Chennai: The international finale of the AYDA Awards 2023/2024, held from July 3-5th at the prestigious ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, concluded with fervour as it brought together the National Winners from 17 countries and regions.
The prestigious ceremony saw the exceptional finalist Eromitha Ramesh from R V College of Architecture, Bengaluru and Suraj Ighe from Academy of Architecture, Mumbai who showcased creativity and forward-thinking design solutions in the Architecture and Interior Designer Category reflecting the 2023/2024’s theme of CONVERGE: Championing Purposeful Designs. This edition’s theme served as a catalyst for young designers to explore and champion meaningful and sustainable solutions within their local communities and beyond.
Among the highlights of the event, Lim Jeng Ying from Malaysia and Alifiah Azzahrah from Indonesia were crowned AYDA Designers of the Year in the Architectural & Interior Design categories for their exceptional submissions that stood out in terms of innovation and design. These visionary winners were awarded the opportunity to participate in the June 2025 cohort of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program, a three-week fully funded opportunity worth up to USD 10,000
“With the AYDA Awards, unlike other competitions, it is not just about competing – it is about personal growth, and it provides the space for us to realise and develop our potentials as well as presentation skills through its group and personal coaching sessions, guiding us every step of the way towards the finale. Throughout the competition, I’ve realised my role extends beyond mere creation; it’s about using art as a catalyst for addressing community and environmental issues.” said Eromitha Ramesh.
“Participating in the AYDA Awards has been an enriching journey, shaping my skills and fostering connections with fellow creatives who inspire me to push boundaries in design and innovation. I applaud Nippon Paint’s steadfast commitment to nurturing purposeful design and sustainability consciousness through this platform, empowering young designers like me to envision a brighter, more sustainable future through our work.” said Suraj Ighe.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Eromitha Ramesh and Suraj Ighe who has proudly represented us at the finale in Chennai, India. Their unwavering dedication showcases not only their talent, but also their profound passion for design. It is truly inspiring to see participants innovate, creating designs that not only serve but also enrich their communities. We’re optimistic that these budding designers will continue to drive this transformative direction with enthusiasm and creativity, and we eagerly anticipate elevating this platform even further in the next edition.” said Gladys Goh, President of Nippon Paint Marine Coating Co. Ltd & Senior Vice President, Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group.
In addition to the prestigious Designer of the Year title, the AYDA Awards also honoured outstanding achievements in both categories:
Architectural Category:
- Best Design Impact Awards – Amirmasoud Aghajanizadeh, Iran
- Best Sustainable Design Awards – Danh Minh An, Vietnam
- Nippon Paint Colour Award – Nilrandha Fonseka, Sri Lanka
Interior Design Category:
- Best Design Impact Awards – Jesslyn Tew, Malaysia
- Best Sustainable Design Award – Lim Gia Zhun, Singapore
- Nippon Paint Colour Award – Panisa Wongchaom (Porpla), Thailand
- Judges Choice Award – Truong Thanh Qui, Vietnam
Nina Bailon-Arce, Senior Partner of Arce-Bailon-Arce Architects, one of the AYDA Architectural Design judges, also commented, “Nippon Paint’s commitment to nurturing young designers is commendable, as it not only recognises excellence but also invests in the future of purposeful design. I have been judging AYDA for a few years now and I am so proud to see the quality of entries each year that evolve with the advancements in the industry and technology.“
“We are thrilled to witness the incredible talent and innovation showcased at this edition’s AYDA Awards. The competition stands as a beacon of meaningful innovation and creativity, providing a space for emerging talents to shine and thrive,” said Santi Alaysius, Co-Founder at Domisilium Studio and DMDIO, one of the AYDA Interior Design judges. This edition’s line of judges featured esteemed experts from reputable architectural and interior design firms (Refer to Appendix II for more details).
Cultivating Socially Conscious Design Leaders
What sets the AYDA Awards apart is its dedicated focus on nurturing creativity and interpersonal skills through group and one-on-one coaching, guiding finalists every step of the way through the finale. The award is more than just a contest; it’s a cornerstone of Nippon Paint’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Colouring Lives, under the Education pillar. Participation is entirely free, ensuring that financial barriers never hinder aspiring designers from realising their full potential and giving back to their communities.
“The AYDA Awards has transformed into a holistic programme for aspiring artists to put their best work forward,” stated Gladys Goh, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Innovation & Marketing at NIPSEA Group. “Nippon Paint not only positions itself as a thought leader in nurturing the next generation of designers but also champions local talents. We are committed to fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of designers.”
The grand finale event was also graced by distinguished speakers from Nippon Paint as well as industry leaders. Mark Titus, Vice President of Nippon Paint India and Group Marketing Lead at NIPSEA Group spoke about the brand’s 143 year legacy and commitment to the global design community. Kiran Kapadia, Founder Director of Kapadia Associates Design LLP and Lai Siew Hong, Chief Executive Designer at Blu Water Studio and also one of the esteemed AYDA judges provided important takeaways for the audience through their unique perspectives and industry experiences. Each speaker brought a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the event, making the event a memorable and enriching experience for all attendees.
The AYDA Awards, initiated in 2008 by Nippon Paint, has evolved into one of the architecture and interior design industry’s premier awards, receiving over 59,000 entries from 1,200 tertiary education institutions across 20 countries and regions. The AYDA Awards 2023/2024 received over 6,000 submissions from 17 countries and regions, highlighting the diverse talent and innovation present in today’s design landscape. Concurrently, the event was held alongside Nippon Paint’s Creative Colour Awards 2023/2024, which served to recognise the significance of colours in architecture and interior design. To watch the recently held 2023/2024 awards ceremony and the finalists’ design presentations, tune in to AYDA’s YouTube channel.
The upcoming theme for AYDA Awards 2024/2025 – CONVERGE: Glocal Design Solutions, calls for innovative designs to address global challenges in social, urban development and environment. All these interconnected themes emphasise the pivotal role of design in shaping a sustainable and resilient future. By integrating social, urban, and environmental considerations, the AYDA Awards aspires to nurture designers who can create spaces that promote community cohesion, societal growth, and environmental harmony.
Seize this opportunity to showcase your ingenuity and passion. Submit your innovative designs and join the AYDA Awards 2024/2025 to be part of the movement that is redefining the future in design. Deadlines may vary by location, which can be found through www.ayda-awards.com.
For more information on how to participate in the AYDA and CCA Awards, visit www.ayda-awards.com & www.creativecolourawards.com or their social pages: AYDA’s Instagram Page , LinkedIn Page, YouTube Page & CCA’s Instagram Page , LinkedIn Page.
