For architects, designers, and studios across the world, winning a Dezeen Award is more than a mark of creative excellence—it’s a career catalyst. As entries close at 23:59 London time on 29 May, former recipients are speaking out about the long-term benefits of the prestigious honour. From opening doors to new clients and partnerships to sparking creative reinvention, a Dezeen Award offers recognition that resonates far beyond the announcement day. With 49 categories across architecture, interiors, and design, this year’s edition once again invites global talent to step into the spotlight. But what happens after the win? We spoke with past winners to learn how the award shaped their practice and why 2025 could be your year.
Exposure was global and very immediate
For Canadian designer Philippe Malouin, the impact of winning Lighting Design of the Year for Bilboquet, a playful two-cylinder table lamp designed in collaboration with Italian lighting giant Flos, was both instant and far-reaching.“Winning brought more eyes to our work,” said Malouin. “Clients, institutions, and collaborators we hadn’t connected with before started reaching out.”
The accolade marked Malouin’s first venture with Flos and the award served as a powerful endorsement of the creative risk they took. “It was energising for the studio to be recognised in that way,” he explained. “It reaffirmed our approach and encouraged us to keep experimenting.” Malouin added that the win gave his team the confidence to pursue unconventional ideas “the ones that feel like a gamble at first.” For a studio that thrives on innovation, that kind of boost goes a long way.
Enhanced visibility with clients, partners, and designers
International furniture brand Humanscale was honoured in 2022 with Workplace Design of the Year for its Nova video call desk light. Praised by the judges for its technical resolution and minimal aesthetic, the lamp captured the spirit of flexible, ergonomic design in the hybrid work era.
According to Humanscale’s brand director Anand Gandesha, the award significantly raised the company’s profile. “It enhanced visibility with clients, partners, and designers,” he said. “It elevated our positioning as an innovator in ergonomic solutions.” The effect was both immediate and sustained. Gandesha noted that design and architecture firms from around the world began to engage with Humanscale in deeper ways, aligning on shared values around sustainability and human-centered innovation.
“Winning a Dezeen Award reinforced our commitment to design excellence—not just in form and function, but in long-term environmental and social impact,” Gandesha added. “It served as motivation to double down on our core values and push boundaries in future projects.”
International press and media coverage
For some designers, winning a Dezeen Award is not just professional validation—it’s a turning point. Scottish artist and metalworker Kathleen Reilly experienced this firsthand when her sculptural product Oku was named a winner in 2022. “Winning felt like a lifetime achievement,” Reilly told Dezeen. “It solidified and validated Oku’s position and future as a brand.”
The recognition didn’t just bring prestige. It ushered in a wave of practical benefits: collaborations with manufacturers, new retail and hospitality partnerships, and expansive media coverage that reached well beyond traditional architecture and design press. “Winning is the ultimate seal of approval,” said Reilly. “It gave us the confidence to fulfil our ambitions and reach new heights.”
Today, Oku has grown from a single product into a brand with its own creative community—something Reilly attributes in large part to the platform and visibility offered by the Dezeen Awards.
One week left to enter
With the deadline for entries closing at 23:59 London time on 29 May, there’s still time for designers and architects to submit their work to one of the world’s most influential design platforms. Winners receive not just a coveted title and trophy, but also a powerful marketing boost through Dezeen’s extensive global reach. The awards offer recognition across categories ranging from residential interiors and cultural buildings to product design and sustainable innovation.
Whether you’re an emerging designer looking for your big break or a seasoned practice ready for a new level of recognition, entering the Dezeen Awards could mark the beginning of your next chapter. As Reilly puts it: “It’s more than a win, it’s an invitation to grow.”
