AYDA Awards 2023/2024 celebrates global design excellence and sustainability

The international finale of the AYDA Awards 2023/2024 concluded with a spectacular display of talent and innovation from young designers across the globe. Held from July 3-5th at the esteemed ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, India, the event brought together National Winners from 17 countries and regions, marking it as a pivotal moment in the architecture and interior design calendar.

Central to this year’s AYDA Awards was the theme “CONVERGE: Championing Purposeful Designs,” challenging participants to explore sustainable solutions and meaningful designs within their local communities and beyond. This theme resonated strongly with the finalists, who showcased their creativity and vision throughout the competition.

Eromitha Ramesh from R V College of Architecture, Bengaluru, and Suraj Ighe from Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, stood out in the Architecture and Interior Design categories, respectively. Their entries exemplified forward-thinking designs that addressed contemporary challenges, earning them praise and recognition at the ceremony.

Lim Jeng Ying from Malaysia and Alifiah Azzahrah from Indonesia emerged as the AYDA Designers of the Year in their respective categories, celebrated for their innovative submissions. Their achievement included a prestigious opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program in 2025, underscoring AYDA’s commitment to fostering global design leadership.

Reflecting on the transformative journey through the AYDA Awards, Eromitha Ramesh shared, “It’s not just about competing; it’s about personal growth and using art as a catalyst for addressing community and environmental issues.” Suraj Ighe added, “Participating in AYDA has shaped my skills and connections, inspiring me to innovate in design and sustainability.”

Gladys Goh, President of Nippon Paint Marine Coating Co. Ltd & Senior Vice President, Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group, highlighted the significance of the awards in nurturing young talent. She praised the dedication of participants in creating designs that enrich communities and drive transformative change.

In addition to recognizing outstanding individuals like Eromitha and Suraj, the AYDA Awards honored excellence in categories such as Best Design Impact, Sustainable Design, and Nippon Paint Colour Award across Architecture and Interior Design. The awards underscored a commitment to fostering socially conscious design leaders who integrate innovation with environmental and societal considerations.

The AYDA Awards, launched in 2008 by Nippon Paint, have grown into a premier global platform with over 59,000 entries from 1,200 institutions worldwide. Beyond competition, AYDA serves as a catalyst for learning, networking, and mentorship, uniting students, professionals, and industry leaders to push creative boundaries and drive positive change.

Looking ahead, the AYDA Awards 2024/2025 theme “CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions” seeks to inspire designers to tackle global challenges through locally relevant solutions. This forward-looking approach aims to shape a sustainable and resilient future, emphasizing the transformative power of design in society.

The event also featured insightful contributions from industry leaders and judges, enriching the experience for participants and attendees alike. As the AYDA Awards continue to evolve, they remain a beacon of innovation and creativity, empowering the next generation of design leaders to make a lasting impact on the world stage.

For aspiring designers eager to showcase their talents, the upcoming AYDA Awards 2024/2025 present an opportunity to contribute to the future of design. More information on participation can be found on the AYDA Awards website, inviting young talents worldwide to join in shaping the future through creativity and innovation.