This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion for Launch Pad, the ICFF/WantedDesign platform for emerging designers, hosted by American Standard at the LIXIL Water Experience Center.
Launch Pad continues to be one of the most exciting events in the design calendar. It was co-presented by LaunchPad's founders Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat of ICFF/WantedDesign, alongside William Hanley, Editor-in-Chief of Dwell magazine, Launch Pad’s media partner.
Our panel featured four incredibly talented past winners who generously shared how the program has impacted their journeys:
• Tom Lerental (Tommy Bloom, 2021)
• Anna Dawson (Anna Dawson Studio, 2022)
• Laura Stoddard Sotomayor & Michael Ortiz Gimenez (Estudio PM, 2025)
What stood out to me most was their honesty and enthusiasm—not just about how Launch Pad provided visibility, but how it created meaningful connections with brands, mentors, and customers.
At American Standard, we’ve proudly supported this initiative as jury and sponsor since 2017. I’m constantly inspired by the creative energy and fresh thinking these young designers bring to the industry. They are not only shaping the future of design—they are the future.
If Tuesday’s panel was any indication, Launch Pad continues to be a powerful platform for talent to emerge and thrive.
Do you know an emerging designer who should be on this stage next year? I’d love to hear about them.
#LaunchPad2025 #EmergingDesign #DesignLeadership #AmericanStandard #ICFF #WantedDesign #NextGenDesign