American Society of Furniture Designers
About
   
Home  > Archives  

5/5/08   |   ASFD Pinnacle - Call for Entries
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2008

 

Contact:
Jane Matteson, executive director
American Society of Furniture Designers
Phone 336.617.3209
Fax 336.274.9553
info@asfd.com

 

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF FURNITURE DESIGNERS ISSUES CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR 2008 PINNACLE AWARDS

GREENSBORO, N.C. ‑ The American Society of Furniture Designers is accepting entries for its annual Pinnacle Design Achievement awards that will be presented at the October 2008 High Point Market. Deadline for entries is July 30.

The Pinnacle awards are open worldwide to any designer or manufacturer; and membership in ASFD is not a requirement for entry.

For the 2008 awards, eligible products must meet the following criteria:

  • Generally available to the public in retail stores
  • Currently in production
  • Introduced since October 2006
  • Exhibited at a major retail furniture market or be available in at least 20 retail stores in the United States.

The Pinnacles are given in the following 15 product categories:

  • Accessories
  • Bedroom
  • Casual dining
  • Formal dining
  • Home entertainment centers
  • Home office
  • Juvenile furniture
  • Leather upholstery
  • Lighting
  • Major collections
  • Motion upholstery
  • Occasional storage
  • Occasional tables
  • Stationary upholstery
  • Summer/casual furniture

"I'm really looking forward to the Pinnacle Award process, said Executive Director Jane Matteson, who was named to her position earlier this year. "We are already getting requests for entry forms and feel there will great interest in the 2008 Pinnacle Awards."

The ASFD’s board of directors instituted the Pinnacle Awards in 1995 to promote better design quality and to encourage the recognition of furniture designers among home furnishing retailers. Consequently, the awards are for designs that are produced in large volume for sale to consumers through retail stores, rather than for limited or custom production sold through designers or design showrooms.

Information about the categories, eligibility criteria, entry requirements and the entry for are available online at www.asfdpinnacle.com/downloads or by calling 336-617-3209 or fax 336-274-9553.

For the third year, Furniture/Today is the major underwriter of the Pinnacle Awards and will team with ASFD in planning the gala celebration for finalists and winners on opening day of the October market in High Point.

###




5/5/08   |   ASFD Names '08 Judges
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jane Matteson, executive director
Phone (336) 617-3209
Cell (336) 312-7725
Fax (336) 274-9553
Email info@asfd.com
Web www.asfd.com

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF FURNITURE DESIGNERS
NAMES JUDGES FOR 2008 PINNACLE AWARDS

GREENSBORO, N.C., May 15, 2008 – A dozen industry experts have been selected to judge the 2008 Pinnacle Awards for design excellence, which will be presented by the American Society of Furniture Designers at a gala on opening night of the next High Point Market, Monday, Oct. 6.

Entries for the awards will be accepted through July 30; and judging will take place Aug. 5 in High Point. The 2008 judges are:

