Innovation + Design Finalists Announced by ISFD from Record Entries

February 7, 2024  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

This year’s exhibit will showcase the finalists’ pieces 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 Makers reception on April 13, 4-6pm. The Meet the Makers reception and awards ceremony is open to all High Point Market attendees and exhibitors.

“Each year the exceptional creativity and skill of the participants rises to new levels,” said David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “As the Innovation+Design event grows in popularity we are attracting higher level designers who are masters in their craft.”

“Their outstanding designs, innovative ideas, and superior craftsmanship make it an honor to be chosen as a finalist and ultimately a winner for this prestigious award. We hope that everyone will visit the exhibition in April to experience these extraordinary works in person.”

The professional finalists are:
Penina Bernstein, Occasional Storage, Wenge and Brass Altar
Penina Bernstein, Seating, Walnut & Leather Chair
John Brogan, Accessories, Reverie
Milan Bhullar, Lighting, Arc Light
Erika Cross, Occasional Table, Bolt
Jeremy Kamiya, Occasional Storage, August Entry
Stephen Rosini, Seating, Low Lounge
Nikhil Sharma, Accessories, Seed of Sirsasana
Stephen Thrasher, Occasional Tables, Cooper Twist Table
Hasan Zaidi/ Stabb Designs, Lighting, CONSTANT Pendant

The student finalists are:
Aidan Gough, Lighting, Maude I
Spencer Hope, Lighting, Empyrean
Kiya-Vega-Hutchens, Occasional Storage, A Midwife’s Chest of Drawers
Jon Kannapell, Seating, Ziggurat Bench
Sirvats Srinivasan, Seating, Chrono Timeless Chair
Ruihan (North) Sun, Occasional Tables, Pu Side Table
Jinquan Zhu, Occasional Tables, Brutalism Bench
Jinquan Zhu, Occasional Storage, Moonlight Coffee Table

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. 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.

Professional and student finalists 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 receive $250, and the Best of Show winner receives $1000. All winners receive five hours of free manufacturing time in the Congdon Yards Generator to work on any project of their choice. 

ISFD wishes to thank this year’s generous I+D sponsors. Grant level: The Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation; silver level: High Point Market Authority; bronze level: Lockdowel and Furniture Design Studios, and platinum level: ANDMORE along with industry partners: Furniture Today, and IFDA.