Winners of the 24th Annual International Society of Furniture Designers Pinnacle Awards were announced at a gala, held on Monday, Oct. 21 at High Point University’s Congdon School of Health Sciences.
According to John Conrad, International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) executive director, “The judges all agreed that selecting just one winner in each category was a difficult task. The designs from all of the finalists were extremely noteworthy and the designers should be very proud of their work. I am also pleased to say that we had a record number of entries this year and the new luxury and broad appeal categories were very well received.”
The judging panel included Christi Barbour, Barbour Spangle Design; John Gill, Haverty’s; Diane Falvey, Furniture, Lighting & Decor; Gary Inman, Baskervill; Adam Kessler, AWFS; Greg Kincaid, Sherwin Williams; Kaitlin Peterson, Business of Home; June Sedlak, Studio J; Dorian Stacy Sims, Stacy Furniture & Design and Patrizia Torelli, Australasian Furniture Association.
Below is the official list of winners.
Accessories - Outstretched Arms Sculpture by Timboel Raharjo for Phillips Collection
According to the judges this sculpture is well-poised to transform any room. With good use of reclaimed materials both modern and primitive in design, it is a statement piece that will wow any gathering.
Bedroom – Broad Appeal - Meyers Park by Abby Lane, ISFD for Pulaski Furniture
The judges loved the clean lines and fresh finish of this beautiful collection that walks the line between traditional and livable with ease. They especially liked the very original headboard that is sure to be the bedroom’s focal point.
Bedroom – Luxury - Midtown Bedroom by Mike Warren, ISFD; Shannon Lookabill, ISFD and Andrea Otto, ISFD for Universal Furniture
The Universal Midtown Bedroom caught the judge’s attention with the combination of wood, fabrics and metal used in this collection. They felt that it was a wonderful nod to the way design-driven consumers want to live today. The lines of each piece are a great compliment to one another. Simple, functional and stylish.
Dining – Broad Appeal - Artisan Cove by Catina Suarez Roscoe, ISFD for Style Craft
The judges were captivated by the Style Craft Artisan Cove dining room. They thought that it spoke of originality in the use of coastal influences. The judges liked the lobster trap slatted storage drawers and table base along with the hammered nail head trimmed planked tops in a warm rustic finish. The unique use of the rope elements was an added plus.
Dining – Luxury - Modern Dining; Kubrick Dining Table & Brooks Arm Chair by Dudley Moore, ISFD and Lenny Chapman, ISFD for Universal Furniture
Fashion-forward with a twist is how the judges referred to the Universal Furniture Modern Dining collection. They loved the great proportions and fantastic cerused oak "Onyx" finish on the Kubrick Dining table. Another judge commented that it was masterful use of matched wood grain to create visual interest. They all agreed that the Brooks Arm chair completed the modern statement.
Entertainment Furniture - Code Media + Storage Console by Matthew Weatherly and Al Glass for BDI
The Pinnacle Award judges found the Code Media + Storage console to be a refreshing example of sculptural furniture. The unique doors are both stunning and functional. It’s sophisticated, sleek and on trend!
Home Office - Kallista Writing Desk by Aimee Kurzner, ISFD for Currey and Company
The judges felt that the Currey and Company Kallista Writing Desk represented more than just a writing desk. It brought forth elegance and sophistication. Plus, the striking blue finish adds an energizing spark of color to any room.
Leather Upholstery – Broad Appeal - Marco Chair by Bernhardt Upholstery Design Team for Bernhardt
The interesting angled arm detail is what made this chair so intriguing to the judges. They thought that the seat appeared to be floating and the deep tuft added to its appeal. One judge commented that the “Bernhardt Marco Chair is a fresh design approach on a recognizable form using quality finishes.”
Leather Upholstery – Luxury -Turin by Kevin Nguyen, Spencer Bass, Doug Gasol, Anders Larsen and Stephen Huddleston for Style in Motion by American Leather
This American Leather chair has the lines of a fine European luxury car and includes handsome features such as the contrasting welt and top stitching detail. The judges deemed it a dynamite design well suited for any architectural backdrop.