  • Terry Allen – retired furniture veteran. Allen is well-known throughout the furniture industry for his artistry in fabric placement for upholstered furniture. Before retiring in 2007, he was responsible for merchandising at Pearson Co. for almost 30 years. He generously shares his knowledge through American Society of Interior Designers-accredited presentations for students and designers.
  • Richard Bennington – professor of business and director of the home furnishings program at High Point University. Bennington coordinates the National Home Furnishings Assn. Management Development Institute and serves on the boards of the Furniture Discovery Center and the Bienenstock Furniture Library. He is a faculty and accreditation board member of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. Certified Home Furnishings Representatives Program.
  • Daren Koenig Cronin - manager of the Dianne Davant Academy of Design at Florida-based retailer City Furniture. Cronin created an affordable residential design firm within an already-successful furniture retailer. AOD clients spend an average of four times as much as non-AOD customers at City Furniture.
  • Judith Z. Cushman-Hammer – an adjunct lecturer in the Interior Architecture Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Cushman-Hammer specializes in the history of furniture from King Tut to Phillipe Starke. A former Furniture/Today and Home Accents Today editor, Cushman-Hammer also has worked with design-driven home furnishings companies through her consulting firm J.Z. Cushman and Company.
  • Gary Evans - a senior editor at trade newspaper Furniture/Today. Evans has been covering the home furnishings industry for nearly 20 years. His assignments have taken him to nine countries and he has served as a design award judge at the Cebu Furniture Show in the Philippines, and at this year’s International Furniture Fair Singapore/Asean Furniture Show.
  • Ellen Gefen - home fashion industry spokesperson, hosting Industry Update’s Home Fashion Report at the High Point Market for more than 23 years. Gefen and her husband own Gefen Productions, a media production studio in the Triad region of North Carolina and are known for their work in the home furnishings industry including TV commercials for retailers and manufacturers.
  • Jaclyn C. Hirschhaut – vice president of public relations and marketing for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. Hirschhaut directs AHFA’s consumer marketing program and serves as the liaison with media, government agencies and related industry groups. She won the “Golden Thinker Award” from the North American Press Syndicate in 2006.
  • Sheila Long O'Mara - editor in chief of Home Furnishings Business magazine. O'Mara has been covering the furniture industry for 12 years for a variety of publications. She lives in Columbia, S.C.
  • Max S. Shangle  - a teacher of furniture and industrial design at Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, Mich. Shangle has served as chair of both the Furniture Design Department and the Division of Design Studies. He also has been managing director
  • of the Grand Rapids Area Furniture Manufacturers Assn., and has been an expert witness and case consultant in product liability cases involving furniture products.
  • Julie M. Smith – editor of Furniture Style magazine and supplements, Home Fashion Forecast and The Retail Experience. Smith attends home furnishings markets and trade shows in North America, Europe and Asia and has judged other furniture design competitions including CWB magazine's Design Portfolio Awards and the International Woodworking Fair's Design Emphasis Awards.
  • Steve Walker – associated with the Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Walker has more than 20 years of manufacturing management experience with a broad range of furniture companies, including The Hon Company, Ethan Allen Furniture and Thomasville Furniture Inds. 
  • Rhonda Wolf – assistant vice president, merchandising, Havertys, Atlanta. Wolf joined Havertys in 1986 and has held management positions including store manager, assistant general manager, merchandise coordinator and regional merchandise manager before joining the corporate merchandising team in her present role in 2002.

Pinnacle Awards are given in 15 categories:

    1. Major Collections
    2. Stationary Upholstery
    3. Motion Furniture
    4. Leather Upholstery
    5. Bedroom
    6. Casual Dining
    7. Formal Dining
    8. Home Office
    9. Juvenile Furniture and Correlates
    10. Lighting
    11. Accessories
    12. Entertainment Centers/Home Theater
    13. Occasional Tables
    14. Occasional Storage
    15. Summer/Casual Furniture

Criteria for judging include the extent to which the design represents value to the consumer at its suggested price point by combining visual appearance and function; the extent to which the design makes the best use of available materials and production technology; and the extent to which the design incorporates the needs of the retail furniture consumer.

Furniture/Today is the major underwriter of the 2008 Pinnacle Awards. Other sponsors include World Market Center, High Point Market, Furniture Style, Weyerhaeuser, Showplace, Appalachian Hardwoods, International Home Furnishings Center, Home Furnishings Business, Home Lighting and Accessories, Merchandise Mart Properties, Leggett & Platt, Elmo Leather, Hickory Springs, Furniture Design Studios Inc.

Entries should be sent to ASFD at 519 Cornwallis Dr., Greensboro, N.C., 29408, in time to arrive by July 30. Entry requirements can be viewed on the ASFD Web site at www.asfd.com or call (336) 617-3209.

