• To celebrate designers who represent the highest aspirations of our members by honoring inspirational individuals who have successfully enhanced the value and deepened the impact of design on business, society, and culture, through their unique and outstanding contributions in the practice of design, teaching, writing, or leadership of the profession.
• To increase public awareness and understanding of the critical and influential role of design and designers in business, culture, and our communities at large.

AIGA members are invited to submit nominations to be considered by next year’s committee. To nominate an inspirational colleague, mentor, or individual who has made a significant impact in the U.S., simply complete the nomination form. Include the name of the nominee, a short paragraph about why the individual should be considered, and a link to their website or portfolio. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and are considered year after year for the next awards cycle. Each year, nominations for the AIGA Medal are reviewed by an awards committee to verify eligibility. Yearly recommendations for Medal awards are then presented to the AIGA National Board of Directors for majority approval. The Board approves a slate of Medalists, and does not propose or reject individual names recommended by the committee.

• Achievement: With a focus on craft, eligible nominees will have made a historically significant contribution to the profession
• Enrichment: With a focus on community, eligible nominees will have set a new benchmark for service as community catalysts
• Expansion: With a focus on possibility, nominees will have pushed the envelope to broaden the scope of what we consider great design

The AIGA board of directors has issued the following instructions:

• Minimum of one and maximum of three medals will be awarded each year
• As a whole, the select group of Medalists should represent the design community’s diversity of design practice, gender, ethnicity, and geography
• While AIGA’s roots are founded in traditional forms of graphic design, the selected group of awardees should reflect the broad scope of where the profession of design is today
• Honor designers as exemplary, living role models of inspiration and aspiration to our members

One Honorary Medal per year may be awarded at the discretion of the committee to recognize a designer posthumously. Recognition opportunities for posthumous awards may vary.

Additional attributes for consideration:

• Exemplary service to AIGA and the broader design community
• Strong leader and role model for AIGA’s members and its mission of design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force
• Public advocacy for the profession
• Consistent commitment to social change