We are beyond thrilled to share two recognitions from the International Design Awards (IDA) 2024 for our latest Book design and Corporate Identity design!

SILVER PRIZE – Book Design for ‘Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design’

‘Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design’ showcases the groundbreaking work of Gert Dumbar — one of the most influential and unconventional figures in post-war graphic design. From the iconic Dutch Railways logo to his avant-garde contributions to global visual culture, Dumbar’s bold approach has left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring generations of designers.

About the design:

Designed by Studio Renate Boere, the book thoughtfully balances a rich collection of images with a communicative design, offering a compelling narrative of Dumbar’s professional journey and the essence of the design profession. It explores the many roles he has played —artist, provocateur, educator, and cultural mediator— while shedding light on his ability to attract and mentor emerging talent. Providing a rare glimpse into Studio Dumbar’s archives, the book also reveals the evolution of the studio’s iconic works and the experimental mindset that shaped its creative output.
The book’s design embodies Dumbar’s spirit of experimentation. A two-column grid creates a dynamic rhythm, allowing images to vary in size and enrich the visual storytelling. The choice of Adobe Caslon Pro —a contrast to the predominantly sans-serif typography used by Studio Dumbar— gives the book a distinctive identity. Abundant sketches in the book provide insight into the studio’s working methods, reflecting Dumbar’s philosophy: “Step by step, you design a unique identity.”
The cover design embodies this ethos, incorporating a poster by Dumbar featuring hands gripping ropes — symbolizing tension and fluidity, a nod to the balance between control and spontaneity in design. The back cover offers an intimate glimpse into Lex van Pieterson’s cluttered photo studio, where he and Dumbar spent countless hours immersed in creative chaos. Inside, a collage of Polaroids captures the dynamic life within Studio Dumbar, reflecting the artistic energy that once thrived there.
Through this rich visual and textual exploration, the book presents a deeper understanding of Dumbar’s lasting impact on Dutch and international design, reaffirming his legacy as a true pioneer of the field.

A huge thank you to all the team members involved: Astrid Vorstemans from VALIZ, the authors Max Bruisma, Leonie ten Duis, and Gert Dumbar, lithographer Gaëlle van den Dool, printing by Wilco Artbooks, and of course my colleague Giang Nguyen and all the wonderful interns who have helped bring this book to life over the past years.

More details:
Gert Dumbar: Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design

Colophon:

Authors: Max Bruinsma, Leonie ten Duis Editor: Max Bruinsma
Visual editor: Renate Boere and Giang Nguyen with Gert Dumbar, Max Bruinsma, Leonie ten Duis
Image research: Brecht Hoffmann
Reproduction photography and digitizations: Simon Pillaud/Valiz, Brecht Hoffmann, Michel de Boer and many others, with thanks to Haags Gemeentearchief, Wendy Louw and colleagues
Copy-editing: Leo Reijnen Proofreading and index: Elke Stevens
Graphic design: Studio Renate Boere
Typefaces: Adobe Calson Pro, Prestige Elite Std
Paper inside: Munken Print White 15, 100gr
Paper cover: Fedrigoni Arena Natural, 480 Rough 200gr
Lithography: Gaelle
Printing and binding: Wilco Art Books, Amersfoort, Netherlands
Publisher: Valiz, Amsterdam, Astrid Vorstermans

© All rights reserved, Gert Dumbar/Valiz, The Hague/Amsterdam, 2024
And authors, architects, artists, photographers

HONOURABLE MENTION – Corporate Identity for Nimeto Utrecht

With a legacy of over 100 years, Nimeto has been a beacon of quality craftsmanship, offering project education at MBO, fostering lifelong learning, and empowering teachers to lead by example in their profession. Our mission is to shape an identity that reflects their dynamic, diverse, and future-focused spirit.

About the design:

The new identity for Nimeto captures the institution’s vibrant community and innovative spirit. The design revolves around the versatile Nimeto Grid, which translates the concept of creative space-making into a flexible system, enabling the creation of 2D and 3D spaces. This dynamic framework allows for infinite visual combinations, reflecting Nimeto’s core values of diversity, innovation, and accessibility. A rich palette of materials, colors, and shapes offers limitless creative possibilities, ensuring the identity evolves alongside its young community.

More details:
Nimeto – Corporate Identity design

A great thank you to our dedicated team, employees, and interns who contributed to these long-term projects. Your creativity and hard work made this recognition possible!

More details about IDA’s recognitions:
International Design Awards – Winners

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