Accor Design Awards 2025

Each year, the Accor Design Awards serve as a global platform where the boldest ideas from next-generation designers come to life. For this 9th edition, Novotel is at the heart of the challenge, reflecting the brand’s strengthened partnership with WWF France. Over 100 teams from 20 schools and 11 countries were invited to design a Novotel room that not only reduces its carbon footprint but also actively contributes to ocean conservation, an ambition that embodies both Novotel’s vision and Accor’s wider commitment to sustainability.

Among the many innovative entries, one project truly captured the jury’s attention: Polé, Polé, designed by Coline Robilliart and Corentin Rolland from L'École de design Nantes Atlantique. Inspired by Tanzania, their hotel room concept effectively showcases a blend of locally sourced materials, circular design principles, and a clear focus on ocean preservation. This winning design powerfully illustrates a core belief: that thoughtful design can transform environmental challenges into positive and memorable guest experiences. 

While Polé, Polé was a standout, this edition also highlighted diverse innovations, with other winners similarly pushing boundaries. The Second Prize was awarded to Chowa by Nora Chaumont and Fanny Monteyne, and the Third Prize to Rosae by Erwan Loirat and Chloé Maudet, both from L’Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique.

The Head Judges’ Prize recognized Algae, by Juan Bueno and Rosalía Ordóñez from IED Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid and Whispers of the Ocean by Camila Gonçalves and Andrea Felip, also from IED Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid, earned the Public Choice Award. Across these projects, the jury observed a wealth of creativity, including the development of smart digital solutions that reward responsible guest behavior. 

The awards ceremony took place at Maison&Objet (M&O), a major global event for the design and lifestyle industry and the jury was meticulously assembled, bringing together influential leaders from across the spectrum of design, sustainability, and hospitality. Co-chaired by Isabel and Beatriz Blanco of Burondo, an acclaimed international architecture and design firm, the panel featured key Accor executives: Damien Perrot and Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President, Midscale & Economy Brands at Accor. 

Reinforcing the crucial emphasis on ocean preservation and our strategic environmental commitments, Aurélie Pontal, Head of Partnerships at WWF France, also lent her expertise. The jury's collective insights were further enriched by the valuable contributions of our dedicated furniture and equipment sponsors, including founding sponsors Roca and Laufen but also Flos, JVD, LedsC4, and Ligne Roset, alongside Accor's strategic partners Covivio, Maison&Objet (M&O), and Accor Franchisees Association. 

This diverse and distinguished panel collectively ensured a rigorous evaluation, assessing projects not only for their creativity and innovation but also for their feasibility, guest experience, and tangible environmental impact. 

Since its inception in 2016, this competition has evolved into far more than just an award. It has become a vital springboard for the next generation of designers, and a powerful testament to Accor's strategic commitment to redefine hospitality by championing innovation, creativity, and sustainability.