Prominent Canberra designer and artist Robert Foster has died after two utes collided on the Kings Highway at Bungendore.

Mr Foster, 53, died in the head-on crash that also left another person injured.

Police were called to the crash near Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command at 7:50am on Wednesday.

Paramedics treated one person for injuries and transported them to hospital.

Mr Foster died at the scene.

Mr Foster designed the artwork in the ActewAGL headquarters in Civic and the Fink water jug, which are sold internationally.

Loading

Head of the Australian National University's School of Art, Denise Ferris, said Mr Foster would have a constant place in the hearts of those in the arts community.

"He mentored many people including some of my younger colleagues," she told 666 ABC Canberra.

"He employed and provided internships and experience to at least 24 students over the past decade or two.

"It's an enormous loss for the art design community, a tremendous loss for [his] two little girls and [his wife] Gretal."

ANU vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt also issued a statement saying Mr Foster was a "great friend of the university".

"Robert's works are a testament to his creativity," Professor Schmidt said.

"It is fitting that his work can be found in major collections in Australia and overseas, including the National Gallery of Australia, at Parliament House, and of course here at ANU.

"He will be sadly missed by his many friends at ANU."

Robert Foster designed the world-renowned Fink water jugs. ( Supplied )

ACT police are investigating whether icy roads caused the collision.

"I would imagine the wet weather we had this morning may be a contributing factor," Sergeant Ken Hedges said.

He warned motorists to drive to the conditions of the road.

"This is our fifth fatal this year and the second within two weeks.

"With the tragic loss of a person this morning we have another grieving family who'll miss that loved one."

The Kings Highway was shut in both directions for several hours.