The finalists for the 2026 DesignEuropa Awards, organized by the European combine Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), were announced on May 19. To mark the 10th anniversary of the DesignEuropa Awards, French designer Philippe Starck will receive a lifetime achievement award. The awards, which cover a wide range of sectors, will be presented in September in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Philippe Starck, winner of the "Lifetime Achievements" Award

For this tenth anniversary of the DesignEuropa Awards, Philippe Starck will be awarded the "Lifetime Achievement" prize, in recognition of his work as designer among the most influential of our time.

His work shaped the Design contemporary for over five decades and his long career testifies to a unique ability to anticipate changes and redefine the role of design in society.

Born in Paris in 1949, he began his career in the late 1960s before gaining widespread public recognition in the 1980s through his highly publicized interior design projects. His work then introduced a narrative and symbolic dimension toward the Design, particularly in projects related to the hotel industry. 

From the late 1980s onwards, he turned to the Design industrial by collaborating with international companies such as Alessi, Kartell, Flos, Driade or Duravit.

Among his most iconic creations are the Juicy Salif citrus juicer (for Alessi) and the Louis Ghost chair (for Kartell).

Since the 2000s, Philippe Starck has been developing a reflection on ecological responsibility through projects related to mobility, energy-efficient housing and the reasoned use of materials.

The other shortlisted projects

The other shortlisted projects cover a wide range of sectors, such as health, household appliances, agriculture, sport, and come from different EU countries (Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia, Slovenia and Spain).

They include emerging innovators in the running for the Entrepreneurs and SMEs Award, as well as established industrial players such as First Green Industries, Siemens and WATERROWER/NOHRD for the Industry Award.

A third category, the New Generation Design Award, highlights young talent and rewards the designers under 29 years of age whose work demonstrates creativity, vision and the potential to shape the future of Design.

In addition, and for the first time, a People's Choice Award will allow the public to vote for their favorite finalist before the awards ceremony, via the DesignEuropa Awards website.

The winners in all categories will be announced at the awards ceremony in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 22 September 2026, in cooperation with the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the official EUIPO channels.

Source: https://www.inpi.fr/en/in-one/philippe-starck-winner-of-the-designereuropa-awards-2026