Acclaimed fittings company Blum has announced the inaugural Blum Design Awards, with The Local Project, created to celebrate the details that elevate everyday living – from the craftsmanship of joinery to the elegance of movement in design.
“The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding work our customers are delivering across Australia,” says Rachael Davis, Blum Australia’s marketing manager – partnerships and communications. “We wanted a dedicated platform to honour the skill, creativity and attention to detail that go into designing, creating and building exceptional spaces and cabinetry throughout the home – work that often goes unnoticed but profoundly affects how people live.”
The Local Project CEO Aidan Anderson, who started out as a carpenter before founding what is now one of the world’s fastest-growing architectural and design platforms, has a first-hand appreciation of the often-hidden elements that support great design. “In partnering with Blum Australia, we’re proud to highlight the designers and craftspeople whose considered work often goes unseen, celebrating the skill, dedication and artistry that shape our built environment,” says Anderson.
The awards are open to Australian architects, designers, cabinetmakers, joiners and artisans who have specified Blum in an Australian project to “solve real design challenges, innovate with movement and deliver lasting quality”, says Davis. There are four categories – Craftsmanship and Joinery Excellence; Innovative Integration; Materiality and Detail; and Design in Motion. Projects must have been completed between January 2025 and January 2026.
Entries will be judged by an esteemed jury, which comprises Tim Ross, one of the country’s foremost design personalities, Virginia Jen, editor of The Local Project, and Marshal Cairnduff, marketing manager – products and services at Blum Australia. “Design isn’t always about the big picture,” says Ross. “Often it’s the small details that have the greatest impact. So it’s an absolute honour to be part of the jury for these inaugural awards and to celebrate authentic and outstanding Australian craftsmanship.”
Each winning project will receive a full video case study, amplified across The Local Project’s digital and social channels to an audience of more than 4.5 million design-conscious individuals. Valued at $25,000 each, these case studies are invaluable – showcasing the winning entrant and their work to a highly engaged audience.
“Beyond recognition, the awards are designed to foster industry growth,” says Davis. “They provide recipients with visibility, strengthen customer credibility, encourage collaboration and inspire projects and the spaces that we live in – ultimately improving the everyday living experience for Australian households.”
Entries for the 2026 Blum Design Awards, with The Local Project, open on 13 October 2025 and close on 12 January 2026 at midnight AEDT. The winners will be announced in March 2026.
www.thelocalproject.com.au/blumdesignawards
For further information, please contact:
Natalie Russo
Blum Australia Marketing Communications Manager
natalie.russo@blum.com
0447 581 147
