Finalists for “Newcomer of the Year” announced

The finalists for the Newcomer Award all share a focus on sustainable, future-oriented approaches, working at the intersection of technology, materials research, and creativity. Whether through the development of circular materials, innovative architectural concepts, or the fusion of art and digital technologies, these emerging designers are committed to resource-saving solutions and transformative design methods. Their work demonstrates a clear drive to address societal and environmental challenges through creative, interdisciplinary projects.

"Young design is a crucial driver for the transformation of the economy. The innovative ideas and approaches of young talents show how design solutions can contribute to developing sustainable and resilient economic models for the future. The German Design Council’s essential task is to bring these projects into the spotlight and connect design talent with industry," said Lutz Dietzold, CEO of the German Design Council.

Newcomer of the Year – The Five Finalists

• Architecture | Amelie Kurz, Fachhochschule Dortmund: Amelie utilises existing resources in her architectural concepts, creating future-oriented spaces through resource-conscious designs that address both ecological and social issues.
• Fashion & Textile Design | Juni Sun Neyenhuys, Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin: Juni specialises in biomaterials and algae as sustainable raw materials, focusing on developing circular materials as solutions for the packaging industry.
• Industrial & Product Design | Sophia Reißenweber, Burg Giebichenstein Halle: Sophia merges materials research and biotechnology to create closed-loop material cycles. Her designs are based on research-driven methodologies aimed at developing resilient systems.
• Digital Design | Max Seeger, University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt: Max has received multiple awards for his work in digital design, focusing on generative design and creative technologies that are both artistically and scientifically inno vative.
• Communication Design | Lena Weber, Bauhaus University Weimar: Lena integrates communication design with technology and philosophical theory, developing design tools and typographic systems to explore the aesthetics of the digital and coded worlds.

"We were impressed by the diversity and depth of the submitted work. Each entry showcased innovative design responses to current challenges, such as sustainability, materials research, or technological advancements. Selecting the finalists was challenging, as there were many outstanding projects. However, the nominated projects stood out with their clear visionary approaches and their ability to create aesthetic and functional solutions for the future," explained the jury in detailing their selection of the finalists.

The Jury 2025

• Teresa Franquera, International Coordinator of the DESIS Network – Design for Social Innovation and Sustainability, and Cumulus Association Board Member
• Luzia Hein, Founder of Studio Luzia Hein, Newcomer of the Year 2019
• Ole Heydekamp, Lead Customer Experience Management, Deutsche Telekom AG
• Jasmin Jouhar, Design Critic and Journalist
• Andreas Murkudis, Curator and Founder of the concept store “Andreas Murkudis”