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From Home Furnishing Business
ISFD Extends Final Entry Deadline for 2025 Pinnacle Awards
July 29,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is extending the final entry deadline for the 2025 Pinnacle Awards to Aug 7, at 11:59 pm. They are also excited to announce that TV personality Natalie Papier, an interior designer, art curator, author, and host of Magnolia Network’s Artfully Designed home renovation show, will share her design insights as the keynote speaker at the Pinnacle Awards Gala held during the High Point Market on Oct 27, in the IHFC's 11th Floor Ballroom.
As lead designer on the Magnolia Network show Artfully Designed, Papier shares her bold and playful designs with the world. She believes that meaningful design starts with the art. Her vow against bland and boring takes shape in her use of colorful wallpaper, eclectic art, and funky textures. She has a strong belief that homes should reflect the people who live in them, full of life, character, and warmth. Papier’s projects have been featured in Domino, Real Simple, HGTV Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Luxe Magazine, and many other publications. Her book, Start with the Art: The Smart Way to Decorate Any Room on a Budget, will be available for purchase and autographing.
“We are thrilled to have Natalie join us to share her colorful design wisdom,” stated David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “We also encourage everyone to visit the updated ISFD website to view photos of the professional and student Pinnacle Award entries. By viewing this web page, one can appreciate the highly competitive nature of the entries for this high-level design award and the challenging job that our judges are tasked with in selecting the top finalists and the winners.”
“ISFD would also like to thank our esteemed panel of expert veteran judges who utilized their experience and knowledge in reviewing these creative entries to determine this year’s top designers and their masterpieces.”
The 2025 judges are:
Lisa Ayala – Association Director, International Biophilic Products Association
Brian Boggs – Co-owner, Master Craftsman, Furniture Designer, Brian Boggs Chairmakers
Peggy Burns – Home Business Industry Consultant
Laurence Carr, CEO, Laurence Carr Inc., Founder, Studio Laurence
Courtney Chessen – Owner and Lead Designer, Mandarine Home
Erica Cross – Founder, Erika Cross Studio
Mindy Dertketsch– Textile Designer/Stylist
Nancy Genova – Professional Home Furnishings Designer, Retired
Jerri Hobdy –Furniture and Lighting Designer, Meno Home Studios
Nick Johnson – Director, Sustainable Supply Chains, Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Lisa Kahn – Founder, Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs
Angie Kenny – Program Director, Sustainable Furnishings Council
David King – CEO, Doma Home Furnishings
Stephanie Lena – Principal Furniture Designer, LENADesign
Gala Magriñá – Designer + Principal, Gala Magriñá Design
Jaye Anna Mize – VP of Advisory + Partnerships, Fashion Snoops
Laura Niece – Senior Designer and Creative Director, Otto & Moore
Jillian O’Neill – Founder, Jillian O’Neil Collection, Design Retreat
Mike Peterson – Founder, Science in Design
Erika Saurit – Founder and Creative Director, Saurit Creative
Bruce Schhuettinger – Artist/Designer/Craftsman, MosArt Inc
Taylor West – Partner, West Design Group
MaryPaul Yates – Principal, Yates Design Inc
Allison Zisko – Editor-in-Chief, Home Accents Today
The professional Pinnacle Awards recognize designs that are produced in large quantities for sale to consumers, as well as custom pieces created by artisan designer-makers. The recipient of the highly regarded Pinnacle Award is the designer or designers who were directly involved in the "design craft" of the product(s). The entries must be in current production and have been showcased and sold at one of the major home furnishings or fabric markets worldwide, or via online retail. The student Pinnacle Awards are open to all students majoring in Furniture or Industrial Design at an accredited college or university. They may enter any piece from their body of work. Please visit the official entry site for more information.
Additionally, ISFD would like to thank the 2025 Pinnacle Awards sponsors: Presenting sponsor: ANDMORE; Bronze level: Furniture Design Studios, High Point Market Authority, and Lockdowel; Designer-Maker category sponsor: Appalachian Hardwood; Biophilic Design in Wood sponsor: Real American Hardwood; Student Competition sponsor: Richard Frinier Design Studio; Corporate Partner: Canadian Wood; and Industry partners: Designers Today, Elements Studios, Furniture Today, International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) and The Media Matters. Additionally, we would like to thank the International Textile Alliance (ITA) and the Sustainable Furnishings Council for their continued support.