Every year, students from leading college and university design programs compete in the International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) John Conrad Student Pinnacle Awards. Long recognised as the most prestigious product design awards in the home furnishings, the Student Pinnacle Awards have launched many students into successful careers in the industry.
© ISFD
"Everyone I talk with in home furnishings tells me that the one thing we need most is an influx of talented, young creative people," said ISFD executive director David Blair. "The Student Pinnacle Awards have proven to be a very effective way to meet this need. Since I started working with ISFD in 2022, at least one of our student finalists has secured employment as a professional furniture designer–and some of those have come back the very next year as winners in our Professional competition."
To ensure this competition is accessible to students, ISFD does not charge an entry fee, and provides all of its student members with one complimentary ticket to the Pinnacle Awards Gala.
"The Gala is an exceptional opportunity for students, professional designers, and furniture manufacturers to initiate and build business relationships–and it is critical to ISFD's mission to inspire, educate, and connect the designers of today and tomorrow. The student program has been made possible by the generosity of our sponsors. Unfortunately, this year, uncertainty in our industry has forced some of our sponsors to reduce their contributions. We have reached out to our members to help close the gap, and they have responded. To date, we have raised just over 25% of our $9,500 goal, and we are continuing to ask members of our industry to support this valuable program."
Donations in any amount are welcome, and can be made at this link. "Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated–by our members and our student participants, said Blair. "If you'd like to join us at the Gala on Monday, October 27, tickets can be purchased here. It's a great night of fun, networking, and inspiration; the festivities begin with a student meet & greet at 5:30pm, continue with a cocktail hour from 6:00-7:00pm, and the awards presentation kicks off shortly after 7:00."
About ISFD
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is an association of professional and student furniture designers in residential and contract furnishings and accessories. Its mission is to promote and advance outstanding design and to elevate and support the furniture designer through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Its Pinnacle Awards® recognise the very best in furniture design each year. Visit ISFD.org for more information about the organisation and its programs, or follow its activities on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
More information:
International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD)
David Blair, Executive Director
336-307-0999
[email protected]
www.isfd.org
