Lexus New Zealand is proud to announce it has partnered with both Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Auckland (UoA) to bolster entries into this year’s prestigious local and global Lexus Design Award 2023.

Dedicated to empowering and encouraging the next generation of creators, Lexus Design Award inspires the next generation to propose imaginative, sustainable, solutions while expressing three key principles of the Lexus brand: Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate.

“You need only look at the success of New Zealand entries in the global Lexus Design Award previously to understand the amount of emerging creative talent here in Aotearoa,” says Andrew Davis, General Manager of Lexus New Zealand.

“After three successful years with AUT, it’s incredibly exciting to expand the entries to now include students studying Industrial Design at the University of Auckland this year.

“As the global competition continues to evolve, it’s important that we also enrich local platforms for exposure, discovery, and the launch of impressive careers.

“We are looking forward to seeing the creative ideas out in full force this year, putting the Lexus brand principles into practice.”

In 2022, Lexus will support students at both universities through a localised competition as a pre-cursor to the international competition.

Participants are then encouraged to take their innovative designs to the world stage at the global Lexus Design Award. This year, four global winners of the prestigious award will secure funding for their project, receive world-class mentoring, and have the opportunity to reach incomparable exposure in the global design community and media.

Mentorship also remains core to the award locally, with Lexus ambassadors Simon James and Scott Bridgens from Resident returning to provide advice and support for students at both institutions, as well as judging the entries submitted at the end of semester two.

“Over the past two years we’ve had the privilege to work with AUT students on some brilliant ideas and concepts to address the challenges of building a better tomorrow for all,” says Bridgens.

“We’re thrilled to return this year to collaborate with even more young designers who can anticipate global challenges and apply the power of design to reach a sustainable future.”

Lexus will provide cash prizes to the first, second and third place winners in the local competition and will host an awards showcase event at the end of the semester with all the Lexus Design Award local entries on display.

Lexus will also assist the local Lexus Design Award winner to submit their entry into the international Lexus Design Award competition, with the top three students guaranteed a spot on the entry short list.

Lexus will be looking for captivating designs that intersect with thoughtful solutions, designs that can truly make a brighter future for people and societies in diverse circumstances.