The Medals

In partnership with British Land, London Design Medals pay annual tribute to designers who are making, or have made, a significant difference to our lives through their innovation, originality and imagination. Championing the best design and entrepreneurial talent is something we hold close to our hearts at London Design Festival. The most adventurous, challenging, composed and refined projects are determined by the pioneering visuals of individuals. It is the creative spirit of such individuals that is celebrated and awarded at the annual British Land Celebration of Design. 

There are four Medals awarded:

1. The London Design Medal is the highest accolade bestowed upon an individual who has distinguished themselves within the industry and demonstrated consistent design excellence. 

2. The Design Innovation Medal, celebrates entrepreneurship in all its forms, both locally and internationally. It honours an individual for whom design lies at the core of their development and success. 

3. The Emerging Talent Medal, recognises an individual who has made an impact within design within five or so years of graduation. 

4. The Lifetime Achievement Medal, honours an individual who has made a significant and fundamental contribution to the design industry over the course of a career.

Making the Medals

London-based jewellery designer Hannah Martin was commissioned to create a unique award for the London Design Medals. Hannah approached the design and fabrication of the Medals as she would a piece of jewellery, paying special attention to the narrative behind the design of the medal. 

Hannah explained, “In the initial discussions with London Design Festival and Pentagram we talked a lot about London, what signified London, and how this could be represented. The idea of a bird in flight felt like it struck the right note with a sense of freedom of thought and a feeling of being able to fly to great heights.”