Virtual Pinnacle-Awards Marked ‘Outstanding Success’

November 18, 2020  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“We were very pleased to pay tribute to the best in the home furnishings industry by acknowledging them with the prestigious Pinnacle Awards,” stated John Conrad, ISFD executive director. “This year instead of the normal gala format we changed it up to air a TV-style awards program that all could view, and can continue to view, on our YouTube channel from their homes and offices worldwide. This was the first time that people from outside of our industry could participate in the celebration. The Good Designs Unmasked program has been viewed by thousands of people across the country and around the world.

John Gill, Haverty’s EVP merchandising, agreed that it was an “outstanding virtual Pinnacle Awards ceremony. Recognizing designers across a broad spectrum of furniture categories showcases the best in design. The design winners utilize materials in new ways as they take familiar forms and make them fresh and exciting. Congratulations to the award winners that help shape our retail floors and the homes of consumers for years to come."

“Recognizing exceptional design resonates throughout every corner of our industry, from manufacturers, retailers, designers and as a result, it can impact and influence what consumers see and buy,” Conrad expressed.

“Now, more than ever, today’s consumer understands, appreciates and wants great design,” acknowledged Ray Allegrezza, executive director of International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA). “Retailers count on their independent furniture reps to help them find the products that satisfy the consumer’s demand for great design.  When our members present Pinnacle Awards finalists and winning products to their retailers they set the stage for the ultimate win-win-win.”

Highlighting the top designs helps interior designers as well. “Interior design professionals are always looking for amazing new designs at all price points,” confirmed Shawn Hughes, CEO of Steelyard. “When products are honored with a Pinnacle Award, it adds veracity and creates immediate interest within the design community.”

For the Good Designs Unmasked program, Pinnacle Awards presenters were stationed at design-centric locations around the country as they honored nearly 70 finalists in 20 categories.  Musical guest, Benji Morris of Turpentine Shine, also performed original tunes for the program.

Stephanie James, co-owner of the design firm Allen and James in North Carolina and one of the judges shared, “I have been honored to be part of the Pinnacle Awards for several years. It brings our industry together to show extraordinary talent. We are fortunate to have it and also to support new talent entering the industry. It’s our runway fashion show for the home furnishings industry that gives us infinite design and makes us reach each year!”

“Steelyard has always believed in great design, whether that is interior design or product design.  We want to celebrate the best of those designs so we have added information about all the Pinnacle Award winning products to our platform where our more than 30,000 designer members can view, inquire or order them,” Hughes concluded.