, and the respect and recognition of their design peers.

Open to all creative professionals practicing in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the submission portal for the Design Anthology Awards closes on August 31, 2021. Important dates, as well as the categories, design awards up for grabs, and the panel of judges can be found below. For more information and to submit your entries, click on the banner at the end of this article. •

Important Dates

30 April 2021 — Portal opens for submissions

31 August 2021 — Submission portal closes

1–30 September 2021 — Vetting of entries by Design Anthology and shortlisting by judges

1 October 2021 — Announcement of finalists

15 October 2021 — Awards ceremony and virtual exhibition of finalists

The Awards ceremony will take place virtually online on 15 October 2021.

16 October 2021 — Design Anthology Awards Talks

Award Categories

People

Architect

An individual active in architecture, urban planning and/or landscape architecture

Emerging Talent

A young designer who brings a fresh take or aesthetic to their designs, whether in architecture, interiors, or products

Interior Designer

An individual active in interior design; this may be in residential, commercial and/or other areas

Industrial Designer

An individual active in product/industrial design

Female Designer

A noteworthy female industrial or interior designer or architect who has made a significant contribution to the field

Ambassador

An individual with a strong profile in promoting or representing design from Asia, Australia, or New Zealand outside of the region — for example, a designer, a writer, a patron, a collector, an educator

Vanguard

An individual with a visionary approach towards design and who redefines design

Places

Adaptive Reuse

This award recognizes excellence in the reuse and regeneration of a building

Commercial Spaces

This award recognizes excellence in the architectural or interior design and realization of spaces such as offices and co-working facilities

Cultural, Art & Educational Spaces

This award recognizes excellence in the architectural or interior design and realization of cultural spaces such as art galleries, museums, and educational facilities

Hospitality Spaces — Dining

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of food & beverage spaces

Hospitality Spaces — Hotels

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of hotel and resort spaces

Residential Living Spaces

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of private living spaces

Residential Living Spaces (Compact)

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of small private living spaces (up to 1,000 square feet in size only)

Retail Spaces

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of retail spaces

Sustainability

This award recognizes excellence in the integration of sustainability into a building and/or development

Urban Redevelopment

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of an area that is at the forefront of changing a cityscape or the way people live and work

Products

Furniture 

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of residential, commercial or other furniture pieces or collections

Lighting

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of indoor or outdoor decorative lighting

Accessories

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of furnishings, homewares, tableware, etc.

Textiles

This award recognizes excellence in the design and realization of textile products

The Judges