An award given for a forward-thinking approach to design. This prize will be given to a graduate who wants to further develop their chosen project or requires financial support to progress their vision. 

TEX+ is establishing a new award in honour of Professor John Miles RCA MA (d. March 7, 2026) whose life’s work in education and in industry made a profound impact. “So many of us were taught or mentored by John, he inspired us through his dedication, integrity and generous spirit,” explains TEX+ chair Jeremy Somers. “John supported students who often fell outside traditional academic pathways or required financial support. He believed wholeheartedly in widening opportunity and championing talent. John understood and was pivotal in joining textile design with fashion design at college level, seeing them as symbiotic not separate schools of education. Throughout his career, John worked in academia – as a professor at the Royal College of Art and elsewhere - and in industry, including Next Interiors and Courtaulds Textiles - bringing the strengths of each world to benefit the other. He helped establish design studios and careers that continue to thrive today. John never sought praise for himself but always found praise for everyone else. This award seeks to reflect John’s philosophy.” 

As John's close friend and former colleague Clare Whiston so beautifully says: “May the memory of John’s wonderful, loud laugh bring us all together.”