2003 AWFS®Fair Student Design Contest Receives over 100 Entries from 16 States and BC

Furniture World Magazine

The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) has received over 100 entries for the 2003 Student Design Contest, almost doubling the number of entries from 2001. Ten high schools and 18 colleges are participating, from 16 states in the US. In addition, for the first time, entries have been submitted by students in British Columbia, Canada. “We have been ecstatic with the number and quality of the entries this year,” said Joan Kemp, Chair of the AWFS®Fair committee. “We have a number of schools participating for the first time, as the word has spread about the design contest and the opportunity it presents to students for publicity and promotion of their work.” AWFS® Education Program Manager Nancy Fister noted that there is a range of clever and innovative entries. “I think our judges are going to have a very hard time this year. Some pieces have more than one function; some collapse for space saving; at least one entry turns into another piece of furniture; and others consider manufacturing and shipping concerns in their design. Ergonomics, furniture for children and office space-saving furniture add to the featured elements. This exciting versatility is exhibited at both the college and high school level.” Judging the entries are five professionals from industry segments of manufacturing, design, education/academics, press/publications and office furniture/retail. Judging will take place in two phases. In the first phase, all entries will be reviewed to select finalists.Finalists will be notified in late June, and arrangements made to shiptheir entries to Anaheim for display at the 2003 AWFS®Fair. Judges will participate in a second round of judging at the Fair to select winners in each category. The top winners receive cash prizes. Qualifying projects must be designed and/or built between September 1,2002 and June 30, 2003, and must be composed of at least 50 percent (50%) wood or wood composites, excepting for entries in the upholstered furniture category. Entry categories are Chairs; Tables; Casework/Cabinets; Upholstered Furniture; and the 2003 Special Theme category, “Office Furniture of the Future.” Prizes will be awarded in each category for 2 styles, “Traditional” (entries that follow a known design style with emphasis on workmanship) and “Creative” (emphasis on uniqueness and functionality). Entries submitted at the high school level are judged separately from post-secondary school students. A special sculpture for the Best of Show will be presented by its designer Sam Maloof, master craftsman in furniture and woodworking, at the Awards Reception, scheduled for the first evening of the AWFS®Fair, July 31, 2003. The school of the Best of Show student will also receive a cash award. The popular People’s Choice Award for the entry receiving the most votes from the Fair attendees will also be presented at the reception. All finalists will be given a certificate and will be able to participate in the AWFS® résumé distribution program. The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) is the largest national trade association in the United States representing companies that supply the home and commercial furnishings industry. AWFS® can be reached at 800-946-AWFS (2937) or via email at info@AWFS.org.