###




1/13/08   |   ASFD Executive Director Retiring
 

For further information, Contact:
Jane Matteson
email:  info@asfd.com

(New London, NC)   The American Society of Furniture Designers announces the retirement of Executive Director, Christine Evans who has headed the organization since 1997.  Under her leadership, ASFD has experienced profound growth in membership and participation in the  annual ASFD Pinnacle Awards, the pre-eminent design awards for the Home Furnishings Industry.

Steve Hodges,  ASFD vice-president/president-elect and long time member states that

 “Christine Evans has been the literal heart and soul of ASFD in recent years and has made a great contribution in making the Society both more visible and viable in our industry.   She has been the public face of ASFD and helped us heighten awareness of furniture design within our industry and to the public at large”.

Evans has established ASFD as a primary vehicle for communication, excellence and recognition in the design world and has broadened its influence to include designers, manufacturers, educators and students, retailers and other industry leaders. 

             “The American Society of Furniture Designers is grateful to Christine Evans for the eleven years of unequaled contributions to our society.  She has been the organizational engine of all society programs, events and every day happenings. She deserves our admiration for orchestrating the past eleven Pinnacle Award competitions to its high level of acceptance by our industry and the design community”   

says Arto O. Szabó, ASFD, Treasurer.

In recapping her years in the role of Executive Director with ASFD, Christine says

          "ASFD is an organization that has grown and matured, now reaching a point of equal partnership with other organizations and major players in the furniture industry.  Obviously the creation of the Pinnacle Awards has given a major boost to the organization; and those ASFD leaders who had the imagination and experience to bring it to the level it is today deserve the credit for its current  success.  I have very much enjoyed and am proud of the part I have  played in this process and other ASFD initiatives. The utmost benefit of my position with ASFD has been the amazing  friends and talented people I have had the pleasure to meet and work with over the years, including both  members and a host of others in the industry.”

Jane Matteson, Industry Consultant will take on the role of  Executive Director effective January 15.  She has been active in the furniture industry for the past fifteen years working in design, merchandising, and marketing. Jane brings a strong creative  skill bank to ASFD as it goes into the future.

The new ASFD headquarters are located in Greensboro, N.C.  Matteson can be reached by email at info@asfd.com.


 
Christine Evans   Jane Matteson



3/8/07   |   ASFD Spring Market Dinner Features Michael Payne
 
For Immediate Release
New London, NC. (March 8, 2007)
ASFD Spring Market Dinner Features Michael Payne as Guest Speaker


The American Society of Furniture Designers welcomes Michael Payne as keynote speaker at its Spring Market Dinner on March 27 at the High Point Country Club. Michael has a furniture design/manufacturing partnership with the Powell Company, and also works with companies such as Benjamin Moore, Merrill Lynch and Wickes Furniture in promoting their products.

Host and interior designer of HGTV’s Designing For The Sexes, Michael obtained a bachelors degree in physics and mathematics from Southampton University in England. He later decided to pursue a career in interior design and graduated from the UCLA interior design program in 1980. His business, Michael Payne, Inc., offers interior design services to clients on a national and international basis.

In addition to Designing For The Sexes, Michael has been featured on numerous network television programs and on radio stations throughout the country. He has been the featured speaker at various national home shows, design events, museums, conferences, corporate events, and charity functions. He also teaches a design seminar at UCLA. His first book, "Let's Ask Michael" was published in 2003.

Michael and his wife live in Los Angeles. An avid runner, Michael has completed six marathons and numerous 10K races. His interests include gardening, automobiles, and antique toys.

The Tuesday evening ASFD Market event begins with a 6:00 cocktail reception at High Point Country Club and is open to all Market-goers, including non-ASFD members. Tickets are $55.00 for advance (limited seating) reservations with ASFD via email info@asfd.com.

