In 2024, the Golden Pin Design Award established its first media partnership with Creative Thailand, a platform under Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA). This collaboration aims to deepen exchange within Asia’s design and creative industries and foster meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.

Founded in 2009, Creative Thailand is the country’s first media outlet dedicated to exploring the intersection of creativity and economic development. With over 300 stories published annually, the platform features monthly themes and a wide range of content—from expert insights and in-depth interviews to market analysis, regional discoveries, innovation features, and trend reports—offering valuable knowledge for creatives, industry professionals, and the public alike.

Thai designers made a powerful impression at the 2024 Golden Pin Design Award: among 138 finalists for the Best Design Award, 14 were from Thailand, with 5 ultimately winning top honors across product, communication, and spatial design categories.

Creative Thailand interviewed the five award-winning teams, diving into their experiences and reflections. This feature was translated and republished with permission from Creative Thailand (original article).

　　　　　　　　　　

mflex factory: From Local Manufacturing to the Global Stage

　　　

In the product design category, mflex factory’s “Ventilation Block – Air Flow” (BTL 201) features a unique, hallow design that creates rich layers and a varied look. Each block has cut-outs on four adjacent sides and a flat surface on the remaining two opposite sides. When viewed from different angles, the blocks offer a completely varied appearance on the building’s façade. By blending clay into the concrete mix, the design team not only gave the blocks a distinctive color and texture but also significantly enhanced their thermal dissipation properties, making them the perfect wall materials to keep buildings cool.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

This was the first time that mflex factory, a small concrete manufacturer in Thailand, entered the GPDA, and it received the top prize. Manitthar Raisaeng, founder of the company, praised the award organizer for their meticulous attention to details and thoughtful planning, and expressed admiration for the outstanding work presented by her fellow competitors. According to Manitthar, her goal was not merely to stand on the podium and accept the award, but to showcase her work on an international stage, broaden her perspective, and open up new possibilities through innovative thinking. She believes that this award will encourage her and her team to come up with more products conducive to environmental sustainability.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Manitthar Raisaeng——Founder & Architect of mflex factory　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

“The most fascinating thing about this award is that we not only are able to witness state-of-the-art works from designers around the world but also exchange ideas and inspirations with like-minded creators,” said Manitthar, “These interactions are like recharging our creative battery, providing energy for better designs in the future.” To Manitthar, the prize itself is an added bonus that would spur her team to continue improving the quality of their work to align with international standards.

Manitthar enjoyed not only the award ceremony but also her time in Taipei as a tourist. She observed the strong emphasis on design from both the public and private sectors. The presence of public art spaces throughout the city served as an example of how Taiwanese society fosters creativity by providing equal opportunities and a welcoming environment.

“It is quite apparent that the Taiwanese government and design organizations such as the TDRI support design and creativity with all their might, as evidenced by Taiwan’s world-class designs and unique styles,” Manitthar stated, “There are so many public venues and you see art wherever you go. They make art and design so accessible that it feels like an inseparable part of an average person’s life, brining joy and happiness to everyone through aesthetics. This is also reflected in the creativity of Taiwanese people. The entire country is filled with ingenuity and imagination. It is truly remarkable!”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Manita Songserm: How One Award Sparked a Journey of Global Connection

　　

In the communication design category, Manita Songserm’s “Crossover II: The Nature of Relationships” exhibition poster series won over the judges’ hearts. This eye-catching collection of posters stood out for its unique use of color combinations which effectively communicates to the audience the theme of the exhibition—the many facets of pre-contemporary Thai art in the post-WWII and pre-Asian Financial Crisis era (1945-2000).

　　　　　　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Manita is a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI), a club of the world's leading graphic artists and designers. (Currently there are fewer than 10 AGI members from Thailand.) Manita was invited as a judge for the 2023 GPDA. As she entered the competition in the following year, she became the only winner from Thailand in the communication design category.

As an independent graphic designer known for her work in fonts and typographies, Manita values simplicity, aesthetics, and distinctiveness in her design. She considers her participation and win at the GPDA an invaluable experience that not only brought her new opportunities but also introduced her to design enthusiasts from across the globe, enabling her work to reach a greater audience. Knowing that there are people out there who appreciate her works and philosophies has been a great confidence boost, as she felt that her trust in design and creativity have been reaffirmed.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Manita Songserm (Image Credit: Natthawut Taeja)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

“The reality of this industry is that nothing really fully belongs to the designer, as the final work is usually the result of negotiation and collaboration with the client,” said Manita, “More often than not, our proposals will be rejected by the client or, in some cases, modified into something that’s completely different from our own. While there is nothing wrong with that, receiving this award reaffirmed my belief in my own direction – that my approach and aesthetic can still resonate with people. It is a great encouragement and a much-needed confidence boost.”

