Bernd Kussmaul produces Red Dot: Best of the Best Trophy
With the illuminated medals for the 2019 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Bernd Kussmaul created a true world-first innovation. This caught the attention of the international design scene — and led to contact with the organizers of the Red Dot Design Award, the most prestigious design competition in the world. To mark the 10th anniversary of the Red Dot Trophy, the manufactory from Weinstadt, Baden-Württemberg, was entrusted for the first time with its production — continuing the legacy of designer Günter Wermekes.
Photocredit: Red Dot
It was a special moment when, in 2013, the trophy honoring the best in the design world was presented for the very first time. The Red Dot: Best of the Best Trophy was designed and, until now, crafted by the award-winning goldsmith and designer Günter Wermekes. Exactly ten years later, production of the trophy has now passed to Bernd Kussmaul GmbH in Weinstadt. And here, nearly every element is crafted by hand: eleven stainless steel rods are assembled onto a manually sandblasted base, completed with a nameplate for the award winner and the iconic Red Dot Design Award logo. “We were thrilled when Red Dot approached us,” says Bernd Kussmaul, owner and managing director of the family-run manufactory. “This award is highly respected in the design industry. We bring strong expertise from the automotive sector when it comes to advanced design.” For nearly 25 years, this medium-sized family business has been a go-to partner for unique and challenging requests in the premium and luxury segment, with deep knowledge of materials and surface technologies.
Photocredit: Steffen Jahn / Red Dot
The material of the Red Dot Trophy was deliberately chosen by Günter Wermekes in close collaboration with Professor Dr. Peter Zec, CEO and founder of Red Dot. Stainless steel was selected to create a direct connection to the location of the Red Dot Design Museum, situated on the grounds of the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen.
“We present the Red Dot Trophy to the best of the best in the international design world. That’s the same standard we apply to ourselves when it comes to producing the trophy,” says Siegfried Schneider, Chief Marketing Officer of Red Dot. “That’s why it’s essential to work only with the very best in the industry. We’re thrilled to have Bernd Kussmaul on board since this year.”
Photocredit: Stefanie Siegel / Steffen Jahn
He translated Günter Wermekes’ original hand-drawn designs into digital 3D data and has already successfully delivered all trophies for this year. We’re talking about at least 200 pieces annually: over 100 are reserved for the main events in Germany, 60 are shipped to the Red Dot Award: Design Concept ceremony in Singapore, and dozens more are re-ordered individually by award winners.
Günter Wermekes looks back on the project with pride — it was a true success story for him. “We pooled all our strengths to submit a design that fully reflected our vision. It was a perfect landing, and the confirmation felt like a knighthood for us,” the designer recalls. “I still remember fondly the moment, ten years ago, when we first presented an oversized version of the trophy to the public. I now gladly pass the baton on to Bernd Kussmaul.”
By now, the trophy — which, at 35 cm tall, is the same height as an Oscar — has become internationally recognized. Highly coveted among designers, it can be found in award-winning studios, companies, universities, and agencies of all sizes around the world. In June 2024, the next winners of the Red Dot: Best of the Best will once again be honored with a trophy handcrafted by Bernd Kussmaul.
Photocredit: Red Dot
