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Beyond the Cube: Marking a lifetime of milestone at the ADC 105th Annual Awards
ECD Duy — N of M — N Associates alongside the international Brand and Communication Design jury during the ADC 105th Annual Awards in NYC, representing a milestone in global creative curation.

The ADC Annual Awards, hosted by The One Club for Creativity, stand as the world’s longest continuously running industry accolade. In its 105th year, the competition has transcended its origins to become the definitive global benchmark for craft, design, and innovation. This year, under the theme “Create a Beautiful Future” the ADC 105th centered on the enduring power of human artistry in an increasingly automated world, reaffirming that true craft is the bridge between heritage and what comes next.

M — N Associates’ ECD Duy — N at ADC 105th judging day, defining the future of global craft and brand design in New York City.

Representing M — N Associates on the global stage, our ECD (Duy — N), recently traveled to New York City to serve as an international juror for the Brand and Communication Design category. Being part of the 105th-anniversary jury was more than an assignment; it was a front-row seat to the pinnacle of global creativity. 

Over two intensive days in the heart of Manhattan, the jury room became a sanctuary of critical thinking where nearly 200 of the world’s most elevated projects were meticulously dissected and debated.

An immersive view of project submissions at the ADC 105th showcase, reflecting the theme 'Create a Beautiful Future' through visionary thinking and high-level design.
Detailed display of award-winning design craft and execution at the ADC 105th showcase, highlighting the enduring power of human artistry in the creative industry.

The experience was overwhelming in the best way. The sheer density of talent, ranging from intricate typography to massive identity systems, served as a powerful reminder of why we obsess over every pixel and print finish. Immersed in the high-energy reveals and the historic atmosphere of NYC, the jury process highlighted a global shift toward work that isn’t just beautiful, but strategically vital. 

An inside look at the NYC creative ecosystem as M — N Associates visits influential design institutions to reinforce a global network of creative excellence.An inside look at the NYC creative ecosystem as M — N Associates visits influential design institutions to reinforce a global network of creative excellence.

Beyond the judging itself, the trip offered a focused immersion into the world’s creative pulse. Brief yet meaningful exchanges with leading institutions became moments of shared calibration, reflecting on the evolving role of design stewardship among peers who value the craft with equal depth. 

For M — N Associates, this was far more than a trip; it marked a lifetime milestone. Our visit to Pentagram was an experience that moved beyond dialogue into a deeper resonance with one of the world’s most respected design practices. In that exchange, we found both affirmation and aspiration, strengthening our ties to a global creative network, while reinforcing our commitment to bringing this same level of discipline, intention, and world-class rigor to every project we shape back home.

An inside look at the NYC creative ecosystem as M — N Associates visits influential design institutions to reinforce a global network of creative excellence.An inside look at the NYC creative ecosystem as M — N Associates visits influential design institutions to reinforce a global network of creative excellence.