On the differences between Taiwan’s and Thailand’s design scenes, Manita observed that Thai designers primarily cater to commercial needs while Taiwan emphasizes cultural expressions. Thai designs often incorporate seemingly incongruent elements to present a striking combination that, in its own way, comes together harmoniously—a reflection of the Thai lifestyle. Taiwan, on the other hand, values the marriage of traditional wisdom and modern thinking, fostering designs that showcase the country’s rich history and unique thinking.

“One thing I noticed about Taiwan’s commercial art is that it is simple and neat, a stark contrast from Thai’s elaborate and opulent design. However, Taiwan is in a league of its own when it comes to cultural art, possibly thanks to its unique cityscape and lifestyle,” commented Manita, “I saw how they make it a point to preserve old buildings when the GPDA organizer took us on a tour to the old town district in Taipei. I felt like I was stepping into the past, which is a true testament to how much they value culture and tradition. It’s true that Taiwan has many modern buildings, but they never forget their historical and cultural roots, which explains why they hold cultural art so dear to their heart.”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

1922 Architects: More Than an Award—A Resonance of Values and Vision

　　

As for spatial design, Thai designers performed extraordinarily in this category, with three of the 11 shortlisted submissions eventually taking home the big prize. 1922 Architects’ “N.L.N. Villa” is a 45 m² residential building project located in Chiang Rai. A wooden building constructed with recycled logs through modern construction technologies and traditional local techniques, the project took home one of the top prizes at the GPDA for adapting construction methods to the local climate and lifestyle, with sufficient consideration to air pollution issues and restrictions on building materials in the area.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

According to 1922 Architects, a building is not just a shelter for its occupants but an interface between humans and nature. With this in mind, they incorporated simple and neat design principles, natural building materials, and local craftsmanship in this detail-oriented design. Although the design team wasn’t able to accept the award in person, 1922 Architects co-founder Songtam Srinakarin issued a statement thanking the GPDA for introducing their work to a wider audience, providing a platform for designers to share their ideas, and raising awareness for the pressing issue of climate and environmental change.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Songtam Srinakarin——Co-Founder & Architect of 1922 Architects

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

“We are committed to promoting the connections between humans and nature by designing buildings that allow the two to co-exist in harmony instead of separating us from Mother Earth. I have always stuck to this core belief in the hope that more people would care for nature and the environment, and the most effective way to do that is by sharing my beliefs and encouraging other like-minded creators to do the same. This award proves that even a small-scale project like ours can be recognized and have a big impact as long as it conveys a clear concept and is designed with deliberation. I believe the value of locally-informed architecture extends beyond Thailand and can serve as an inspiration for other countries with similar climates. While the form of the building is only the external expression, the core concept can be extended, developed, and adapted to different environments.”

Songtam admitted that he did not have an in-depth knowledge of Taiwan's architecture. Nevertheless, he observed from Taiwan’s many distinctive public buildings that it attaches great importance to architectural design. These buildings, whether designed by well-known Taiwanese architects or their international counterparts, have been silently but steadfastly shaping the public’s aesthetic sensibilities and design perceptions.

“Public buildings that are well thought out and aesthetically pleasing can inspire users because they are much more welcoming and accessible to the public than private buildings. Furthermore, if our children are allowed to use these spaces freely, they will receive subtle influences and understand that architecture is closely related to their day-to-day life. When kids grow up in a good environment, they tend to pay more attention to these issues, thereby contributing to greater innovation and creativity.”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Hanabitate Architects: Bringing the Award Experience Back to the Classroom and Beyond

　　　　

Another winner in the spatial design category was Hanabitate Architects’ Lanna Rice Research Center for Chiang Mai University. The building leans heavily into natural lighting and ventilation and features innovative "rice bricks" in the exterior walls, highlighting the qualities of local rice varieties while serving practical and educational functions by promoting eco-friendly concepts. The design also took into account the needs of future expansions, which means the building is practical, flexible, and inexpensive to maintain.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Professor Nawit Ongsavangchai, the architect of this project, visited Taiwan in person to receive his very first award in his life. He hopes to share what he has seen and heard through this experience with his students at the Faculty of Architecture at Chiang Mai University and use it as a motivation to continue to improve architectural designs.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Architect & Professor Nawit Ongsavangchai

