ISFD 3rd Annual INNOVATION + DESIGN Calls for Entries

The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is now accepting applications for the INNOVATION + DESIGN 2022 competition and exhibition. This is a juried furniture industry sponsored competition intended for professional designers who make their own product and the next generation of serious woodworking students who are anticipating a career in the custom wood and related home furnishings industries. It is open to professional maker/designers and students within the continental US and is designed to showcase the products and designs of the top independent furnishing’s makers in the seating, occasional tables, occasional storage, lighting, accessories, and dining room furniture categories.

“The INNOVATION + DESIGN 2022 competition and exhibition is an excellent opportunity for designers, makers, artisans, and students to gain industry exposure as they express their creativity and imagination with innovative designs of executable home furnishings,” stated John Conrad, executive director of ISFD. “As an added benefit, this year’s finalists will be interviewed for the international podcast, Design Between the Lines, and the winners will be featured in industry publications. Category winners will also receive cash prizes ranging from $250-$1000. Best of show winners will receive Congdon Yards Generator gift cards to work on any project of their choice. The entry fee is $50.”

The judging panel of five renowned industry veterans will review entries and select the finalists.  Once selected, the finalists’ projects will be shipped to High Point for a final round of in-person judging to select winners in each category. Also, the finalists’ projects will be photographed in unique ways by more than 25 area photographers participating in the INNOVATION + DESIGN’s photographic competition. The winners of the photographic competition will be announced at a live celebration on Oct 3.  

During the week of September 19^th, ISFD and Congdon Yards will host a series of daily seminars, panel discussions, networking, and mentoring sessions about careers in the maker and home furnishing industries.  These will be free and open to the local community, Guilford County high schools, and area university students. The INNOVATION + DESIGN competition will culminate with the announcement of the winners at a “Meet the Designers” event at The LOFT at Congdon Yards, 400 W. English Rd in High Point, on Thursday, September 22 at 7 pm. 

A private, by invitation only, event will be held to present the finalists, their products and designs to top furniture industry manufacturers, merchants, buyers, and management professionals with the aim of making the designs available for purchase, licensing and/or manufacturing.

Following the awards celebration, the winners’ and finalists’ projects will be on display at Theater Art Galleries on the first floor of Congdon Yards – The Factory until November 4.  Here, the designs will be viewed by thousands of citizens living in the Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem, North Carolina area as well as industry veterans and High Point Market attendees.

INNOVATION + DESIGN 2022 is supported by ISFD, and partners: DB International Market Centers, the High Point Market Authority, Furniture Today, Congdon Yards, Alderman Company, Phillips Collection, Bienenstock Furniture Library, IFDA, Theatre Art Galleries, HPXD, The Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation and Visit High Point.

For complete entry details please visit  INNOVATION + DESIGN 2022 .

About The International Society of Furniture Designers

The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is an association advocating for outstanding design and the furniture designers whose creativity drives the industry’s engine. They seek to elevate the role of design and designer through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, and continuously promote, advance, and support the profession of furniture design and its positive impact.

With professional and student members around the world and across the country, their diverse professional membership specializes in residential and contract furnishings and accessories. More information about ISFD and their awards programs, please visit their website, ISFD.org.  You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.