This year, eminent Créateurs Design Awards bestows the 2025 Le Prix Charlotte Perriand upon masterful founding partners of SANAA architecture firm: Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. This high honor celebrates their superlative impact within modern design and architecture on the global stage. SANAA is a highly-acclaimed firm and pioneer in architecture advancements, enhancing each project with a signature minimalist style. Every undertaking deftly balances materials and functionality with its unique surroundings, culminating in an utterly holistic experience for all.
On this momentous occasion, Whitewall spoke with the sage Yuri Xavier, Founder of Créateurs Design Awards, about creating a peer-to-peer awards platform, the deeply poetic design approach of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, and serving as a beacon for what’s next.
Courtesy of The Créateurs Design Awards.
WHITEWALL: What inspired the creation of the Créateurs Design Awards, and how has its mission evolved since its inception?
YURI XAVIER: The idea of creating a peer-to-peer awards platform—one that would bring together truly global participation—had been on my mind for several years. But it was a trip to Shanghai in 2018 that really ignited the spark. I was struck by the sheer depth of talent I encountered, not just in established circles but in unexpected places—designers, architects, and creatives whose work was extraordinary, yet largely invisible on the global stage. It made me realize how much brilliance we miss simply because it doesn’t fit into the traditional, Western-centric spotlight.
By the time I finished the 17-hour flight back from Shanghai, I had written pages and pages outlining what would become the Créateurs Design Awards—its mission, structure, and the kind of impact it could have. I spoke with Meredith, my wife and CDA co-founder, and we both felt the same thing: it was time.
From the beginning, the mission was clear—to create a platform where the design industry could celebrate its own, judged by peers who understand the nuance, rigor, and soul of the work. But more importantly, it had to be global, inclusive, and rooted in authenticity.
“From the beginning, the mission was clear—to create a platform where the design industry could celebrate its own,”
Yuri Xavier
The Knowing Jury of Industry Peers at Créateurs Design Awards
Courtesy of The Créateurs Design Awards.
WW: The awards are uniquely judged by industry peers rather than traditional juries. Why was this approach chosen, and how do you think it shapes the integrity of the selection process?
YX: This approach fundamentally shifts the nature of recognition—it’s not about impressing a closed circle of jurors but earning the respect of those who truly understand the craft from within. When peers judge, there’s an unspoken language, a shared depth of knowledge that traditional juries often lack. It removes the veneer of politics and pretense, focusing instead on authenticity, innovation, and impact.
In many ways, it democratizes excellence. It’s no longer dictated by a handful of gatekeepers but rather by those who live and breathe the industry daily. This creates a selection process that is not only more transparent but also more deeply rooted in the values that actually drive the field forward. It ensures that what’s being celebrated isn’t just what looks good on paper, but what truly moves culture, influences practice, and sets new standards.
Celebrating at the Iconic Shangri-La Hotel in Paris
Courtesy of The Créateurs Design Awards.
WW: The latest edition of the Créateurs Design Awards took place at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in Paris. What made this venue the perfect setting for this year’s celebration?
YX: The Shangri-La Hotel in Paris was the perfect stage for this year’s awards—an icon of timeless elegance where history and innovation collide. Paris is the heartbeat of design, and the Shangri-La, with its grandeur and refinement, embodies the very essence of what the awards celebrate: vision, craftsmanship, and the power of place. It wasn’t just a venue; it was an experience.
WW: Can you share some highlights from the event?
YX: A standout moment was SANAA’s recognition with Le Prix Charlotte Perriand. Their minimalist yet deeply poetic approach to architecture has transformed the way we think about space, light, and materiality. Seeing them honored for their profound influence on contemporary architecture was a defining moment of the evening.
After the ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, and what struck me most was their humility and genuine enthusiasm. Despite their monumental impact on the field, they spoke with such gratitude—truly touched by the recognition. It was a reminder that even the most influential creators never take their work for granted. Their excitement was contagious, and it made me appreciate, even more, how deeply personal and meaningful this award is.
The Intersection of Design, Photography, and Luxury
Sydney Modern Project, © Iwan Baan. Courtesy of SANAA.
WW: The Créateurs Design Awards celebrates not just architecture and interiors but also collectible design and photography. How do these disciplines intersect for you?
YX: Great design is never siloed—it’s a conversation between disciplines. Architecture shapes the space, interiors give it soul, collectible design introduces artistry, and photography captures its essence, freezing emotion in time. They all speak to the same pursuit: creating something that moves people.
“Great design is never siloed—it’s a conversation between disciplines,”
Yuri Xavier
For me, these disciplines intersect in their ability to tell a story. A space isn’t just defined by its walls, but by the objects within it, the way light interacts, and how it’s remembered through an image. The best design isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
WW: Many of the designers recognized by the awards operate in the high-end, luxury space. How do you see the role of luxury evolving in design today?
YX: Luxury in design is shifting from status to substance. It’s no longer about excess but about depth—how something is made, the story it tells, and the way it engages the senses. The new luxury isn’t just about rare materials; it’s about rarity of thought, the pursuit of originality, and an uncompromising dedication to craft.
“Luxury in design is shifting from status to substance,”
Yuri Xavier
Designers today are moving beyond aesthetics to create experiences that feel deeply personal and culturally significant. The future of luxury isn’t about owning more—it’s about meaning, about spaces and objects that challenge, inspire, and endure.
Standout Projects and Trends at the Créateurs Design Awards
DUO, photo by MARK COCKSEDGE.
WW: This year’s winners represent the best in global design, architecture, and creativity. Can you walk us through some standout projects or trends that emerged?
