Trophy design

Design, beyond the screen

I have designed and built a range of trophies across corporate and educational contexts.

• Maris Stella School (2013): a bespoke trophy designed for a learner recognised for overcoming significant personal challenges.

• Mr Price Foundation JumpStart programme (2017 - 2024): trophies evolved over five years, initially constructed from MDF and Perspex and evolving into fully 3D-printed pieces.
  
  

Maris Stella

Maris Stella School is an independent Catholic girls’ school in Durban, South Africa. It was founded in 1906 and offers education from Grade 00 through to Grade 12. The school is known for its academic focus, values-based education, and strong emphasis on personal development alongside academic achievement.

Commissioned to design a bespoke trophy for Maris Stella School, awarded to a learner recognised for overcoming significant personal challenges.

The design incorporated the star from the school’s logo, alongside the quote “Only in darkness can you see the stars.”

Mr Price Foundation

The Mr Price Foundation is a youth employability organisation, and its JumpStart programme prepares young people for entry into the workplace, with a strong emphasis on retail-aligned skills and work readiness.

I was commissioned by the Mr Price Foundation to design a set of bespoke trophies for their JumpStart programme, awarded to the top three individuals.

The brief was to create trophies rooted in a retail context, using familiar objects and award names drawn directly from the fashion and retail industry. Each trophy paired a physical object with a conceptually aligned award title:

• Best Fit Award: a bodice, awarded to the individual who best aligned with the programme’s culture

• Cutting Edge Award: fabric scissors cutting material, awarded to the top achiever

• Hang In There Award: fabric draped over a coat hanger, awarded to an individual recognised for strong potential

The trophies were designed as symbolic objects, reinforcing industry relevance while remaining distinct from conventional award formats.

2017

2021

In 2021, the trophies were updated to orange and transitioned to fully 3D-printed fabrication, replacing the construction methods used in earlier versions.

2023

The brief was to create trophies grounded in the core values of the Foundation, using a consistent visual language drawn directly from its existing iconography. The concept explored the idea of flat fabric forms brought into dimension, with each trophy pairing a symbolic gesture with a value-led award title.

• Upholding Partnership — two hands high-fiving, representing partnership and collaboration, visually aligned with the Foundation’s handshake icon.

• Fuelled by Passion — two hands forming a heart gesture, reflecting passion and commitment, derived from the Foundation’s heart symbol.

• Creating Value — two hands holding a diamond, symbolising value creation, aligned with the Foundation’s diamond icon.

The trophies were designed as symbolic, layered objects, translating flat fabric into dimensional forms while remaining visually consistent with the organisation’s established brand language and values.