TORONTO.- Beginning in 2006, Design Exchange will present the Design Exchange Awards competition, awards dinner and major exhibition of winning entries with a planned traveling itinerary.

The Design Exchange Awards competition aims to promote Canadian design excellence and recognizes the critical role of design in all types of organizations including commercial entities (large and small businesses), not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. The Awards celebrate the success stories achieved through close partnerships between clients and designers. The DXA are Canada’s only award program to judge design by results, balancing function, aesthetics and economic success.

These awards are designed to:

* Expand national understanding of design as an essential resource
* Demonstrate that investment in design impacts overall business success
* Celebrate effectiveness in all design disciplines
* Highlight the critical role of design in enhancing quality of life
* Reinforce the value of strong client/designer partnerships
* Promote the critical role of design in sustainability

By entering the DXA you are eligible to win an award and to have your project exhibited at the Design Exchange. A jury of leading business executives, designers and community leaders will select up to three winners in each of the twelve categories. The Design Exchange Award winners will be announced, and the awards presented, at a gala dinner at the Design Exchange in Fall 2006.

2006 DXA Categories:

ARCHITECTURE – COMMERCIAL
Public and corporate structures

ARCHITECTURE – RESIDENTIAL
Private residences

ENGINEERING
Building Technology, Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer (including software),
Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, Product, Structural, Transportation

FASHION DESIGN
Apparel, textiles, footwear, jewelry and accessories

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Industrial products produced for industry and/or consumer products available to the public (i.e. furniture, electronics, etc.)

INTERIOR DESIGN – COMMERCIAL
Retail, public and corporate interiors

INTERIOR DESIGN – RESIDENTIAL
Private interiors

INTERIOR DESIGN – TEMPORARY or PORTABLE
Set, theatre, exhibit

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Commercial, residential and public landscapes

URBAN DESIGN
Streetscapes: infrastructure projects and master plans

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS: BRAND AND IDENTITY
Marketing, way finding, package, corporate identity, etc.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS: CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND EDITORIAL
Brochures, newspapers, magazines, books, video games, interactive media, websites, etc.

Special Award (by Nomination)

CANADIAN COMPANY OR CEO WITH THE BEST DESIGN STRATEGY
The CEO with the Best Design Strategy will be the leader of an organization that uses design and innovation as a major component of its business strategy and corporate vision.

Please contact dxa@dx.org if you have any questions about registration /submissions.