ALEXANDER SCHUL – Design Category Winner

Alexander Schul was born in Germany 1994. Already in his childhood he was a design enthusiast, expressing his passion mostly via Lego. After he graduated from high school he volunteered at a school in Kenia for a year. Whilst drinking a Cuba Libre at Diani Beach, he decided to transform his passion into a profession. The next step was to apply to study object design in the Netherlands. Four years forward he successfully graduated with his “substantial furniture line” made from recycled plastic. His overall vision is to design products that stimulate people in a positive and sustainable manner. This means in his design he tries to equally consider the person, the industry and the environment, always trying to create a win-win-win situation.

HEND RIAD & MARIAM HAZEM – REFORM STUDIO – Home Textiles category Winners

Hend Riad & Mariam Hazem are the cofounders of Reform Studio, an international awarded lifestyle brand based in Cairo, Egypt. Directly after the 2011 revolution in Egypt, they were excited to be part of the great change around them, eager to make a stand and make a difference. The feeling of responsibility towards serving their society and environment gave them the motivation to try to solve some of the major problems in Egypt through their invention “Plastex”.  After graduation, they focused on design research and development and they founded Reform Studio in 2012. Were Its goal is to design for a cause, design creative responsible products that benefit the environment & have a positive impact on the society by empowering local craftsmen and women with limited resources. Reform Promotes for ethical design by producing a whole range of furniture, home accessories & fashion accessories; all products are handmade & ecofriendly made out of upcycled plastic bags and high end materials.

DAVE HAKKENS – PRECIOUS PLASTIC – Conscious Innovation Projects category Winner