#USA #New York #Cooper Hewitt #National Design Awards #Design Visionary

Celebration of 25 Years of National Design Awards

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, a leading institution in design culture, has recently announced the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the National Design Awards program. Known for highlighting outstanding achievements in design, this prestigious initiative was launched in the year 2000 as part of the White House Millennium Council's efforts to promote greater recognition of design's importance in everyday life.

As the program gears up for its silver anniversary, the National Design Awards have evolved brilliantly, maintaining core values of innovation and civic engagement. The museum's director, Maria Nicanor, emphasized the omnipresence of design in our lives—from the architecture of our homes and offices to the clothes we wear and the digital systems we rely on. She reflected on the museum’s mission to illuminate the significance of design and its powerful impact in shaping our understanding of identity and community.

On April 3, an awards celebration will take place, honoring this year's winners who have been selected by a multidisciplinary jury for their remarkable contributions to the world of design. The award recipients will include:

• - Kim Hastreiter - Design Visionary
• - ilumiNACIÓN by Resilient Power Puerto Rico - Climate Action
• - Nu Goteh - Emerging Designer
• - Michael Maltzan Architecture - Architecture
• - Matt Willey - Communication Design
• - Emerging Objects - Digital Design
• - Melitta Baumeister - Fashion Design
• - Little Wing Lee - Interior Design
• - TERREMOTO - Landscape Architecture
• - Jules Sherman - Product Design

This year's award recipients are recognized for their innovative approaches and their influence on pressing global challenges. As Nicanor articulated, "Design touches all aspects of our lives... and yet design's undeniable influence can go unseen." The awards not only celebrate the newest talents but also pay homage to the legacy of previous winners and the extensive network of professionals who continue to shape design practices today.

The National Design Awards are supported by various sponsors, including Shelby and Frederick Gans, Jon Iwata, and Lisa Roberts, contributing to the remarkable legacy of the program. The awards are also represented through beautifully crafted trophies, specially made by the Corning Museum of Glass, symbolizing the intersection of artistry and craftsmanship.

In its 25 years, the National Design Awards program has become synonymous with design excellence and innovation. With ongoing public programs and initiatives, Cooper Hewitt seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for design among communities across the United States. As the museum continues to inspire and educate the public through exhibitions and educational programs, the milestone of 25 years marks a significant achievement in recognizing the transformative power of design in our daily lives.

For those interested in learning more about the winners and the National Design Awards, additional details can be found on the Cooper Hewitt's official website at www.cooperhewitt.org/Awards.