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

“The award organizer did a superb job, and every segment of the presentation went smoothly. Attendees from different fields and categories were present, and each with their own specific roles and details of participation at the award. Despite all the challenges, the staff took good care of everyone and ensured that the event went smoothly. I didn’t know the results of the selection when I received the invitation. However, I definitely would still have considered this a valuable experience no matter what the result had been. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the glass recycling factory tour planned by the organizer. The factory was founded by a father who passed on the torch to his children. They turn recycled glass into reusable modern materials, and the TDRI is involved in transforming these materials into products that meet today’s needs. Although what the factory is doing is not directly related to architecture, I still find it quite interesting how traditional crafts can find a new foothold in contemporary society and potentially in developing new building materials.”

Since his first trip to Taiwan 20 years ago, Professor Nawit has traveled to the country almost every year, except during the pandemic. He not only visited the works of international architects but also explored local people’s wonderful works. What surprises him is that he continues to discover new things every time he visits.

“Excellent architects abound in Taiwan, and they are skilled at incorporating traditional craft materials in their creations. If you look closely, you will find it to be very interesting. For example, Forest-Wood Archi-Tect., an architectural studio and a Golden Pin Design Award winner, experimented with the potential of locally sourced lumber in Taiwan, departing from traditional wood usage to create a design that blurs the lines between convention and avant-garde. One can’t help but marvel at how these familiar materials can culminate into something so breathtaking. I think Taiwan has done a good job in this regard. There are interesting small architectural gems hidden at every corner, and they are the reason why I travel to Taiwan almost every year—to visit these small and exquisite architectural gems.”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

IDIN Architects: Designing for Possibility, Reflecting Through Competition

　　　　　　　

The third winner in this category was IDIN Architects’ “Harudot Chonburi by Nana Coffee Roasters,” a uniquely designed coffee shop which has since become a landmark in Chon Buri Province. It perfectly integrates nature with architecture, presenting a highly distinctive gable roof structure while creating spaces both indoors and outdoors for plants. This design paints a harmonious relationship between people and the environment, aligning with the brand’s image.

　　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

This marks the second time that IDIN Architects has won the “Best Design of the Year” of Golden Pin Design Award. Their previous win was for “NANA Coffee Roasters Bangna” in 2023 (also in the spatial design category). Those who have been keeping tabs on the Thai architectural scene will definitely find IDIN Architects’ name familiar, as they have been recognized by various major design awards.

IDIN Architects founder Jeravej Hongsakul shared that he began to be interested in design competitions when he was still a student. Since starting his own architecture firm, he continues to enjoy turning abstract designs into physical buildings. To him, taking part in competitions is a way to get feedback on his work.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Jeravej Hongsakul——Founder & Principal Architect of IDIN Architects

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

“Participating in design competitions is the best way to know whether our works resonate with others. If we win an award or receive recognition, it means we are on the right track. But what matters most is that the client is truly satisfied. Every time we win, they’re genuinely happy. For them, awards are the most tangible proof that their buildings are valuable. In recent years, more and more architectural design awards have been popping up, but I prefer awards with a long history and esteemed reputation as I know they are the most trustworthy.”

Like Professor Nawit, Jeravej used to visit Taiwan every year prior to the pandemic. As a multiple award-winning architect, he is most impressed by Taiwan’s cultural and creative parks. These public spaces are valuable venues for creative exchanges, reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to urban design and creativity.

 “My favorite part of Taiwan is the amazing creative parks. Taiwanese are so good at revitalizing old buildings. They transformed an abandoned winery into the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, and converted an old cigarette factory into the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. I really like how Taiwan feels like a ‘design city’, as they are constantly exploring new possibilities and finding new design solutions—a spirit that every designer should have. Taiwanese people are nerdy in the best way possible, and I mean that as a compliment. They are design nerds who value and help promote the development of the creative industry.”

As the leading design award in Asia, the GPDA is a stage for Thai designers to showcase their potential, especially in the field of architectural design, where Thailand has won multiple awards. Meanwhile, the GPDA reflects Taiwan’s strong emphasis on and commitment to the creative industry, a strategy that has become a key driver of global economic growth.

　　　　　　　

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Interview & Text: Ratirat Nimitrabannasarn
Images: Creative Thailand, Golden Pin Design Award