Roberto Íñiguez: Tec educator and winner of the National Design Award

Mexican designer Roberto Íñiguez has received the National Design Award for his Academic Career in Design Education.

“This award’s not only a personal achievement, but a reminder of the importance of design in building a better future.”

These were the words of the Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs at Tecnológico de Monterrey and Vice President of the Cumulus Association, a global organization focused on education and research in art and design, upon receiving the award.

The National Design Award is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNESCO Representation in Mexico.

This event included the signing of two collaboration agreements: one between the National Design Award: Diseña México and the Cumulus Association; and the other between Iberoamérica Diseña (ID) and Cumulus, thereby strengthening international cooperation in design.

The award ceremony was held on Sunday, October 13, at the Franz Mayer Museum.

“More than 20 years ago, I discovered my second professional love: education; and it came along with an invitation to open the design program at the Tec. It also brought a whirlwind of purpose into my life,” said Roberto in his speech after receiving the award.

He also spoke of the privilege of training designers:

“Dedicating one’s life to education is an enormous privilege because we deal with the most beautiful and challenging thing, which is people.”

This year, the Academic Career in Design Education category recognized four winners:

- Roberto Íñiguez

Vice President of the Cumulus Association and Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs.

- Gabriel Simón Sol

Professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Ibero-American University, and the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), as well as at various educational institutions in Latin America.

- Mara Montañez

Founder and Director of La Jabonera Centro de Diseño (The Soap Factory Design Center), promoter of the reform to the Culture Law of Querétaro, and advisor to creative industries and cities of design.

 - Cristina Pineda and Ricardo Covalín

Founders of the Pineda Covalín brand and ambassador of Mexican fashion in the international arena.

“Dedicating one’s life to education is an enormous privilege because we deal with the most beautiful and challenging thing, which is people.”

A leader transforming design education

During the award ceremony, several personalities praised the career of Mexican designer Roberto Íñiguez.

Manuel Estrada, President of Iberoamérica Diseña, highlighted his significant contribution to the global prestige of Tecnológico de Monterrey, stating:

“Íñiguez has taken the Tec’s School of Architecture, Art, and Design to the Top 50 of the QS rankings, an achievement that fills the entire Ibero-American design community with pride.

“His work is impeccable and exemplary. It reflects how educational leadership can transcend boundaries and transform teaching.”

Estrada also highlighted Íñiguez’s participation in the Scientific Committee of the Ibero-American Design Forum, underlining his commitment to design research:

“Roberto’s trajectory not only impacts the classroom but also enriches international research and collaboration spaces. His vision has strengthened the development of new talent and promoted design as a driver of social and economic innovation.”

For her part, fashion critic and historian Sirena Barrio said: “Roberto understands how the world has changed and has been able to integrate that evolution into his teaching, shaping generations of professionals with a humanistic vision of design.”

Finally, Ramiro Estrada, Mexico City Regional Dean of the Tec’s School of Architecture, Art, and Design, dedicated emotional words to Íñiguez as he presented him with the award:

“It’s a privilege to gather today to pay tribute to someone who has lit our path with creativity.

“We’re here not only to recognize an exceptional designer but also to celebrate a dear friend, a passionate colleague, and a tireless developer of talent.”

About the Mexican designer

Roberto Íñiguez stands out for his trajectory. The following are some of the stages of his long career:

• He is currently Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs at Tecnológico de Monterrey.
• Ph.D. in Design, Manufacturing, and Industrial Project Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain.
• 20 years of experience in furniture and lighting, point-of-sale, consumer product, and mobility projects.
• Consultant in the development of strategies for the insertion of design in industry and innovation methodologies for companies such as: Fiat Cars, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Volkswagen, the United Nations, Mammut, Elica, Continental, Coca Cola, and Ferrero Rocher.
• He is currently Vice President of the Cumulus Association, a global association focused on education and research in art and design.

At the end of the awards ceremony, he was also part of the signing of two collaboration agreements with Cumulus Association: one with the National Design Award and Diseña México, and the other with Iberoamérica Diseña (ID).

Both were in order to collaborate in fashion education and research and to further collaborate with the profession, business, industry, non-profit organizations, and NGOs for mutual benefit.

According to Roberto, “We increasingly need more and better designers, and we’re committed at the Tec to continue developing talents that positively impact our society.”

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