Determining Nature Of Design Practice

The Designer of the Year has won partly for her work regenerating a school. One problem: the headmaster claims she didn't design it. --Deyan Sudjic, The Observer

I'd describe myself as part problem solver, part innovator and part facilitator, but first and foremost as a social entrepreneur. --Hilary Cottam, quoted by The Guardian.

In February I wrote a response to a related topic after reading a blog entry by Michael Blowhard (via Design Observer). He was rallying on designers who complain about the connected natures of art and design. Its a point of discussion every designer should have an opinion on. Now, another touch-point on the nature of design can be read into the controversy surrounding the 2005 UK designer of the year award going to a non-designer.

(June 10th) the Design Museum in London gave away one of the most prestigious design related awards, the 'designer of the year award' to Hilary Cottam, a 'non-designer' or to put it nicer an 'enabler'. --Archinect.com: The question of authorship of design.

As one article well explains the controversy, much of the show held at the design museum actually shows the work of architect Alex de Rijke. The question on the lips of everyone, 'Why did a non-designer win the award?' The architect is not happy with the way his firm’s years of hard work is being represented. He's asking, at the very least, the prize money be forfeited.

Read some of the links provided by the Archinect Blog entry. One particular salient argument suggests the issue is a shift in public opinion where the fascination with the cult of personality permits such a gross misjudgment of the prize's intent. One charming, successful, and controversial woman makes for a better (marketable) face of design then the design firm who gave the building its forms.

Why Is This A Problem?
This is a direct line to the nature of design as a collaborative activity. De Rijke's company is no more than twelve people, placing it well within the competitive sphere of companies who partner to achieve the competitive results of larger (more resources and budget) architecture firms. What is the difference between Hilary's high level direction and a senior partner of any large firm?

Seriously, Why The Design Award?
Why give a design award for what amounts to project management and promotion? The proportion of hours contributed by Hilary and de Rijke's company should be an indication of the roles.

de Rijke... has worked on the project since 1999 and is still spending two days each week at the school finishing the project...She worked on fundraising, lobbying and consultation for the project. But she has not been to the school...for three years. --Rowan Moore, Architecture Foundation (The Observer).

Any sport fanatic can "manage" a major league base ball team. However, not every amateur can fulfill the demands of the job day in and day out. Years of experience on and off the field can not be faked. Consider a glorified project manager can make a few good design choices is not a basis to earn an award for design excellence.