Gray’s student wins trophy design for Offshore Achievement Award

Peter Gerlei, who is originally from Budapest in Hungary, moved to Aberdeen to study at Gray’s School of Art, where he is now in third year. His winning design, was based on a trophy, made of cast bronze and a walnut base design. His concept was composed 36 steps to reflect the 36 years history of the Offshore Achievement Awards and represented time, the past and the importance of innovation as we look towards an even brighter future.

Five 3D Design students presented their concepts for the 2023 trophy to a panel of five judges and were then tasked with creating a prototype for further judging. Peter was selected as the 2023 winner with his winning design to be crafted into bespoke trophies for next year’s prestigious 2023 Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA).

Reflecting on his success, Peter said: “I wanted to create a design that represented the idea of continuous growth and innovation, the very same sentiment that the Offshore Achievement Awards champion within the offshore industry. I am truly honoured to be chosen as this year's winner, it is an incredible opportunity, and I could not be happier.

“I am currently in my third year studying three-dimensional design at Gray’s but my long-term goal as a designer, is to make sustainable, furniture and home accessories, using ethical labour, and locally sourced materials for homes and businesses. In my application to Gray’s School of Art, I wrote a statement about the impossible nature of perfection, and how I feel, the designer’s job to pursue it, knowing full well that it cannot be reached.”

Course Leader for Three-Dimensional Design at Gray’s, Ben Durack, who is also the Director of Aberdeen based Origin Plastics Limited, said: “It is fantastic that Peter has won the OAA award and that his talent has been recognised by this industry body.   As an art school, Gray’s is committed to offering our students a hands-on experience in a wide range of the design processes that push the boundaries and combine hand craft with digital fabrication.”

Kenny McAllister, Chair of the Offshore Achievement Awards organising committee said, “It is fitting that the trophy design competition is led by the future generation of 3D design students, who may themselves journey into these subjects and build a career in STEM. The OAA remain a not-for-profit event with any profits invested back into events and initiatives organised by SPE Aberdeen to promote STEM subjects to support this future generation.”

Winners of the OAA will be announced at a black-tie ceremony compered by television presenter Rachel Riley on 16 March 2023 at the P&J Live in Aberdeen.