About Designers Europe
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Since its creation in 1989, Designers Europe has been at the forefront of promoting automotive design and fostering the next generation of talent. Our mission is to bring automotive design into the spotlight, celebrating creativity and innovation while supporting emerging designers in their journey to the top of the industry.
Our Vision
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
Shaping the Future of Automotive Design
For over three decades, Dominique Fontignies has held a singular place in the European automotive design landscape. Founder of Designers Europe, he has devoted his career to building bridges between design studios, schools, and manufacturers. A discreet visionary, he is now preparing a new international event dedicated to automotive des
For over three decades, Dominique Fontignies has held a singular place in the European automotive design landscape. Founder of Designers Europe, he has devoted his career to building bridges between design studios, schools, and manufacturers. A discreet visionary, he is now preparing a new international event dedicated to automotive design, scheduled for 2026 — the natural continuation of a mission he has pursued all along: to make design not just a technical discipline, but a true culture.
Dominique Fontignies has never sought the spotlight. What drives him is bringing people together. “Design doesn’t live in isolation,” he says. “It only makes sense when it generates dialogue — between creators and manufacturers, between brands and their audiences.” It was with this conviction that he founded Designers Europe in the late 1980s, an independent platform created to promote European automotive design. The goal: to give new visibility to emerging talent while allowing carmakers to connect with a rising generation of creative minds.
The idea quickly struck a chord. In the 1990s, Dominique Fontignies established multiple partnerships with leading car manufacturers. In 1998, he launched the Renault Automotive Design Competition, which soon became a benchmark in the field. Supported by Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director, and created for the brand’s centenary, the competition opened its doors to students and young designers, offering the winners a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the inner workings of the French automaker’s design studios. “I wanted them to understand how the industry truly operates,” he recalls. “But I also wanted brands to feel the energy and freshness of this new creative generation.”
Over the years, Fontignies has woven an exceptional network at the crossroads of design, media, and the automotive industry. His career is not that of a businessman but that of a connector, a builder of meaning and relationships. As Director of Designers Europe, he has served on numerous juries, hosted award ceremonies, and promoted design as a universal language at major international events — from Geneva to Paris to Milan.
“Automotive design is the mirror of our society,” he says. “Behind every line, every surface, lies an idea about the world — a vision of who we are and what we aspire to become.”
When Dominique Fontignies speaks about design, he is also speaking about people — about encounters, mentorship, and exchange. “What I love most,” he confides, “is meeting a young designer I once knew fifteen years ago and seeing them today, presenting a concept car on a major stage. That’s when the mission of Designers Europe truly takes shape.”
Today, Fontignies looks ahead with a new project: a major international event planned for 2026, envisioned as a hybrid platform combining exhibition, competition, and creative forum. “It’s not just about showcasing beautiful cars,” he emphasizes. “We want to explore the transformation of automotive design — its role in sustainability, urban mobility, digital culture, and the redefinition of luxury.”
This new event will bring together designers, brands, schools, media, and the public around
a shared ambition: to imagine the mobility of tomorrow with coherence, emotion, and responsibility. A philosophy that perfectly embodies Dominique Fontignies’ vision — one where design transcends form to become a way of living in the world. More than thirty years after founding Designers Europe, he remains true to his outlook: open, forward-thinking, and deeply human. “In the end,” he concludes, “design is about choosing how to live in the world.” And in a world that’s constantly evolving, Dominique Fontignies stands — more than ever — as a builder of bridges between generations, disciplines, and ideas.
Launching New Initiatives
European Automotive Design Awards
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
European Automotive Design Awards
One of our flagship initiatives, the European Automotive Design Competition, first launched in 1989, has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing young talent. Many of today’s most renowned automotive designers began their careers through this competition and are now shaping the future of mobility with the world’s leading car manufa
One of our flagship initiatives, the European Automotive Design Competition, first launched in 1989, has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing young talent. Many of today’s most renowned automotive designers began their careers through this competition and are now shaping the future of mobility with the world’s leading car manufacturers.
In 1995, we introduced the European Automotive Design Awards to recognize and celebrate outstanding creativity in the industry. By rewarding the most visionary carmakers, these awards have become a benchmark for innovation and excellence in automotive design.
Today, Designers Europe is entering a new era. With renewed initiatives and an even stronger commitment to promoting automotive design, we continue to inspire, support, and connect designers with industry leaders. Whether through competitions, awards, or exclusive networking opportunities, we are dedicated to ensuring that automotive design remains at the heart of the industry’s evolution.
Supporting the New Generation
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
European Automotive Design Awards
Beyond celebrating established excellence, the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards will include a special category dedicated to emerging talents, giving young designers the platform they need to showcase their work. Through mentorship programs, industry networking, and media exposure, we are committed to shaping the future of automot
Beyond celebrating established excellence, the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards will include a special category dedicated to emerging talents, giving young designers the platform they need to showcase their work. Through mentorship programs, industry networking, and media exposure, we are committed to shaping the future of automotive design.
The countdown has begun—join us as we set the stage for the next era of automotive design excellence!
As Designers Europe is celebrating the 30thanniversary after the launch of the European Automotive Design Awards, it is announcing a new organization for 2026 and beyond. Merging the design competition initiated in 1989 and the design awards, it embarks on a new journey this year.
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
Launching the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards
The European Automotive Design Awards will become the new branding from Designers to celebrate young design talents and established brands and professionals. Over the next few weeks, Designers Europe will announce the names of the individuals that will be part of the jury.
Those professionals will vote for the 2026 European Automotive Des
The European Automotive Design Awards will become the new branding from Designers to celebrate young design talents and established brands and professionals. Over the next few weeks, Designers Europe will announce the names of the individuals that will be part of the jury.
Those professionals will vote for the 2026 European Automotive Design Awards that will be revealed at the start of 2026 and that will include six categories:
1. Model (car) of the year
2. Designer of the year
3. Concept vehicle of the year
4. UX Design of the year
5. Design student of the year*
6. Brand identity of the year
7. Lifetime achievement award
*The design student of the year will emerge from students attending courses in several selected design schools across Europe. The names of the schools competing for 2026 will be announced soon.