Design Emphasis Student Furniture Design Competition at IWF

The Design Emphasis Showcase 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, $14,000 in prize money is awarded and presented during a special ceremony. The competition recognizes and rewards these advanced level designs in six categories: Seating, Ready-to-Assemble, Case Goods, Commercial/Office/Hospitality Furniture, Accent Furniture/Accent Tables, and Design Creativity. A prize is also given for the Best of Show.