Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
ISFD Names Executive Directors of Cohab.Space as Keynote Speakers for Pinnacle Awards
August 27,
2026 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) has named Michael and Hanna Manes, co-executive directors of Cohab.Space in High Point, as keynote speakers for the 30th annual Pinnacle Awards®, to be held Oct. 19, during the Fall High Point Market. The Manes will share their perspectives on creativity, craftsmanship, and the people who bring great design to life during an evening celebrating three decades of furniture design excellence. They will also present the Pinnacle Awards® in the Designer/Maker category
“Michael and Hanna’s passion for design, craftsmanship, and the creative community, along with their work at Cohab.Space to support artists, makers, and designers, makes them a natural fit for an evening celebrating the people whose creative energy is the driving force of our industry,” said David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “Their complementary background in fine art, design, curation, and creative entrepreneurship brings a unique understanding of the creative process and will add depth and energy to our 30th anniversary celebration.”
An artist, creative director, and freelance interior stylist with a sharp eye for brand identity and visual storytelling, Hannah co-founded Manes Collection to make original and historic artworks more accessible to collectors at every level. She is a founding partner of Cohab.Space and has built a reputation for developing artist-centered platforms through strategic marketing, exhibition curation, and collaborative community engagement.
An experienced arts leader and gallery director, Michael Manes has over 15 years in the field.
As the former director and co-owner of Blue Spiral 1, a fine art and craft gallery, he has led major initiatives in artist representation, curatorial strategy, and gallery operations. Known for his strengths in fundraising, mentorship, and partnership development, Michael excels at creating opportunities for artists to thrive within both commercial and nonprofit contexts.
The gala will be held from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the IHFC 11th Floor Club Level Ballroom. Seating is
limited, and tickets are now available on the Pinnacle Awards® Gala website.
ISFD gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2026 Pinnacle Awards® sponsors: Presenting sponsor: Andmore; Gold Level: Richelieu, Bronze level: High Point Market Authority; Designer-Maker category sponsor: Appalachian Hardwood; Biophilic Design in Wood sponsor: Real American Hardwood; Student Competition sponsors: Furniture Design Studios, Lockdowel, and Richard Frinier Design Studio; Corporate Partner: Canadian Wood; and industry partners: Designers Today, Elements Studios, Furniture Today, International Furnishings and Design Assn. and A New Day Creative Communications & Marketing. We would also like to thank the International Textile Alliance (ITA) and the Sustainable Furnishings Council for their continued support.