Design Within Reach and Harley-Davidson to be honored at AIGA Design Legends Gala

NEW YORK, July 17, 2008. AIGA recognizes Design Within Reach and Harley-Davidson as the recipients of its 2008 Corporate Leadership Awards. The awards will be presented at the fifth annual Design Legends Gala, to be held on September 18 in New York City.

AIGA’s Corporate Leadership Award was established in 1980 to recognize perceptive, forward-thinking organizations that place a premium on design and play an instrumental role in the advancement of design by adhering to its highest standards as a matter of policy. The recipients of this award demonstrate respect for the millions whose lives they touch and a rare commitment to consistency and quality, as well as serve as models for the successful interaction between aesthetics and pragmatics.

Design Within Reach is recognized for its commitment to making high-quality, mid-century modern design products—with their emphasis on function and utility, abstract beauty, sculptural form, honesty of materials and use of technology—accessible to the general public. Its design principles are evident in everything from its corporate branding and communications to its promotion of sustainable, LEED- and FSC-certified furnishings.

Harley-Davidson is recognized for its unparalleled strength as an iconic brand and its dedication to creating holistic customer experiences—from its innovative product and engine design to its unique retail environments, advertising and merchandising. Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson embraces its heritage while continually evolving what it means to be an American classic.

“Design Within Reach and Harley-Davidson are both exceptional examples of companies that have consistently used design, in the broadest definition, to inform the entire customer journey,” says Connie Birdsall, chair of the awards and former AIGA national board member. “From business design through product development, from retail experience to digital media, customer service and everything else in between, they have each created truly delightful and highly differentiated experiences. This deep application of the discipline of design is what companies are realizing is the way to marketplace success. We are thrilled to applaud both corporations for their design leadership.”

More than 600 leaders of design, creative, business and education organizations from around the world are expected to attend the Design Legends Gala, which benefits the ongoing celebration of design excellence. Funds raised at the event will benefit the AIGA Design Archives, the Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships, AIGA’s Diversity Archive and the Legacy endowment to secure the future of the organization. Tickets are available online.

About AIGA

AIGA, the professional association for design, is the go-to place for design—to discover it, discuss it, understand it, appreciate it, be inspired by it.

AIGA’s mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. AIGA stimulates thinking about design through journals, conferences, competitions and exhibitions; demonstrates the value of design to business, the public and government officials; and empowers the success of designers at each stage of their careers by providing invaluable educational and social resources.

Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design. AIGA now represents more than 22,000 design professionals, educators and students through national activities and local programs developed by more than 60 chapters and 240 student groups. AIGA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational institution.

For further information, please contact:
Steve Rogenstein
Director of marketing and communications
AIGA | the professional association for design
Tel 212 710 3121   Fax 212 807 1799
steve_rogenstein [at] aiga [dot] org