2019 VIVID Design Awards winners announced

A playful drinks cabinet, a coffee table made out of locally collected coffee ground waste and a brass sculptural sconce were among the phenomenal emerging designs celebrated at today’s acclaimed Vibrant Visions in Design awards. Marking its 16^th edition this year, VIVID, Australia’s longest running design competition is a revered as career-making industry platform which shines a spotlight on our up-and-coming furniture, lighting & object designers from across the country. Recognised as one of the most important destinations of the Decor + Design show each year; the awards have been known to kick-start the careers of many prolific Australian designers in the past. And it is no doubt that the spectacular designs of the 2019 winners will be soon catapulted into significance. 

VIVID curator and multi-disciplinary designer, Daniel Dalla Riva from Latitude Group says that, “2019 has produced the largest field of finalists since the inception of the program.”

“The winning designs are impeccably crafted and represent pure innovation and creative brilliance,” he adds.

Taking out the winning award for best furniture design was Eamon Riley for his Bar-code Drinks Cabinet. Consisting of sixty-two individually cut and cored pill shapes, the playful cabinet sees light peer through the columns and dance off the contents inside.

The object design category won by Thomas Cohen for his column 0001 CANDELABRA. Featuring 6 components, each time a segment is separated from the column, the undulating inside face is revealed and the flicking flame casts a golden light across the rippled, polished internal surfaces.

In concept design, winner, Kirsten Wang showcased her Bean Coffee Stool, featuring a brand-new sustainable material made from 100% biodegradable locally sourced ground coffee waste and other coffee industry waste.

Winning the best lighting design award, Pauline Tsolos’ (OUYSE) / brass wall sconce is a jewellery-like piece of functional sculpture and collectable design individually crafted in Melbourne. The oyster like form takes from nature, a wild beauty that is art by day and light by night.

The award for best use of colour went to Marta Figueiredo for TOTEMS: C&Q and Candy N.2. The ottoman and two sound absorbing sculptures were conceived as expressive tactile pieces covered in vibrant colour of wool fabrics. Playing with human scale, the sculptures are interactional and playful.

Finally, taking out the award for Judges Choice was Dustin Fritsche for his Clearer coffee table. Made from tinted toughened glass and stained American Oak, the frame of the table uses intricate joinery methods and appears tubular in form. It is a playful approach to a sophisticated and practical coffee table design.

The innovative work of the 53 nominated designers were critiqued by a selection of prominent and respected industry figures at the VIVID Design Awards Gallery.

This year’s esteemed panel of judges included Anne-Maree Sergeant of Authentic Design Alliance, Georgia Danos of JR Furniture, Hayley Beaden of Tait, Dan Treacy of Rakumba, Jan Henderson of Inside Magazine, Natalie Mortimer of Australian Design Review, as well as Filip Bjazevic from Latitude Group.

“VIVID is an ideal platform for finalists to exhibit their work and gain valuable insights from peers and industry leaders” says Creative Director, Filip Bjazevic.

“It’s a very special program and we are delighted to create a forum that fosters the development of Australia’s emerging designers.”

Dedicated to giving new designers a platform for growth, recognition and opportunity, this year’s winners bode very well for the future of the Australian design industry indeed.