YX: One of the most exciting shifts was the way designers are redefining materials, pushing them beyond their expected limits. Faye Toogood’s Rude Collection for cc-tapis was a perfect example. It wasn’t just a rug collection—it was a study in movement, form, and texture. The raw, almost sculptural nature of the pieces challenged the traditional idea of what textile design can be.
“One of the most exciting shifts was the way designers are redefining materials,”
Yuri Xavier
Similarly, Patricia Urquiola’s Cenote for Agape turned everyday bathroom objects into pieces of art, inspired by natural rock formations. These projects weren’t just about aesthetics—they were about rethinking how we engage with materials in our daily lives.
Another major theme was design as a storytelling tool. Julien Lanoo’s Surf Ghana Busua, which won Best Project Photography, was a standout. His work isn’t just about capturing spaces—it’s about capturing culture, identity, and the way people interact with design.
Likewise, Melek Zeynep Bulut’s Duo, which won Excellence in Art & Design Curation, explored the relationship between objects, creating a dialogue between pieces rather than simply displaying them.
Sustainability continues to be a major force, but it’s evolving beyond eco-friendly materials to more holistic thinking. MCxA Group’s Santa María del Oro, for instance, was built with the landscape, not just on it—blending architecture with nature in a way that felt timeless and thoughtful.
Minimalism is also taking on a new language. SANAA and their poetic restraint, and Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee’s Simple Art Museum, proved that simplicity, when done right, can be profoundly moving.
Some projects truly pushed boundaries. OPEN Architecture’s Sun Tower redefined what cultural architecture can be, while Atelier Nomadic’s Overwater Bamboo Restaurant made a powerful case for sustainability that’s both innovative and luxurious.
Overwater restaurant, JOE CHUA AGDEPPA. Courtesy of The Créateurs Design Awards.
Innovation and Legacy at the Forefront of Contemporary Design
New Museum, © Dean Kaufman. Courtesy of SANAA.
WW; Sustainability and innovation are at the forefront of contemporary design conversations. How do the Créateurs Design Awards recognize projects that push these boundaries?
YX: The CDA doesn’t just reward surface-level sustainability or gimmicky innovation. It celebrates projects that challenge norms—whether through radical material experimentation, rethinking spatial impact, or seamlessly blending tradition with the future. This peer-driven approach ensures that what’s being honored isn’t just trendy, but truly transformative, setting new benchmarks for design that lasts.
WW: In an era of digital exposure, where designers can showcase their work directly to audiences worldwide, how do you see the role of awards evolving?
YX: In a world where design is just a scroll away, the role of awards isn’t to keep up—it’s to cut through. Digital exposure has given every designer a stage, but recognition isn’t just about visibility; it’s about credibility, legacy, and the weight of being honored by the very best in the field.
The Créateurs Design Awards aren’t just another accolade; they’re a statement. They tell the world that a project isn’t just beautiful or viral—it’s important. In an era of fleeting trends, these awards carve out permanence, distinguishing work that doesn’t just exist in the moment but defines the future.
“In an era of fleeting trends, these awards carve out permanence,”
Yuri Xavier
More than ever, awards need to stand for something. They need to champion purpose over popularity, impact over hype. At the end of the day, the CDA is a vessel—celebrating those who dedicate their lives to their craft, pushing boundaries, shaping culture, and leaving behind work that will inspire generations to come.
WW: Are there any new categories or collaborations you’re considering for upcoming editions?
YX: We are in continuous dialogue with our members to ensure that the Créateurs Design Awards evolve in ways that strengthen our mission and uphold the highest standards of excellence. Part of this ongoing discussion includes the potential introduction of new categories to better recognize the breadth of the industry.
As design continues to expand and intersect with new disciplines, we are carefully considering how to refine and enhance our awards to reflect these shifts.
The Future of Design and Lasting Impressions at the Créateurs Design Awards
Jenchieh Hung + Kulthida Songkittipakdee – HAS design and research ©Fangfang Tian.
WW: What excites you most about the future of design and the role the awards play in it?
YX: What excites me most is seeing design move beyond its traditional boundaries, merging with science, technology, and philosophy to create something truly transformative.
We are entering an era where design is no longer just about spaces or objects—it’s about impact. It’s about questioning materials, rethinking sustainability, and designing with a consciousness that extends beyond the present moment.
The Créateurs Design Awards stand at the crossroads of this evolution. More than recognition, they serve as a beacon for what’s next—championing those who are not just following trends, but rewriting the narrative of design itself.
WW: A recent project or artist that left a lasting impression?
YX: I first encountered Lee Ufan’s work at Art Basel a few years ago, and I can honestly say no piece of art has impacted me in quite the same way since. It was as if the air had been pulled from the room—everything fell silent, and I found myself completely lost for words. His ability to command space with such restraint, such presence, was unlike anything I had experienced. It wasn’t just a visual moment—it was something deeply visceral, almost spiritual.
WW: A city that embodies cutting-edge design today?
YX: For me, one of the most fascinating cities right now is Mexico City. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how rapidly it’s transforming—not just on the surface, but at a much deeper, cultural level. There’s an energy there that feels raw, fearless, and incredibly alive.
What inspires me most is how the city is reimagining itself through design—not by copying global trends, but by looking inward. Designers and architects are pulling from centuries of craft, material knowledge, and indigenous techniques, and translating them into something that feels completely current.
You feel that transformation everywhere—from the way public spaces are being reclaimed, to the rise of studios using design as a form of activism and storytelling. It’s a city that’s not just designing for the future—it’s designing its own future.
Surf Ghana Club house by DRS. Courtesy of The Créateurs Design Awards.
