Last night, the Simon James showroom in Mt Eden played host to the Lexus Design Awards 2025 — a celebration of emerging design talent from AUT, the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and Massey University. The space, usually calm and architectural, was buzzing from the moment guests stepped inside. Soft lighting, pared-back styling, and the hum of conversation created the perfect backdrop for a night centred on innovation, sustainability, and the next generation of designers shaping Aotearoa’s future.
This year’s brief was intentionally open-ended, encouraging students to think broadly, experiment, and take their ideas somewhere new. The only real anchors were Lexus’ core principles — Anticipate, Innovate, Captivate — and a connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. What emerged was a blend of climate-focused systems and clever, human-centred solutions, all driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Mentorship played a large role in getting those ideas ready for the spotlight. In Auckland, long-standing Lexus ambassadors Simon James and Scott Bridgens of Resident brought their trademark mix of industry know-how and honest, constructive critique. With the award’s expansion into Wellington, the programme welcomed four new mentors: Megan Wyper and Patrick Kennedy, co-owners of ACME Cups, and Gosia Piatek, founder of ethical fashion label Kowtow, alongside her Business Director Emma Wallace. Together, this group offered guidance spanning product design, industrial design, sustainable fashion, and creative interiors — a rare breadth that encouraged students to stretch their thinking across disciplines.
Across the universities, tutors and design leaders worked closely with emerging designers, prompting them to refine concepts, consider real-world impact, and find that sweet spot where beauty meets practicality. It’s a collaborative process that lifts young creatives, helping them turn good ideas into meaningful ones.
As the night wrapped, the feeling in the room was one of optimism. The ideas showcased weren’t just impressive, they felt necessary. If this is the future of design in Aotearoa, it’s in very good hands.
Lexus Design Award Winners
AUT Winner — Roll a Rat by Oliver Lloyd
Drew immediate attention for its ingenuity and simplicity. Made from strong wool, hessian, and beeswax, the flat-pack biodegradable bait station offers a sustainable, scalable solution to rat control — a quietly brilliant idea supporting native ecosystems.
AUT Runner-up — NiraFlow by Christine Botha
A wool-based greywater filter, a clever way to capture microplastics before they reach the environment.
University of Auckland Winner — Compost Chemigation System by Marissa Porteous
An underground irrigation setup that uses stored rainwater and organic fertiliser to improve soil health and reduce stormwater overflow.
University of Auckland Runner-up — The Light Map by Olivia Lee
A modular light sculpture built to activate urban parks at night through interactive light and data visualisation, supporting safer, more connected public spaces.
Victoria University Winner — Cradle by Clara Chemin
A circular system that regenerates kelp forests by trapping sea urchins and transforming them into value-added products — a project with genuine ecological impact.
Victoria University Runner-up — Access Bites by Maggie McMillan-Perry
A mobile app guiding disabled users toward accessible eateries.
Massey University Winner — Lifeline by Cameron Murray
One of the night’s most future-focused concepts: inflatable emergency shelters deployed by autonomous drones in situations where helicopters can’t land.
Massey University Runner-up — WoolFlow by Jack Johansson
Sustainable automotive air intakes made from New Zealand tough wool.
