Call goes out for award
The Lexus Design Award is returning for its eighth year alongside with a global design brief and internationally recognised industrial designer Lance McGregor joining the line-up of mentors.
Since launching in New Zealand, the scheme has grown into one of the country’s leading programmes for young emerging designers.
Each year, university students are challenged to develop innovative design concepts in response to a real-world brief and work alongside mentors before showcasing their ideas on a national stage.
What began with two Auckland universities has evolved into a nationwide initiative spanning four tertiary institutions.
Reflecting Lexus’ evolving approach to design, this year’s “discover your space” brief aligns with the brand’s latest global creative direction inspired by the Lexus LS Concept unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show.
Students are being challenged to explore how thoughtful design can shape the way people move, connect and experience the space around them,
Andrew Davis, vice-president of Lexus NZ, says the programme reflects the marque’s belief that great design should improve people’s lives.
“This year we’re aligning the New Zealand brief with the global award so students tackle the same design conversations happening on the world stage while responding to challenges at home.
“It’s an opportunity to think beyond aesthetics and explore how design can solve real-world problems, improve everyday experiences and create lasting value for people. We hope that inspires them to think boldly, build confidence and create solutions.”
Joining the mentors’ line-up is industrial designer Lance McGregor, founder of McGregor & McGregor, pictured above.
His ambition has taken him from New Zealand to London and then New York. Over the past two decades, he has designed for luxury fashion houses, celebrities and brands including Tiffany & Co, Tom Dixon, La Mer, Bella Hadid’s Ôrebella.
McGregor says: “Along the way, I’ve learned great design is never really about the object, it’s about emotion. The products we create become part of people’s stories, memories and daily rituals. Designers don’t just shape products, we shape how people experience them.
“That’s why I’m honoured to be a mentor for the awards. I can’t wait to see what students dream up. The future of design belongs to those brave enough to ask, ‘what if’. I look forward to helping mentor, challenge and shape the students’ ideas.”
Over coming weeks, students will work alongside mentors before submitting their concepts through Lexus New NZ in October. One winner and runner-up will be selected from each university with winners receiving a $3,000 cash prize, runners-up awarded $1,000 and all four winners exhibiting at NZ Design Week 2027.
