The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards (VPDA) were established in 1996 as a meaningful way to showcase and celebrate the state’s vast design capabilities. Nearly 3 decades later, the VPDA remain an annual highlight on the Victorian design sector calendar and continue to advance the reputation of Victoria’s talented practitioners and practices.
To ensure that the awards remain relevant and continue to highlight the impact that Victorian innovation and design excellence have both here at home and more broadly around the world, the Victorian Government commissioned an independent review by First Point Consulting in late 2023. The review set out to assess the awards’ effectiveness in celebrating projects for their impact, innovation and design excellence, and the way they enhance Victoria’s reputation as a design and innovation centre. It also measured the role the awards play in promoting the economic, social and environmental benefits of investing in design and highlighted the value and contribution of professional designers in the state.
One-of-a-kind state-based awards in the Australian design industry
After surveying/interviewing industry stakeholders and sector leaders, the results of the review were overwhelmingly positive. By embracing a wide range of design disciplines, from architecture to product and digital to strategy, plus a category for student achievement, the awards are unique in the Australian marketplace and highly respected by industry players.
‘As a designer and business owner, I’ve experienced firsthand the positive impact that winning a VPDA can have on a person’s career or business,’ said former VPDA Chair and Founder of ISM Objects, Celina Clarke.
‘I’ve watched the awards evolve and grow from strength to strength and feel privileged to have been involved. The fact that the number of entrants continues to increase each year is a testament to the way the sector feels about the awards and the respect they have garnered over the past 28 years,’ she added.
Stakeholders’ perceptions of the VPDA
Based on feedback received, the review outlined the almost unanimous (96%) feeling that the awards meet their goal of celebrating and highlighting design excellence, innovation and impact. A similar number (94%) felt that being a finalist or an award recipient had benefited their business and team members, and that the awards helped to bolster Victoria’s reputation as a design hub (92%).
Of those who had previously entered the VPDA, 82% would do so again and would actively encourage others to enter – which is a direct reflection of the connection that Victorian designers feel towards the awards and their importance in expanding business opportunities.
The positive impact of Victorian design on people, places and communities
Importantly, the standing of the VPDA and the way they support the design sector help raise awareness of the calibre of work being produced in Victoria and how that work is impacting people, places and communities around the world. The awards are a further acknowledgement that design is a catalyst for improving products, services and operations, generating commercial and career opportunities for tens of thousands of individuals across the state.
‘‘Judged by a jury of respected industry professionals, including previous winners, the VPDA are free-to-enter, inclusive, merit-based and independent, levelling the playing field between established designers and emerging ones,’ commented Leah Heiss, current Chair of the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards.
‘I am heartened by the results of this independent review. Celebrating the best of Victorian design reinforces the Victorian Government’s commitment to the sector and its recognition of the pivotal role design plays in highlighting the strength of our creative capabilities and contributing to our economy,’ she added.
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query
