Providing a platform for the next generation is a founding principle of Decor + Design & The Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF). To judge by the 2024 VIVID Emerging Designer Awards, the future of Australian design is stellar.
For 22 years, we have provided a platform for innovation in the form of VIVID, Australia’s longest running competition for authentic design and emerging Australian designers. Curated by Latitude Group’s Daniel Dalla Riva, it has helped kickstart the careers of prolific designers such as Nicole Monks, Dale Hardiman and Adam Markowitz.
The next edition will take place at Decor + Design & AIFF from 16th – 18th July 2025 at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, with entries opening in March 2025. Be inspired by the 2024 Winners Showcase, with breathtaking pieces that take creativity to the next level.
JESS HUMPSTON – BALLAST
Furniture Design Award, Presented by Laminex
Authentic Design Alliance (ADA) Award of Merit
Jess Humpston won the prestigious Furniture Design award for Ballast, which balances lightweight construction with solid stone batons anchoring to the ground. Interlocking, collapsible joints hold each other, formulating a gridded structural system allowing for interplay of light and shadow and visibility through the central framework. Humpston also won the Authentic Design Alliance (ADA) Award of Merit for both Ballast and another work, A Table for One.
KASPIAN KAN – SIX STICKS
Colour Award, Presented by Dulux
Designed in consultation with neurodivergent communities, Six Sticks places sensory comfort at the forefront. A natural timber frame cradles hand dyed acrylic panels which interplay with diffused lighting in a captivating wall display that soothes the soul.
AMY VIDLER, MOZZARELLA
Lighting Design, Presented by Lucy Bishop
2024 VIVID Judges Choice Award
Mozzarella, an object of sumptuous form and texture. Intended to visually impact space with its surface tension and delicious glow. The craftsmanship is meticulously executed with a silky smooth shade and polished stainless steel base. Comforting and uplifting, just like an Italian cheese. Vidler also won the 2024 VIVID Judges Choice award for best overall, for both Mozzarella and another work, Ripple – a decorative wall piece of amber light filtering through stone fibres.
FRASER GREENFIELD & OLIVER ALEXANDER – FJALL JUICER
Object Design, Presented by Circa
The Fjall Juicer: Inspired by mountain peaks and designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, the Fjall boasts a sleek design that fits perfectly in your hand, allowing for comfortable juicing. Its ceramic construction ensures longevity, while its minimalist yet rugged appearance adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
GRANT CAPRIOTTI – HELIO LAMP
Concept Design, Presented by Architecture Media
2024 Student Design Award
Inspired by the motion of plant parts in response to the sun’s direction, the asymmetric cantilevered top of Helio Lamp has full rotation, allowing the user to refract light in any direction.
Spun aluminium forms the top and base, which house a rechargeable light source, cased in a 3D printed internal support structure. Helio won Grant Capriotti both the Student and Concept categories. We can’t wait to see what Grant and all our winners do next.
If you’re a student designer or less than five years in practice, bring your designs to the attention of the Australian design community via the 2025 VIVID Emerging Designer Awards. Entries will open in March 2025. Register now for more information or tune into @vividdesigncomp on the gram.