Reflecting the ever-growing scope of design, the National Design Awards now includes ten jury-selected award categories.
Lifetime Achievement: Given in recognition of a distinguished individual who has made a profound and long-term contribution to the contemporary practice of design.
Design Mind: Given in recognition of a visionary, such as an educator, author, critic, curator, or designer, who has had a profound impact on design theory, practice, or public awareness.
Corporate & Institutional Achievement: Given in recognition of a corporation or institution that uses design as a strategic tool as part of its mission, and has consistently exhibited ingenuity and insight in the relationship between design and quality of life.
Architecture Design: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in public, commercial, or residential architectural design.
Communication Design: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in graphic or multimedia design.
Fashion Design: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in clothing, accessory, or footwear design.
Interaction Design: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in the design of interactive digital products, environments, systems, and services.
Interior Design: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in domestic, corporate, or cultural interior design.
Landscape Architecture: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in urban planning or park and garden design.
Product Design: Given to an individual or firm for exceptional and exemplary work in the design of consumer goods, technology, or home and office furnishings.
Created in 2001, the Design Patron Award is selected by Cooper-Hewitt leadership rather than the jury process.
Design Patron: Given to an individual in recognition of outstanding support and patronage within the design community.
