Czech Grand Design Awards 2025: Krejčiřík Honored as Grand Designer of the Year

Prague – Jiří Krejčiřík was named Grand Designer of the Year at the Czech Grand Design Awards on Wednesday evening, held at the Estates Theatre. The prestigious awards recognize excellence across various design disciplines in the Czech Republic. The awards ceremony as well celebrated Eva Eisler’s lifetime achievement with induction into the Hall of Fame of Czech Design.

Jiří Krejčiřík: A Rising Star

Krejčiřík, 36, received two awards for his lighting collections: Emílie and Emil for Modernista, and B1 Lamps for SKOBA, a social enterprise. He was also recognized for the Audio Altar created for the Nozomi brand. He first gained recognition at the Designblok festival in 2019 and has since become a sought-after designer both domestically and internationally, exhibiting in prestigious galleries.^Designblok

According to Michaela Kádnerová, curator of the Moravian Gallery in Brno, Krejčiřík’s operate is unique within the Czech design landscape. “He does not allow himself to be bound by trends or the limits of mass production or the market,” she stated. Kádnerová further described his furniture designs as “collectible design” with a strong aesthetic quality that approaches the realm of art.^{Radio Prague}

“I thank the Academy of Design for appreciating my work, I appreciate it very much,” Krejčiřík said upon receiving the awards, acknowledging his family, clients, and colleagues. He also emphasized the importance of discussing design to broaden its appeal.

Eva Eisler Enters the Hall of Fame

Eva Eisler, a designer, architect, and educator, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Czech Design for her significant influence on Czech design after 1989. She spent time in Latest York, focusing on jewelry, product, and interior design, before returning to the Czech Republic in 2006 to lead the KOV studio at the Prague University of Applied Arts, mentoring a generation of designers.

Eisler received a standing ovation and spoke of the importance of the community and support system within the design world. She also praised the organizers of the Czech Grand Design Awards and Designblok for their long-standing commitment to supporting talent and quality within the Czech design community.

Other Award Recipients

• Spatial Designer of the Year: O+M studio for the exhibition architecture for the Palace of Illustrations.
• Fashion Designer of the Year: Aleš Hnátek for the Wardrobe 2 and Wardrobe 3 collections.
• Jewelry Designer of the Year: Bold Studio by Markéta Kratochvílová for the Chloris collection.
• Graphic Design of the Year: Ondřej Báchor, Jan Novák and Matěj Činčera for their ceremonial rendering of the Constitution of the Czech Republic.
• Photographer of the Year: Tereza Mundilová for portraits of Marina Abramović and Anne Imhof, and campaigns for Striplink, Puma Mostro and Adidas Superstar.
• Illustration of the Year: Magdalena Rutová for her theatrical curtain, installation, and book illustrations.
• Manufacturer of the Year: Květná 1794 glass factory for the Drop and Haoto collections.
• Discovery of the Year: Eda Babák for her photography work.

Designblok and the Future of Czech Design

The Czech Grand Design Awards, alongside the Designblok festival, aim to strengthen the reputation of Czech design and highlight its key figures.^{Radio Prague} According to Designblok director Jana Zielinski, the competition’s goal is to popularize Czech design and showcase its most important personalities.