Arch MacDonnell FDINZ

Genius and generosity don’t always go hand in hand.

When they do, everybody is better off.

Tonight’s recipient of the Designers Institute Black Pin for Outstanding Achievement has spent the last few decades blending generosity with genius in a way that dissolves any boundaries between the two.

This shines through in his work. Whether it is applied to big brands or beautiful books, his approach is rigorously crafted, highly legible, grounded in classicism while always feeling fresh.

Genius and generosity are combined in his contribution to community, too.

Tonight’s Black Pin recipient is always ready to preach the virtues of good design: As a speaker, as an awards judge locally and internationally, a mentor and a board member. Service to community has been an integral part of his practice, and he’s always made it look like fun.

The Black Pin for Outstanding Achievement is granted to an individual who has made a lasting contribution to the design profession and towards design in general. 

This evening’s winner has already collected too many Gold Pins to count. So it’s a delight to see him add a different colour to this collection tonight.

The winner of the 2025 Designers Institute Black Pin for Outstanding Achievement is Arch MacDonnell.