LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2020 announces new expert judges and mentors

calling emerging creatives who desire to shape a brighter future, the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2020 has announced its line-up of judges and mentors to evaluate your work. this now includes newly appointed jeanne gang, joe doucet, bethan gray and philippe malouin. its panel of experts aims to further aid LEXUS in its mission to unearth as well as nurture upcoming designers. this is as the annual international design competition’s mentors share knowledge, experience and advice with the finalists ahead of their milan design week exhibition, where the judges will then decide the overall grand prix winner.

are you a designer who wishes to benefit from mentoring and funding support? submit your entries to the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2020 now until october 14, 2019.

jeanne gang, judge for LDA 2020
image © sally ryan
all images courtesy of LEXUS unless stated
(main image credits: paola antonelli by marton perlaki, jeanne gang by saverio truglia, and john maeda by julia hembree

LEXUS DESIGN AWARD’s four prestigious judges will first unite in december 2019, where they will review submitted designs and select the six finalists to benefit from the upcoming mentorship program, funding and the exhibition at milan design week. the ideas will be evaluated on how best they meet the competition’s guiding principles: anticipate, innovate and captivate. this year, jeanne gang – founder and leader of studio gang – brings a new perspective to the already diverse judging panel that includes curator paola antonelli, technologist john maeda and yoshihiro sawa, president of LEXUS international. her practice is internationally recognized for a design process that explores the connections between individuals, communities and environments. their impressive portfolio of work mirrors the philosophy of LEXUS DESIGN AWARD as it designs for a better tomorrow.

(left to right) mentors of LDA 2020: joe doucet, bethan gray, philippe malouin, and shohei shigematsu

the competition also welcomes a new group of mentors who share the passion to pass on knowledge, experience and ideas to the next generation of designers. this includes new york-based joe doucet, whose inventions span the fields of design and art; celebrated british designer bethan gray, whose furniture pieces are inspired by world cultures; and british-canadian philippe malouin, who is an award-winning architectural, interior and product designer. they join architect shohei shigematsu, who leads OMA new york, in offering young designers a unique opportunity to receive invaluable hands-on mentorship from leading creatives. this takes place at the INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC where the finalists will be immersed in a workshop full of inspiration, advice and guidance towards the final development of their ideas.

philippe malouin, mentor for LDA 2020

‘LEXUS DESIGN AWARD pays attention to young designers and tries to put them on not one pedestal but to give them a platform to work,’ explains new mentor philippe malouin. ‘design and designing is for everyone – not just the wealthy – so something like the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD is very important to offer a diverse approach and diverse outreach for all upcoming creatives.’ while collaborating with global brands for his design projects and art installations, malouin used to teach and is passionate to once again share his expertize with students of design.

‘I was delighted to be asked to be involved in the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD as it aligns with my beliefs in nurturing and mentoring creatives all over the world,’ states bethan gray. ‘like LEXUS, I believe in the power of design to create a positive impact on the world.’ enhancing her experience of collaborating with craftspeople for 20 years, gray knows the importance of dialogue and is excited to help bring the best out of the new finalists.

bethan gray, mentor for LDA 2020

the four mentors are aligned – just like LEXUS – in their commitment to help young creatives. the mentorship workshop in NYC is unique to LEXUS; it is a unique opportunity for you. once there, you will benefit from diverse advice from your international design heroes. their knowledge and experiences span countless years and multiple projects, and they are passionate about sharing guidance to help your designs.

with a chance to exhibit at milan design week 2020 as well as receive support from both LEXUS and the new panel of mentors, grab the opportunity and enter the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2020 now. the competition is accepting entries until october 14, 2019.