We won! - but should we accept?
Some news dropped into our inbox recently:
Our Patera Magna has been awarded not one, not two, but three prizes in the International Sustainable Design Awards 2025 — including the Global Grand Award for Product Design.
Pay to play
We’re honoured, flattered, and — honestly — a little giddy. It’s wonderful to see our research-based, handcrafted work recognised in an international context.
So what’s the dilemma?
Well, to actually receive the awards (trophy, certificate, media exposure, etc.), we need to pay a “Winners’ Privileges Fee” of over €2,000.
Why we joined in the first place
We did send in our Patera Magna design ourselves earlier this year, as the participation fee was relatively low — unlike many major design awards where entry fees can easily exceed $300, making it a big gamble for a small studio like ours.
The ISDA seemed like a great opportunity to share our work with an international audience, especially given their sustainability focus.
Now that we’ve been awarded not one, but three accolades, we’re both flattered and hesitant — the required winner’s fee is significant, and we’re wondering: is it worth it?
The €2000,- question
Would this recognition boost our visibility and open doors in ways we can’t yet foresee?
Or would we be better off putting that budget towards other forms of marketing, product development, or events where we can directly connect with our audience?
We’re torn.
So we’re asking you: What would you do?
Drop us a comment, message, or email — we’d love to hear your perspective.