Lighting - Ruffle Chandelier by Mandy Shanahan, ISFD for Phillips Collection
“Very flirtatious and eye catching” is the way one judge described the Phillips Collection Ruffle Chandelier. The other judges selected it for its unique styling and mix of materials that brings it to the next design level and adds a touch of whimsy to any room.
Maker/Designer - "Secret Spirits" by Bruce M. Schuettinger, ISFD for MosArt Inc.
The judges were very impressed with MosArt’s Secret Spirits. They remarked that it was like lightning striking. This provocatively designed cabinet is a beautiful piece of fine woodworking using exotic wood. The asymmetrical design is interesting and playful. A technically challenging piece that is well done. Bravo!
Student Pinnacle Award - “Stool Samples” by Emily Miller, ISFD for Appalachian State University
Emily Miller’s Stool Samples is a fantastic collection of fun, colorful, quirky stools. The judges absolutely LOVED this concept. The design is simple, yet imaginative. They really enjoyed the personality each stool conveys and could definitely see it used in a classroom setting. The stools themselves look well-made and the upholstery is well done. It has tremendous mass commercial appeal.
Green Leaf Award - Chainsaw Sculpture by Mark Phillips, ISFD & Nikom Sankantha for Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection Chainsaw Sculptures gives new life to old discarded trees. The judges were impressed with how unique and visually interesting each sculpture was. The use of positive and negative space created thought-provoking lines that captured their imaginations. They also were fascinated with the natural finish that was achieved with a blow torch and natural lacquer.
Motion Upholstery - Melker Recliner by Robert Law for Moroni Inc.
Moroni created the Melker motion recliner that delivers a remarkable modern silhouette, high-quality construction and materials, and the comfort and performance consumers are looking for all in one. It's one of the best-looking motion recliners we’ve seen in a long time, agreed the judges.
Occasional Storage - Poppy Armoire by Justin Abee, ISFD for Morris & Co. by Selamat Designs
The judges all agreed that this surprising mix of materials in a bold pattern works as both an element of art and a neutral, functional armoire. It’s golden hardware blends right into the design of the doors and the sleek legs finish the piece off beautifully. An outstanding design with astounding attention to detail.
Occasional Tables – Barclay by D. Scott Coley, ISFD for Bernhardt
Wonderfully attractive use of materials is what made the Bernhardt Barclay Occasional Table group stand out to the judges. They were impressed with the thickness of the table top and how it floats on the metal base.
Outdoor – Maya by Mark Gabbertas for Gloster
The judges chose the Gloster Maya collection because of its winning combination of sleek lines and a useful modularity paired with an elevated material application. “Maya is designed to beautifully adorn any outdoor space,” observed one judge.
Stationary Upholstery – Broad Appeal - Kylie Chair by Bernhardt Upholstery Design Team for Bernhardt
The judges were enthralled by the wonderfully textured, plush, upholstered seat and back surrounded and supported by a sleek wood and metal contemporary frame. This modern chair is a standout!
Stationary Upholstery – Luxury - The Haute Seat by Christopher Sandomenico, ISFD for Caracole Signature by Caracole
It is said that "creation is a vision of function and art in motion" and the judges could not agree more. The Caracole Haute Seat is most definitely art in motion. The design’s innovative and provocative shapes make it a surefire statement piece. Holy Smokes.....This is Hot!!!!
Wall Décor - Pari Carved Wood Wall Décor by Anthony Venetucci for A&B Home Inc
Intricate carved detail, rustic wood background and color make the A&B Home Pari Carved Wood Wall Décor an interesting focal point in any room. It is very on trend the judges noted.
Major Collections - Loft Collection by Otto & Moore Design Team, ISFD and Bernhardt Design Team for Bernhardt
The inspired blend of mid-century and farmhouse is what appealed to the judges in this major collection. Offering modern warmth, its designs are considered and thoughtful, and the choices in material and form feel intentional and inviting. The judges appreciated the scale and approachability but yet the design still felt elevated.
