On 31 March at 16.00, the National Design Award of Latvia (NDAL) event «Design Spring» will take place at the new premises of the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) — the Tobacco Factory creative quarter on Miera Street 58a, Riga. In the first part of the event, the design community and other interested participants will gather at the «Gara Māja», where Rita Šteimane, Head and Co-owner of the animation studio «Panic», will share her experience in exporting creativity. Designers Anna Līva Traumane and Harijs Vucens from the studio «Onlyonly» will speak about participating in international design exhibitions. The event will conclude with a guided tour of the LAC Tobacco Factory Quarter, led by architect Uldis Lukševics (NRJA), one of the authors of the architectural and design solutions of the restored buildings.
Register for the event: ej.uz/dizainapavasaris2026
The event will be opened by the Head and Co-owner of the animation studio «Panic» — Rita Šteimane, who will share insights gained over more than ten years of experience on how to enter and succeed in the global advertising market. The studio was founded in 2014 by its Creative Director Gints Gūtmanis, with the vision of combining the creative potential of Latvian illustrators, animators, and 3D artists into a world-class studio. «Panic» regularly collaborates with some of the world’s most awarded advertising agencies and has developed projects for global brands such as «Spotify», «Google», «Nike», «Samsung», and «Indeed». During the event, Rita will outline the path towards becoming one of the leading animation studios globally and discuss how to maintain confidence in achieving such ambitions.
The experience stories of «Design Spring» will continue with founders of design studio «Onlyonly» designers and architects Anna Līva Traumane and Harijs Vucens. «Onlyonly» works in an interdisciplinary manner, combining contemporary culture, architecture, design, scenography, and art to create bold solutions that enrich human experience. The studio’s diverse portfolio spans a wide range of projects — from collectible coin design to exhibition scenography. Last year, the studio gained international recognition for its collectible design objects — the speculative chaise lounge «Daydreamer» and the seating object «Fragmented Seater». At the event, the designers will reflect on their experience participating in the Rotterdam Design Biennale, the «Collectible» fair in Brussels, Paris Design Week, and the «Maison&Objet» exhibition in Hong Kong. They will also share insights into differences between markets and exhibition formats, as well as practical takeaways valuable to other designers.
The event will conclude with a guided tour of the LAC Tobacco Factory creative quarter led by architect Uldis Lukševics from architectural office NRJA. The transformation of technical buildings into the Latvian Academy of Culture’s National Film School and Science Building, developed by his office, received the National Design Award of Latvia 2025 in the Environmental Design category. The project integrates architectural, interior, landscape, and graphic design solutions, creating a cohesive and distinctive identity for the quarter. The redevelopment was carried out using circular and sustainable approaches, reusing buildings, structures, and dismantled materials.
The National Film School and Science Building mark the first stage in the development of the Latvian Academy of Culture’s new campus — the Tobacco Factory creative quarter. The vision is to create an interdisciplinary hub for education, culture, and creative industries at Miera Street 58a, Riga — a place that fosters a modern and inviting urban environment and serves as a platform for learning, working, and developing ideas.
Programme
16.00–17.00
International experience stories:
- animation studio «Panic» Head Rita Šteimane — on exporting creativity;
- design studio «Onlyonly» designers Anna Līva Traumane and Harijs Vucens — about participation in international design exhibitions.
17.00–18.00
Guided tour of the LAC Tobacco Factory creative quarter:
- architect Uldis Lukševics (NRJA) — design solutions of the LAC National Film School and Science Building.
18.00–18.30
Informal conversations and networking
The «Design Spring» event will take place at the «Gara Māja», Tobacco Factory Quarter, Miera Street 58a, Riga. The event is open to all interested participants. The number of places is limited, and prior registration is required. Admission is free of charge. Registration: ej.uz/dizainapavasaris2026
The National Design Award of Latvia is the highest recognition in the field of design in Latvia, aimed at identifying, evaluating, and promoting the achievements of Latvian designers, as well as fostering the use of design created in Latvia and the development of the design sector. The winter application period for the National Design Award of Latvia 2026 is open until 5 April. More information, competition regulations, and submission of entries: dizainabalva.lv/pieteiksanas/
The National Design Award of Latvia was founded in 2017 with the support of the Ministry of Culture. From 2026 to 2028, the competition is organized by the Latvian Design Centre.
The Latvian Design Centre is a member of the Bureau European Design Associations (BEDA) and an official partner of the European Commission's strategic initiative "A New Bauhaus for Europe". The Latvian Design Centre participates in national design policy-making, research and education by initiating cooperation and strategic partnerships with other design organisations, designers, companies and design users. With the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Latvian Design Centre maintains the creative industries communication platform FOLD.