Take a Bow

Our second annual listing of the best and brightest designers brings together young professionals whose ideas are shaping their firms and the industry. From materials specialists to environmental graphics whizzes to strategic decision-makers, these up-and-coming creatives are names to watch as they balance the twin demands of quick project deadlines and burgeoning technological options – all while designing everything from fixtures to floor plans. 

And new faces in the industry mean new ideas and fresh perspectives, from tips for surviving ramped-up deadlines to the importance of maintaining human interaction amidst an explosion of new technology. Despite stereotypes of a tech-frenzied new generation, many of this year’s Designer Dozen say they’re carefully balancing tech and other design touches.

“More and more consumers are yearning for meaningful human interaction and tactile, analog experiences to balance the digital frenzy,” says Bri DeRolph of Fitch, one of this year’s winners. It appears she and the rest of the awardees are up to the task. Click here to meet the 2013 recipients of the second annual VMSD Designer Dozen Awards.