As to the AAM website, I have an ongoing curiosity about the very same thing. There are a number of organizations who have honored our designs with awards, that have…{ahem, how should I put this?}…websites and logos that are less than aesthetically pleasing.

Here’s my best guess as to how these organizations operate: they are run by professionals who – while very good at what they do – are not designers. And each year, the org. selects designers and art directors on a panel as judges. So, while the judges ARE holding everything to high standards, the organization itself has never held itself to any such scrutiny.

Again, I’m just making a guess. What do you think?

Best, Wendy