Design is an ever-evolving field that constantly shapes people’s aesthetic perceptions and influences how they interact with the world. As the design landscape undergoes significant changes in the global context, innovation and subversion have become key drivers for the future of design. The 2023 APDC International Design Awards Gala, themed “变 颠覆 新启未来” (Innovation, Subversion, and New Enlightenment for the Future), held at Beijing’s Yi Garden&HBI Beijing Aesthetics Center, gathered prominent designers and explored the latest trends and ideas in the design industry.
The inaugural station of the International Design Awards Gala attracted a star-studded lineup of speakers, including some of the most celebrated designers from around the world. These pioneers in the field have redefined design paradigms and garnered accolades for their exceptional works, and among them were accomplished speakers who had previously been honored with the prestigious BLT Built Design Awards. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptional speakers who showcased their expertise and contributed to the grand success of the event.
Award-Winning Architect and Interior Designer Kris Lin, the founder and design director of KLID International Design, is renowned for his groundbreaking architectural and interior projects. Having previously won the BLT Built Design Award for both “Jenga Box,” a commercial building that creatively integrates architecture, interior, landscape, and lighting, and “Brich Forest,” a captivating restaurant designed to immerse guests in a serene forest-like ambiance, Kris Lin’s talent and vision have been recognized on the global stage.
Kris Lin
Visionary Designer and Director C.R. Lin, the Director of CROX International Co., Ltd, is known for his exceptional contributions to the design industry. Having previously won the BLT Built Design Award in the Commercial category for the Nabel Technology & Culture Experience Center, Lin has showcased his expertise in architectural design with projects that exude harmony and innovation.
Esteemed Jury Member Zhiming Xie, Chief Creative and Design Director of Damu Architectural Engineering Design, and Vice Chairman of the Interior Design Branch of the Chinese Architecture Society, attended the tour as a special guest and delivered a speech. He expressed the hope that more Chinese designers can step out to participate in international awards, and at the same time, more international designers can come to China for interactive sharing.
Zhiming Xie
Other speakers included Charles O. Job, the 2020 SIT Furniture Design Award winner, celebrated for his chair design SKETCH and Larry Wen, winner of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards. The 2023 APDC International Design Awards Gala in Beijing was an extraordinary event that celebrated the brilliance and creativity of designers worldwide. The presence of distinguished speakers, including BLT Built Design Award winners Kris Lin and C.R. Lin, as well as esteemed jury member Zhiming Xie, added a unique dimension to the event. Their contributions inspired the audience and exemplified the passion and dedication that drives the world of design forward. The global tour of award-winning designers at the International Design Awards Gala will continue, after the first station in Beijing, it will be staged in first-tier cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen, forming a new “IP” with more extensive participation and professional depth.
