The medal of AIGA—the most distinguished honor in the profession of communication design—has been awarded since 1920 to individuals in recognition of their exceptional achievements to the advancement of the field of design as respected craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. Medals have been awarded to individuals who have set standards of excellence over a lifetime of work or have made individual contributions to innovation within the practice of design.
Purpose and goals:
- To celebrate designers who represent the highest aspirations of our members by honoring inspirational individuals who have successfully enhanced the value and deepened the impact of design on business, society, and culture, through their unique and outstanding contributions in the practice of design, teaching, writing, or leadership of the profession.
- To increase public awareness and understanding of the critical and influential role of design and designers in business, culture, and our communities at large.
Nominate a Medalist
AIGA members are invited to submit nominations by March 18, to be considered by this year’s committee. To nominate an inspirational colleague, mentor, or individual who has made a significant impact in the U.S., simply complete the nomination form. Include the name of the nominee, a short paragraph about why the individual should be considered, and a link to their website or portfolio. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and are considered year after year for the next awards cycle. Each year, nominations for the AIGA Medal are reviewed by an awards committee to verify eligibility. Yearly recommendations for Medal awards are then presented to the AIGA National Board of Directors for majority approval. The Board approves a slate of Medalists, and does not propose or reject individual names recommended by the committee.
Selection Criteria
The AIGA board of directors has issued the following instructions:
- Minimum of one and maximum of three medals will be awarded each year
- As a whole, the select group of Medalists should represent the design community’s diversity of design practice, gender, ethnicity, and geography
- While AIGA’s roots are founded in traditional forms of graphic design, the selected group of awardees should reflect the broad scope of where the profession of design is today
- Honor designers as exemplary, living role models of inspiration and aspiration to our members
One Honorary Medal per year may be awarded at the discretion of the committee to recognize a designer posthumously. Recognition opportunities for posthumous awards may vary.
Additional attributes for consideration:
- Exemplary service to AIGA and the broader design community
- Strong leader and role model for AIGA’s members and its mission of design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force
- Public advocacy for the profession
- Consistent commitment to social change
The Awards Committee:
- Chris Dingwall, Design Historian and Curator, Oakland University (AIGA Detroit)
- Karin Fong, Director + Designer, Imaginary Forces (AIGA Los Angeles)
- Gaby Hernández, Social Design Researcher and Educator, University of Florida (AIGA Gainesville)
- Hugh Weber (Co-Chair), CEO and Curator, Institute of Possibility (AIGA South Dakota)
- Forest Young (Co-Chair), Global Principal, Wolff Olins (AIGA San Francisco)
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