Lazzaro Leather Kicks off Student Design Contest

August 25, 2015  by in High Point, Leather Upholstery, Market, Product   

Themed "Places and Spaces”, the competition invites students to use Lazzaro furniture and other materials to create an interior design that explores the style and experience of a destination. To explain and bring their concept to life, students can submit as many original plans, drawings, renderings and photographs as they desire in a digital format.

The goal of the competition is to support students  and encourage them to explore new conceptual approaches to the layout of interior spaces, said Lauri Cryan, president of Lazzaro Leather.

“Students are the future of our industry,” Cryan said. "With this competition, we hope to challenge aspiring designers to think creatively about how furniture can be used to enhance the design, function and livability of today's — and tomorrow's — homes. Since our line contains a number of creative, travel-influenced pieces, we thought 'Places and Spaces' would be the perfect theme for students to explore."

Judges for the contest consist of a panel of professionals from the architecture and design communities including: Michelle Workman, interior designer at Michelle Workman Interiors; Elizabeth Harvey, design assistant at Denise McGaha Interiors; Meredith Heron, interior designer at Meredith Heron Design; Tom Conley, president/CEO of the High Point Market Authority; and Catherine Smoak, director of design at Unilin - Mohawk Inds. In choosing the winners, judges will consider four elements: creativity of the design; the conceptual and technical quality of the project; research and reflection on the location's culture; and reflection and thinking on global trends.

Three winning entries will be selected: first prize, second prize and one special mention. Each winner will receive $500, and adaptations of the winning designs will be featured in the Lazzaro showroom during the Fall High Point Market.   

The company will be showing in a new 16,122-square-foot showroom in the IHFC's Commerce wing, Space 1003. The company plans to introduce a variety of new furnishings during the show, including new leather seating, occasional items and an updated dining chair and barstool program. In addition, Lazzaro plans to expand its steamer trunk program, a series of leather-wrapped occasional tables inspired by vintage travel trunks.

Lazzaro Leather's design contest is open to any college student pursuing a degree in design or architecture. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 7. Submissions must be in a jpg format with a resolution of at least 300 dpi, in a vertical or horizontal format. The entries also must include Lazzaro furniture, a slogan or title for the concept and proof of payment of fees for the 2015-16 academic year.

Entries should be submitted online.