OREANDA-NEWS. Qantas announced the duo Andrew Southwood-Jones and Alexander Kashin as the winners of the Craft and Object Design category in the 2013 Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA 365), which celebrates talented young Australians.

The lucky team was selected out of hundreds of applicants vying for the prestigious title as well as a wonderful prize package to contribute to the development of their own design business. The prize includes \\$5000 in cash, \\$5000 in Qantas flights and a once in a lifetime opportunity to work under renowned industrial designer, Marc Newson in a rare 12 month mentorship program.

Andrew Southwood-Jones and Alexander Kashin's work has evolved through experimentation with digital and traditional fabrication methods. Their creations range from object and furniture design to large scale temporary installations.

Andrew and Alexander said they were excited to win such an esteemed award that acknowledges and supports home-grown Australian talent.

“Winning SOYA gives us the opportunity to showcase our work and get valuable feedback from one of the most iconic people in the design industry,” said the duo.

“We are looking forward to flying with Qantas to Europe to meet Marc Newson, familiarise ourselves with the European design scene and get inspired.”

Marc Newson selected the duo after recognising the potential of their designs and new studio, Kink - a collaborative studio providing digital fabrication services for some of Australia's leading artists and designers.

“Andrew and Alexander have a lot of energy and strong potential in their work. I look forward to working with them and offering them guidance for their new studio,” said Marc.

Runners up were Alison Jackson and Tom Skeehan.

The Craft and Object design category marks the end of SOYA's ninth successful year of celebrating skilled young Australians. SOYA 365 rewards and encourages the work of a new generation of creative talent, giving young Australians the financial and professional support their need to share their work with the world.

Every month SOYA 365 explores and rewards a different creative category.