ISFD Announces 2024 Innovation+Design Winners

April 14, 2024  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

“In celebration of our 5^th anniversary, we were happy to see a record number of designer-makers sharing their creative work with us this year,” stated David Blair, executive director of ISFD.

“Once again, the entries showed a high level of imagination and superior craftsmanship making it a challenge for the expert panel of industry judges to narrow the list down to just eighteen professional and student finalists. From that list the judges selected nine winning projects of which two received the distinction of being named Best of Show. Thanks to all who participated and to our distinguished judges. Everyone at Market is encouraged to stop by and to see the exhibit, especially manufacturers looking for new design talent.”

Professional winners:

• Penina Bernstein, Occasional Storage, Wenge and Brass Altar
• Penina Bernstein, Seating, Walnut & Leather Chair
• John Brogan, Accessories, Reverie
• Stephen Thrasher, Occasional Tables, Cooper Twist Table
• Hasan Zaidi/ Stabb Designs, Lighting, CONSTANT Pendant

Student winners:

• Aidan Gough, Lighting, Maude I
• Sirvats Srinivasan, Seating, Chrono Timeless Chair
• Ruihan (North) Sun, Occasional Tables, Pu Side Table
• Jinquan Zhu, Occasional Storage, Moonlight Coffee Table

Best of Show:

• Professional - Penina Bernstein, Occasional Storage, Wenge and Brass Altar
• Student - Aidan Gough, Lighting, Maude I

This highly competitive furniture industry-sponsored event was developed to help professional designer-makers who create their own products and the next generation of serious woodworking students who are anticipating a career in the custom wood and related home furnishings industries. It is designed to showcase the products and designs of the top independent and student makers in the accessories, lighting, occasional storage, occasional tables, and seating categories. 

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

ISFD thanks this year’s generous I+D sponsors who made this exhibit and competition possible. 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.