ISFD’s Good Designs Unmasked Virtual Pinnacle Awards Program Marked as an Industry Success

Furniture World News Desk on 11/19/2020

The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) met the challenge of safely honoring the top professional furniture designers and their creations by hosting the 2020 Pinnacle Awards as a virtual TV-style program, “Good Designs Unmasked,”  on the organization’s YouTube channel. Acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony which can still be viewed on YouTube. 

“We were very pleased to pay tribute to the best in the home furnishings industry by acknowledging them with the prestigious Pinnacle Awards,” stated John Conrad, ISFD executive director. “This year instead of the normal gala format we changed it up to air a TV-style awards program that all could view, and can continue to view, on our YouTube channel from their homes and offices worldwide. This was the first time that people from outside of our industry could participate in the celebration. The Good Designs Unmasked program has been viewed by thousands of people across the country and around the world.   Here are comments about the awards from several of the home furnishings industry leaders.”

“We were very impressed by the creative approach the ISFD took with this year’s Pinnacle Awards program,” commented G. Alex Bernhardt, Jr., president and CEO of Bernhardt Furniture Company. “The virtual ceremony was a great way to continue the tradition and also reach people outside our industry.  We have always viewed the Pinnacle Awards as the Academy Awards of the furniture industry and were honored to be a part of the program this year. We particularly enjoyed Corey Damen Jenkins’ presentation. Having prominent influencer/ designers as part of the program is very important.”

John Gill, Haverty’s EVP Merchandising, agreed that it was an “outstanding virtual Pinnacle Awards ceremony. Recognizing designers across a broad spectrum of furniture categories showcases the best in design. The design winners utilize materials in new ways as they take familiar forms and make them fresh and exciting. Congratulations to the award winners that help shape our retail floors and the homes of consumers for years to come."

“Recognizing exceptional design resonates throughout every corner of our industry, from manufacturers, retailers, designers and as a result, it can impact and influence what consumers see and buy,” Conrad expressed. “Now, more than ever, today’s consumer understands, appreciates and wants great design,” acknowledged Ray Allegrezza, executive director of International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA).   “Retailers count on their independent furniture reps to help them find the products that satisfy the consumer’s demand for great design.  When our members present Pinnacle Awards finalists and winning products to their retailers they set the stage for the ultimate win-win-win.”

Highlighting the top designs helps interior designers as well. “Interior design professionals are always looking for amazing new designs at all price points,” confirmed Shawn Hughes, CEO of Steelyard, the largest digital sourcing platform for professional interior designers.  “When products are honored with a Pinnacle Award, it adds veracity and creates immediate interest within the design community.”

For the Good Designs Unmasked program, Pinnacle Awards presenters were stationed at design-centric locations around the country as they honored nearly 70 finalists in 20 categories.  Musical guest, Benji Morris of Turpentine Shine, also performed original tunes for the program.

Stephanie James, co-owner of the design firm Allen and James in North Carolina and one of the judges shared, “I have been honored to be part of the Pinnacle Awards for several years. It brings our industry together to show extraordinary talent. We are fortunate to have it and also to support new talent entering the industry. It’s our runway fashion show for the home furnishings industry that gives us infinite design and makes us reach each year!” Dorian Stacy Sims, president of Stacy Furniture & Design in Texas and also a past judge and presenter agreed with this and added, “I can honestly say, we take the art of design very seriously. These awards are such a fabulous opportunity to recognize some of our industry’s top design leaders.”

“Steelyard has always believed in great design, whether that is interior design or product design.  We want to celebrate the best of those designs so we have added information about all the Pinnacle Award winning products to our platform where our more than 30,000 designer members can view, inquire or order them,” Hughes concluded.

The 2020 Pinnacle Awards sponsors include the High Point Market Authority, Leggett & Platt, International Market Centers, Herzog Veneers, Inc. Continental Hardware, Furniture Today, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Furniture Design Studios, Senlong Wood Company, Sherwin-Williams, High Point University, and Elements Studios.

About The International Society of Furniture Designers: The 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.