Designer Rugs launches 2025 Evolve Design Competition

The premier rug brand – and byword for Australian artisanal expertise – is renowned for its partnerships with leading designers. In the fifth edition of its Evolve competition, they once again invite interior designers and architects to submit their boldest designs.

The Evolve Design Competition, presented by Designer Rugs, returns in 2025 for its landmark fifth edition – after a hiatus since 2019 – and invites design submissions for bespoke rugs under this year’s theme ‘The Power of Colour’.

Entries open on Monday 1 September and close Monday 13 October 2025, with each entrant permitted to submit up to three unique designs, so long as each submission is paired with a clear design concept. The winners will be declared at an exclusive industry event held in Sydney in March 2026.

Entries this year will be judged on purposeful use of colour, storytelling intent, creativity and commercial appeal. The judging panel assembles a wealth of creative insight and industry expertise, including DKO Architecture associate Jacob Olsen, Bates Smart director Brenton Smith, Designer Rugs senior designer Lia Pielli, Williams Burton Leopardi director Sophia Leopardi and Geyer Valmont design studio leader Tamara Rozo.

A legacy of design excellence

The Evolve Design Competition exemplifies the richness of the Australian design community, while highlighting the emotive impact of bold colours when paired harmoniously with interior spaces. The 2025 prize represents the dedication of Evolve’s discovery and guidance of fresh talent, nurturing design excellence year on year.

“Evolve’s return is a moment we’ve been eagerly anticipating,” says Designer Rugs managing director Yosi Tal. “‘The Power of Colour’ speaks to the heart of what we do: harnessing nuance, depth and emotion to shape extraordinary interiors. This competition is a canvas for Australia’s design community to demonstrate true artistry and innovation, and we’re proud to champion that talent.”

Hadden Daley, Overall Winner of Evolve 2019

The competition welcomes professional architects, interior designers, decorators and stylists who are permanent residents of Australia. 2025 presents two categories spanning different generations of emerging artists and established talent: Under 30s – itself turning 30 in 2025 – and Over 30s, as of 1 January 2026.

The winners of each category will be selected to compete for a grand prize comprising $2000 cash, return flights to Copenhagen and high-end accommodation at the 3daysofdesign expo, and the honour of having their chosen rug design presented in the 2026 Evolve Collection by Designer Rugs.

In addition, two highly commended recipients in each category will receive $1000 cash, with selected designs featured in the 2026 Evolve Collection.

Submissions for this year’s award are to be made in PDF format via the official competition portal. More details, such as entrance guidelines and submission requirements, can be found at designerrugs.com.au/evolve25.

Christian Burgos, Emerge Winner of Evolve 2019

To aid budding entrants for this year’s award, an online workshop titled ‘Evolve Online: Prepare Your Best Entry’ will be held on 17 September 2025, from 12pm to 1pm AEST.

The workshop will cover insights into rug design and the competition process behind this year’s submission, with input from panellists Silvana Azzi Heras of design studio House of Heras, Lia Pielli of Designer Rugs and Construction By Design design director Gavin Harris, with journalist Jessica Agoston Cleary serving as moderator.

Please note, registration is required for the workshop.