TAE Trophy Design
The TAE Trophy was designed as a custom award for The American Express (TAE), a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. The trophy was created to represent the event’s identity while elevating its on-course and broadcast presence through a distinctive, contemporary object.
Unlike traditional golf trophies, the TAE Trophy was conceived as a modern sculptural form, aligning with the tournament’s premium positioning and clean brand aesthetic. The goal was to create an award that felt timeless and refined, yet visually bold enough to stand out during live presentation and televised moments.
Role & Responsibilities
I was responsible for the end-to-end design of the trophy, leading the project from early concept through final form resolution. This included concept ideation, sketch development, and 3D modeling, with a focus on creating a strong silhouette, balanced proportions, and a form that reads clearly from multiple angles.
I defined the overall form language, emphasizing verticality, symmetry, and negative space to give the trophy architectural presence without relying on decorative elements. Material and finish considerations were explored to ensure the trophy would interact effectively with light in both physical display and broadcast environments.
Throughout the process, I refined the design through iterative modeling and visual evaluation, ensuring the final object communicated prestige, clarity, and permanence — qualities appropriate for a PGA Tour event.
Outcome
The final trophy design serves as a symbol of achievement for tournament winners and a recognizable visual element of The American Express event. The originality and ornamental integrity of the design were formally recognized through a U.S. design patent, underscoring the rigor and authorship of the work.
