ISFD INNOVATION+DESIGN™ Competition Deadline Extended

December 21, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

This furniture industry sponsored event was developed to help professional designer-makers and the next generation of serious woodworking students receive exposure for their work, make valuable industry contacts, and launch their design careers. The entry fee is $50 per entry; entrants can submit multiple entries in a variety of categories.

“The last-minute rush convinced us that designers might need a little more time to submit their Innovation+Design projects,” stated David Blair, executive director of ISFD. 

“We are extending our online submission deadline for international and domestic entries to the end of the year. It is an excellent opportunity for designers, makers, artisans, and students to gain career- launching industry exposure as they express their creativity and imagination with novel designs of executable home furnishings.”

Past student winner, Matthew Carr, stated “This competition provided me with the acknowledgment that something I am doing in design is correct. In 2022 I placed as a student finalist with two pieces and won the student case goods category. Then being a finalist in the student seating category the following year not only cemented my confidence in my ability to innovate but also helped greatly to reveal the overarching benefit of this event.”

“The ISFD I+D competition delivers a forum for a unique and genuine connection between student and professional designer-makers and commercial furniture producers. The competition and joining the ISFD board have aided me directly with developing manufacturing partners, showroom opportunities, royalty design contracts, trade accounts, mentors, and friends. I consistently encourage anyone who can participate in the ISFD Innovation + Design competition to do so.”

To that, professional designer-makers and past winner, Jeremy Kamiya, added, “the I+D competition/exhibition is hands down the most valuable design competition I know of. For your work to be known, it must be seen. It also has allowed me to reinforce my presence in the industry and press, meet like-minded designer-makers (professionals and students) and has introduced me to large furniture companies which has led to one licensing agreement so far.”

“ISFD’s commitment to connecting designer-makers to the furniture/design world is outstanding and the value of the I+D competition is unparalleled. It is the best dollar-for-dollar investment a designer-maker can make. Enter and be seen!”

The exhibit showcasing the finalists’ entries will be open at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, 311 S. Hamilton, High Point, from April 4-17, in conjunction with Spring High Point Market. The winners will be announced at the Meet the Designers reception on April 14.

Professional and student finalists will receive a certificate of merit and may enter the designer-maker or student category of the 2024 ISFD Pinnacle Awards at no charge. Category winners will receive $250, and the Best of Show winner will receive $1000. All winners will receive free manufacturing time in the Congdon Yards Generator to work on any project of their choice.

For complete entry details please visit 2024 Innovation+Design.