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DesignBlok Awards

About Awards

Each year, the DesignBlok Awards (formerly known as the Editors-in-Chief Awards) are presented as part of the festival. The awards honour the best concepts, innovations, new products, and presentations, as selected by an independent international jury composed of journalists, designers, curators, and other professionals from the fields of design and architecture.

The aim of the DesignBlok Awards is not only to highlight outstanding products and presentations among hundreds of exhibitors, but above all to draw attention to innovative, sustainable, and socially responsible approaches with the potential to influence both the wider public and the professional design community.

Since 2022, the winners have been selected by a five-member international jury chaired by the President of the Designblok Awards. Previous Presidents include French journalist and design critic Anne-France Berthelon (2022), Dutch designer and professor Ineke Hans (2023), Ben Hobson, co-CEO of Dezeen and media consultant (2024), and Curator and China Editor of Wallpaper magazine, Yoko Choy (2025). The President of the DesignBlok Awards 2026 is Max Fraser, Editorial Director of Dezeen.

Jury of the 28th Edition

Award for Extraordinary Contribution to Global Design

Since 2024, the DesignBlok festival has presented the DesignBlok Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Design. The traditional trophy takes the shape of a crystal log, referencing wood as a fundamental natural material and symbolizing togetherness. The award, designed by Moser Creative Director Jan Plecháč and hand-cut by Karlovy Vary master craftsmen, was first received in 2024 by British creator Ron Arad, followed last year by renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.

This year, the prestigious award will be personally received by the festival’s principal guest, Dutch product and interior designer Marcel Wanders. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, 8 October, in the historic Central Hall of the Industrial Palace. Wanders, co-founder of the Moooi brand, is one of the most distinctive figures in the field. Since the 1990s, his work has successfully blurred the boundaries between craft and industrial production, bringing emotion, imagination, and human experience back to the centre of design.

Grand Prix (Prize for Outstanding Contribution)

Best Launched Product by Designer

Best Launched Product by Producer

Best School Presentation

Best Designer Presentation

Best Producer Presentation

Impact Award

Supported by

Public Award