The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s National Design Awards are set to dazzle once again, marking their 25th anniversary with a celebration of groundbreaking talent across disciplines. This prestigious event, born from a White House initiative, recognizes the profound influence of design on everyday life, from fashion to climate action. The 2025 winners, a diverse cohort of visionaries, will be fêted at a glamorous gathering on April 3rd at the museum’s historic Upper East Side location, the former residence of Andrew Carnegie. Adding to the excitement, a public “house party” will follow, honouring past winners and the program’s significant milestone.
This year’s Design Visionary award goes to Kim Hastreiter, the force behind the now-legendary Paper magazine. From its humble beginnings as a Xeroxed zine, Hastreiter nurtured Paper into a cultural touchstone, championing emerging designers, photographers, and artists. Her keen eye for talent and trendsetting sensibility cemented her place as a leading figure in the creative world.
The Fashion award shines a spotlight on Melitta Baumeister, the German-born, New York-based designer whose eponymous label, co-founded with visual artist Paul Jung and now run with partner Michal Plata, pushes the boundaries of form and material. Baumeister’s sculptural designs, born from a rigorous creative process, have garnered critical acclaim and industry recognition, including the 2023 CFA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. This National Design Award marks a significant milestone for the brand, solidifying its position within the American fashion landscape.
Among other honorees, Nu Goteh, founder of Room for Magic and co-founder of Deem Journal, is recognized as the Emerging Designer, while Michael Maltzan Architecture claims the Architecture award. IlumiNación by Resilient Power Puerto Rico earns the Climate Action award for its impactful work in empowering communities through climate solutions. Emerging Objects, led by Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, takes the Digital Design prize for their innovative 3D printing advancements. Matt Willey of Pentagram receives the Communication Design award, Little Wing Lee is celebrated for Interior Design and Terremoto, the landscape architecture firm founded by David Godshall and Alain Peauroi is also recognized. Finally, Jules Sherman is honoured for Product Design, specifically her work in pediatric medical devices. The 2025 National Design Awards promise to be a testament to the power of design to shape our world.
