December 2025, China — To commemorate the milestone of its 20th anniversary and uphold the highest tribute to design excellence, the IAI Design Award Committee officially announced a historic resolution today: its highest honors—the "IAI Most Creative Award" and the "IAI Lifetime Achievement Award"—will launch a special judging cycle spanning the two calendar years of 2025 and 2026.

Since its establishment in 2006, the IAI Design Award has always adhered to the mission of "discovering creativity and honoring excellence," becoming one of the most authoritative and influential design awards in the Asia-Pacific region. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, we have decided to redefine the way the highest honor is bestowed with the utmost prudence and grandeur, to match its unparalleled historical significance.

A far-reaching decision: Why adopt a special cycle?

Unlike the regular annual review, this special cycle is designed to pursue the ultimate depth of review and historical significance.

"Great creations require time to be understood, and outstanding contributions deserve the grandest occasions for tribute," explained the Chairman of the IAI Design Awards Council in the announcement. "In an era of information overload and rapid pace, we choose to 'slow down.' This special cycle is a 'deep-dive research report' we dedicate to the design philosophies of the past two decades, as well as a thoughtful and solemn gift we present to the future and all exceptional creators. We hope that through more extensive nominations, thorough evaluations, and grander coronations, the conferral of these two highest honors can withstand the scrutiny of time and history."

Special Review Cycle Key Timeline

This special review will follow a solemn and clear rhythm to ensure thoroughness and fairness in the process:

[Launch] December 2025

Global nomination officially opens

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[Nomination Deadline] February 28, 2026

Nominations accepted from the global design community, academic institutions, past winners, and partner organizations

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[In-Depth Review] March - May 2026

International jury conducts multiple rounds of closed-door evaluations, work reviews, and necessary interviews

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[Honors Announcement] June 2026

Official release of the winners' list and launch of global media promotion

[Peak Coronation] October 2026

A grand awards ceremony held at the "IAI 20th Anniversary Global Celebration"

Award Definitions and Nominations

● IAI Most Creative Award: This award aims to honor individuals or teams whose forward-thinking ideas and disruptive practices have expanded new boundaries for the design discipline and human society, defining new possibilities. Their works or concepts should demonstrate paradigm-shifting influence.

● IAI Lifetime Achievement Award: This award pays tribute to master figures whose lifelong dedication, profound contributions, and noble character have left an indelible impact on the design industry, education, or the public sphere.

The nomination channel is now fully open on the IAI official platform (www.iai-ap.org). We call upon the global design community, academic institutions, cultural organizations, and past winners to actively participate in nominations, working together to uncover the most memorable design souls of our time.

20th Anniversary Celebration: The Pinnacle of Glory

The final list of winners will be officially announced in June 2026, and the pinnacle of honor will culminate at the IAI 20th Anniversary Global Celebration in October 2026. This grand event is not just an awards ceremony, but also a summit dialogue that brings together global design leaders, thinkers, and past laureates to reflect on how design has shaped the past two decades and to envision its future trajectory.

About IAI Design Award

The IAI Design Award, established in 2006, is one of the most internationally influential comprehensive design awards in the Asia-Pacific region. With the slogan "Fighting for Creativity," the award spans multiple fields such as architecture, interior design, product design, and visual communication. It is dedicated to discovering and honoring outstanding designs while promoting design innovation and social progress.

Media Contact

For more information, images, or interview arrangements, please contact:

media@apdf.asia

Relevant Links

Nomination Portal (Coming Soon) https://www.iai-ap.org/nomination

Award Constitution & Regulations (To Be Released Imminently) https://www.iai-ap.org/20th-anniversary/articles

20th Anniversary Special Section (Stay Tuned) https://www.iai-ap.org/20th-anniversary

For any urgent inquiries, please contact the Secretariat via email: secretary@iai-ap.org