Design Emphasis Student Furniture Competition
The Design Emphasis Showcase at IWF is a "must see" at the International Woodworking Fair.
Furniture pieces designed and built by students from colleges and universities throughout the United States are on display at IWF
Design Emphasis is widely acclaimed as the foremost furniture design competition for students and offers design students a unique opportunity to demonstrate their talent and originality before a judging panel of furniture industry designers, manufacturing and retail executives, and members of the trade press who have design-oriented backgrounds. It also provides a unique chance to experience an international industry trade show, make important career contacts and exchange ideas with other students from around the nation.
In May before the IWF show, students submit slides and a written description of their project to be selected in a pre-judging session. The finalists are invited to attend the Fair and to ship their furniture piece to the Georgia World Congress Center for a final judging the day before IWF by a panel of industry experts. Following the judging over $10,000 in prize money is awarded and presented during a special ceremony.
The competition recognizes and rewards these advanced level designs in five categories: Seating, Case Goods, Commercial/Office/Hospitality Furniture, Accent Furniture/Accent Tables, and Design Creativity. A prize is also given for the Best of Show.
The deadline for entries in the Design Emphasis Student Furniture Competition is May 1, 2020. You can see a list of the 2018 Finalists and Winners here.
For more information about The Design Emphasis Awards, call IWF at 404-693-8333, or email your request to lch@iwfatlanta.com.
Design Emphasis schools who are participated in 2018:
- Appalachian State University
- Art Center College of Design
- Auburn University
- California College of the Arts
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- Fox Valley Technical College
- Haywood Community College
- Iowa State University
- James Madison University
- Kansas State University-College of Architecture, Planning & Design
- Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
- NC State University
- Pittsburg State University
- Purdue University
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Seattle Central College
- The Krenov School, Mendocino College
- University of Hawaii-Manoa
- University of Idaho
- Western Piedmont Community College
What the Judges have had to say about past competitions:
Jaclyn C. Hirschhaut, Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing, American Home Furnishings Alliance Design Emphasis 2010 Chair
"The caliber of this year's Design Emphasis entries was, unquestionably, the highest quality overall that I've observed over the past decade. These rising furniture designers delivered products developed with a keen awareness of today's consumer lifestyle in outstanding execution. The attention to detail in the finished samples as well as the presentation boards are superb."
Hank Long, Senior Vice President Merchandising and Design, Hooker Furniture Corp.
"This year's Design Emphasis was a real showcase of the talent, fresh ideas and energy of the young people we need to move forward in the wood working industry. The thought, heart and soul they put into their presentations is the kind of work ethic and creativity that bodes well for our future."
Heather J. Paper, Senior Editor at Large, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
"Many of these students' designs would be right at home in high-end showrooms. It's reassuring to know that the future of furniture is in such capable hands!"