Lexus New Zealand has announced two winners of the prestigious Lexus Design Awards competition, with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) design student Daniel Brink taking top marks for his entry ‘Myolink’, and Pia Sutherland from University of Auckland securing the top spot with her entry ‘baBI’.
Both MyoLink and baBI leverage advanced sensor technology to provide real-time, actionable data—MyoLink helps to improve worker safety by monitoring physical strain, while baBI collects diverse environmental metrics to support large-scale conservation efforts. Both designs aim to use technology to drive preventive, data-driven improvements in health and ecological resilience.
Focused on empowering and encouraging the next generation of local creators, Lexus Design Awards challenges emerging student designers attending the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Auckland (UoA) to respond to a brief that requires imagination and sustainable thinking while exploring three key Lexus brand principles: Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate.
Lexus New Zealand Vice President, Andrew Davis, says, “We are beyond proud to see the Lexus Design Awards continue to grow each year. This year we received more than 50 inspiring entries from students at AUT and UoA, with exciting new designs and product solutions that truly have not been seen before.
“Our winners exemplify the perfect synergy between advanced technology and a focus on human needs, keeping in line with the Lexus philosophy of designing for a better tomorrow. I’m thrilled to announce this year’s winners will have the opportunity to showcase their concepts at Auckland Design Week 2025.”
Davis says Lexus is proud to continue its partnership with AUT and the University of Auckland. “It is important that we invest in the youth of New Zealand to both challenge and reward them,” he says.
This year the Lexus Design Awards brief was refined to align sustainable thinking with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Sustainable production, materials and driving is a key focus for Lexus. More than 80% of the Lexus vehicles we sell in New Zealand are electrified. So, for us, it was important to include an element of environmental and social impact in the design brief,” he says.
The Lexus Design Awards offer more than accolades and prizes to the winning students; they were also supported through the design process by Lexus Ambassadors Simon James, Scott Bridges and Tim Rundle of Resident, an Auckland furniture and lighting design company. Simon, Scott and Tim also supported the Awards with judging.
“We were thrilled to be back again this year as mentors and judges. It really is inspiring to connect with young designers and see how they articulate their response to the brief,” Simon says.
“We were impressed by the diversity of concepts in this year's Lexus Design Awards, and it's exciting to see its continued growth. Students responded to the brief with innovative designs that align with Lexus's adopted SDGs and tackle issues facing both New Zealand and the world.”
Associate Dean and Director of Auckland University of Technology, Dr Yvonne Chan Cashmore, says the Lexus Design Awards provides students with a unique and invaluable opportunity to develop impactful concepts under the guidance of industry mentors.
"This experience not only enhances their design skills but also prepares them to make meaningful contributions to the industry and society."
Director of Design Programmes at University of Auckland, Angus Campbell, says “The UoA Design Programme is focused on educating designers to create real-world impact. The Lexus Design Award continues to provide a wonderful mentor-supported platform for our students to push the boundaries of design within a theme aligned to current global challenges.”
Since its inception in 2013, Lexus Design Award has served as a global stage to propel emerging talents into the limelight, igniting remarkable careers. As the award continues to evolve, Lexus is aiming to enrich its platform, nurturing the creative development of new talent and focusing on creative growth.
The local competition is evolving too. Born out of a desire to encourage local talent to enter the global competition and put New Zealand design on the world stage, 2024 marks the fifth year Lexus New Zealand has partnered with tertiary institutions to run a local version that helps emerging designers through mentorship and a cash prize.
Lexus will provide cash prizes to the first and second place winners from each university of $4,000, $2,000 respectively. The winners were announced last night at an awards ceremony hosted by Simon James in Mount Eden.
