The lighting firm Simon and designer Mario Ruiz scoop prizes in Spain

This year, the lighting company Simon and designer Mario Ruiz have received National Design Awards, given by Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Spain’s most prestigious design prizes, these give recognition to companies and professionals with outstanding careers in the field of design.

Spanish company Simon has received a prize in the Companies category in recognition of its international renown, for being very established and for its commitment to innovation. The judges also took into account the company’s ability to create designs for everyday use. Meanwhile, Mario Ruiz received a prize in the Professionals category since the judges considered his career brilliant, solid and boasting a strong and prestigious identity in the design sector. The judges also acknowledged his designs’ timeless, enduring style as well as his international profile and ability to forge a strong identity outside Spain.

Simon heads an 100-year-old industrial group that has positioned itself as Spain’s leading company of low-voltage electrical goods with a high international profile. Its products range from mechanisms, connectivity for workplaces, control systems and lighting to security and electric vehicle recharging systems. Simon employs 3,800 people all over the world, is established in 18 countries, 10 of which have production facilities, has an international presence in 93 countries and an annual turnover of a €304m. It has received prestigious international prizes, such as Red Dot, Plus X and IF Design Awards, including an IF Gold Award for its Sense range.

Ruiz studied industrial design at the Elisava School of Design in Barcelona. In 1995, he founded the studio Costa Design, devoted to designing and developing industrial products and technology. In 2014, he set up Mario Ruiz Design in order to develop furniture, lighting, office and graphic design projects. Both studios merged in 2008. During his career, he has worked for over 100 businesses in over 10 countries, and has garnered many prizes, such as Best of NeoCon, IF Design, Wallpaper* and Red Dot Awards, among others.