German Design Council
The German Design Council is a leading international organisation for design, brand, and innovation – driving the transformative power of design for business, society, and the environment. Founded in 1953 on the initiative of the German Parliament, the Council supports companies and institutions in leveraging design as a strategic resource for sustainable innovation and long-term success.
As a design institution based in Frankfurt, Germany, with a strong European and global network, we create platforms that foster collaboration and visibility across disciplines to connect design, business, research, and policy. Our work champions the value of design as a catalyst for design excellence, design research, competitiveness, and cultural progress.
Through renowned programmes and awards such as the German Design Awards, German Brand Awards, German Innovation Awards, ICONIC Awards as well as initiatives like the Circular Design Summit and German Design Graduates, the German Design Council highlights pioneering achievements and promotes dialogue around future-oriented and sustainable design strategies.
Our work is based on three strategic pillars:
Connecting Business with Design
We are the platform that connects design and business, pooling knowledge and enabling cross-disciplinary exchange. In doing so, we foster ideas, innovation and dialogue between companies and designers.
Transformative Power of Design
We demonstrate the potential of design for transformation processes, bring the transformative power of design to decision-makers and drive both social and economic change.
Pushing Circular Design
We advance the circular design debate, promote sustainable business practices and positive transformation. Through awards and knowledge formats, we give circular business models visibility and momentum.