The world of design is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, and the Vivid Awards in Australia have long been a beacon for unearthing fresh talent. This year's edition, the 2026 Vivid Awards, has once again showcased the incredible potential of emerging designers, offering a glimpse into the future of furniture, lighting, and object design.
Unveiling the Next Generation
The Vivid Emerging Designer Awards, curated by Daniel Dalla Riva of the Latitude Group, is a prestigious platform that celebrates the best of Australia's up-and-coming designers. This year's winners and finalists represent a diverse range of talents, each bringing their unique perspective and craftsmanship to the forefront.
One of the standout pieces is Jacqueline Kaytar's 'Bark' stool, which earned her the Judge's Choice Award. Cassie Hansen, editor of InteriorsAu and a Vivid judge, praised Kaytar's work as "exquisite" and "beautifully crafted." The inspiration behind 'Bark' is intriguing, drawing from the deeply furrowed surface of ironbark, a unique Australian tree. This piece not only showcases Kaytar's skill but also her ability to draw inspiration from the natural world, a theme that resonates throughout many of the winning designs.
A Diverse Array of Winners
The 2026 Vivid Awards recognized winners across various categories, including furniture, lighting, objects, and concepts. In the furniture category, Jacqueline Kaytar's 'Bark' took the top prize, while Lachlan Mackay and Veronica Paiva's 'Second Subject' and Reece Patterson's 'Whistle Cabinet' received commendations. In lighting, James Morando's 'Linea' was the standout, with Rosie Licence's 'Sap Lamp' also earning a commendation.
The object category saw Noah Corban's 'Three Flow' as the winner, with Tom Summers' 'Soft Plane I + II Wall Hooks' receiving a commendation. In the concept category, Alex Berecz's 'HAL' took the top spot, with Steel Issoufson's 'Second Skin Modular Wearable System' also being recognized.
Color and Student Categories
The Color Award went to Carl Brosen's 'Loom Arm Chair,' with Tara Burgess's 'Imprint on Me' receiving a commendation. In the student category, Noah Corban's 'Three Flow' took the win, while Nina Lewis's 'Recession Coffee Table' and Sam Short's 'Corded Bench' were also commended.
Authentic Design Alliance Award
The Authentic Design Alliance Award of Merit was presented to Jacqueline Kaytar for her 'Bark' stool, further solidifying the piece's impact and market readiness.
A Jury of Experts
The 2026 jury was an impressive lineup of industry experts, including Dan Barker, Mark Bailey, John Bastiras, Filip Bjazevic, Bree Banfield, Cassie Hansen, Georgina Greenland, Daniel Dalla Riva, Suzanne McNeice, Simone Pittella, Anne-Maree Sargeant, Ruby Shields, and Lauren Treloar. Their collective expertise and diverse backgrounds ensured a rigorous and fair judging process.
What Makes This Year's Vivid Awards Particularly Fascinating
One thing that immediately stands out is the diversity of materials and concepts explored by these early-career designers. From aluminum stools inspired by tree bark to modular wearable systems, the range of ideas is impressive. It's a testament to the creativity and innovation that thrives in the Australian design scene.
What many people don't realize is that these awards are not just about recognizing talent; they are a crucial platform for these designers to gain exposure and potentially launch their careers. The Vivid Awards provide a launchpad for these emerging talents, offering them a chance to showcase their work to industry experts and potential clients.
In my opinion, the Vivid Awards are a vital part of the design ecosystem, fostering and nurturing the next generation of designers. By celebrating and supporting these emerging talents, the awards contribute to the ongoing evolution and innovation within the design industry.
As we look to the future, it's exciting to consider the impact these designers will have on the world of design. The Vivid Awards are a reminder that the future of design is bright, and Australia continues to be a hotbed of creative talent.
