fbpx
Close

Red Dot CEO Professor Dr. Peter Zec awarded Federal Cross of Merit

Designed by Ross Lovegrove, the collection was recognised for its organic design.

Professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of the Red Dot Award, was recently awarded the Cross of Merit on the ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for contributions to the design discipline. The honour was bestowed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and presented by Essen’s Lord Mayor, Thomas Kufen, at a ceremony held on 19 December.

Zec has transformed the Red Dot seal of quality into an international symbol of award-winning design quality, thus facilitating access to such award-winning quality for those interested in design.

During the ceremony Mayor Kufen thanked the design expert for his decades-long involvement in the field of design culture. The Order of Merit is awarded in recognition of and as a tribute to individuals for services to the German nation. It can be awarded for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm and for all kinds of outstanding services to the Federal Republic of Germany.

By establishing the Red Dot Award, Zec used an award for good design to create an international brand. Each year, outstanding designs are selected as part of the international design competition and are given a Red Dot. Through the Red Dot Design Museum at the Zollverein UNESCO world heritage site, Zec has also put the City of Essen on the map as an internationally recognised design location. Under his leadership, Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen has become one of the world’s most important and high-profile design institutions. In addition to his role as Managing Director of Red Dot, Peter Zec is also an author and editor, as well as a design advisor and speaker who is sought after all over the globe.

The Latest

Read ‘New Generations’ – Note from the editor – June 2025

Read identity magazine's June 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Edginess in Shenzhen

This contemporary duplex with glowing accents brings a touch of Paris elegance to one of China’s booming cities

Technogym Artis

Technogym’s new Artis Luxury line blends style and design

High-performance wellness meets seamless integration of advanced technology, sustainability, and timeless style.

Things to Covet – May 2025

Here are the latest releases that we spotted at Milan Design Week

AMAN NAI LERT

A Contemporary Sanctuary Rooted in Thai Heritage

The newest Aman hotel in Bangkok offers culture, craft and timeless design

LUTRON

Light as a Design Statement

Lutron’s Alisse Keypads and S-Curve Shades are elevating Middle Eastern interiors with seamless control and sculptural beauty

Optical Delight

Influenced by the geometric formation of crystals, Arctic elegantly captures and refracts light

Downtown Design Riyadh

Highlights from Downtown Design Riyadh

From collectible creations and immersive installations to Saudi-driven showcases, the Kingdom’s first high-end contemporary design fair spotlighted local vision and global design excellence.

Oikos

An impressive entrance at a home in Amman, Jordan

The Synua pivot door by Oikos defines the entrance of a contemporary villa in Jordan’s capital with scale, strength, and striking materiality.

Small Spaces, Big Impact

How intentional design, emotional storytelling and clever craftsmanship can quickly transform challenging spaces into points of interest

Cosentino at Downtown Design Riyadh

Cosentino’s Moon Vignettes makes a comeback at Downtown Design Riyadh

Over 70% of the installation has been repurposed for this edition, showcasing the brand's dedication to circular economy.