Lexus New Zealand is expanding the scope of its prestigious Lexus Design Award, with Wellington now joining the programme for the first time. Students from Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University’s Design Schools will take part alongside their Auckland peers, bringing fresh energy and perspective to a competition known for spotlighting future design leaders.
The awards invites students to tackle a live brief aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging thoughtful, forward-looking responses that Anticipate, Innovate, and Captivate. Entrants will work closely with mentors over a three-month period to prototype bold ideas that address real-world challenges through sustainable design thinking.
This year’s mentor line-up includes familiar faces from Homestyle’s pages. Kowtow founder Gosia Piatek and business director Emma Wallace bring their perspective on circular fashion systems, while Acme co-founders Megan Wyper and Patrick Kennedy lend insight into how thoughtful design can elevate everyday objects — their iconic coffee cups being a case in point.
“It’s exciting to see the Lexus Design Awards programme extending to Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington, particularly with the addition of mentors whose creative journeys we’ve also championed through Homestyle,” says editor Alice Lines. “Acme and Kowtow are local companies leading the way in design business, and the students joining the programme will be lucky to draw on their expertise.”
Long-time Lexus collaborators Simon James and Scott Bridgens of Resident return to mentor the Auckland cohorts, continuing their decade-long involvement with the programme.
The top projects from each university will be unveiled at showcase events later this year. First-place winners receive $3,000 and a place in Auckland Design Week 2026.
With its focus on design-led thinking and a clear call to shape a better world, the Lexus Design Award is more than a competition. It’s a platform for ideas that have the potential to change how we live.
Learn more at lexus.co.nz
And see our full review of the Lexus RX 450h+ Limited here