###



Jane Matteson
Executive Director
American Society of Furniture Designers
519 W. Cornwallis Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408
Tel: (336) 617-3209   Fax (336) 274-9553





10/25/06   |   O.B. Solie, ASFD Obituary
 
O.B. Solie, ASFD, 80

O.B. Solie, of Rockford (Illinois), beloved husband, father and grandfather, died at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006, in Provena St. Anne Center. Born Oct. 29, 1925 in Thorp, Wisconsin., the son of Henry and Jennie (Dahl) Solie. O.B. served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on a mine sweeper around Japan. He married Lorraine M. Ormson, May 24, 1952 in Madison, Wisconsin. He received B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Art/Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with high honors. Associate with Ernest L. Swarts Design Studio from 1951 to 1964, after which he started his own design company, OB Ltd, (Inc.). For more than 30 years, he was the designer for Ello Furniture working with owner, Larry Molton. O.B. received many awards, including the 1988 ASFD Distinguished Designer Award, American Walnut Fashion Award, Resources Council Product Design Award, National Home Fashions League Award and he was honored by the 2002 iFurniture, Drawings by O.B. Solie Exhibit at Furniture Discovery Center, High Point, N.C. Served as ASFD Director, Vice President, and Chairman, 1984 to 1989, an organization which he helped to establish and which, honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Member of Rockford Country Club, former member of the University Club.

For nearly 40 years, O.B. traveled to the Spring and Fall Furniture Market in High Point, N.C., presenting his latest designs. He also made annual trips to Germany and Italy touring the European showrooms. He enjoyed those times and the many friends he met over the years. O.B. was a lover of sports and photography. He also lived part-time in Delray Beach, Florida.

There is a long standing mystery surrounding O.B.'s surname and what it stands for. Rumors have included, Old Badger, Old Boy, Off Broadway, Old Brigadier, Old Beloved, Old Beautiful and many others, but that mystery now becomes legend.

Special thanks to those who cared for him during his illness, including the St. Anne's staff and care giver, Mary Goodwin.

Survived by his wife, Lorraine of Rockford, daughter Susan (James) Patterson of Palm Beach, Fla., grandson, Jack, brother, Marshall (Gert) Solie of Cornell, Wis., nephew, John Solie, niece, Karen Gino) Lambo, sister-in-law, Romelle (Sam) Roth, brothers-in-law, Jim (Jean) Ormson and Gib (Karla) Ormson, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mildred and Milo Galvin.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford with Rev. Paul Wolff officiating. Entombment in Sunset Mausoleum. Visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in the church. Memorials may be sent to American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305, or Our Savior's Lutheran Church. To share a memory or send a condolence, visit www.olsonfh.com.





6/30/06   |   Pres. Award Entries Call
 

Second Annual ASFD President’s Award – Call for Entries

HIGH POINT, North Carolina June 29, 2006 —The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is proud to call for entries for the second annual ASFD 2006 President’s Award. The President's Award is intended to honor talented young furniture designers in conjunction with the Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards which this year will be presented on Monday evening, October 16 at the International Home Furnishings Ballroom in High Point, NC.

This career achievement award was created to honor the memories of the late David Kline, Roger Schneeman and Alan Friedman, all professional furniture designers and former ASFD presidents since 1997.

The ASFD President's Award is open to any staff or freelance furniture designer who will be 35 years of age or younger on October 16, 2006. Portfolios will be judged on designs manufactured for the North American retail home furnishings market.

Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by an employer, co-worker or client. The criteria for judging will include signs of unusual creativity, exhibited ability to learn and grow; and how much the applicant has contributed already to the furniture industry. A subcommittee of the 2006 Pinnacle Awards Judges will select the President's Award recipient.

The President's Award Entry forms can be downloaded from www.asfdpinnacle.com; by email request info@asfd.com.




1/27/06   |   Furniture/Today Announced as Major Underwriter
  ASFD Announces Furniture/Today as Major Underwriter
for its Annual Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards

New London, NC (January 27, 2006) – The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) announced today that Furniture/Today has agreed to be the major underwriter for its eleventh annual Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards for this year.

"Furniture/Today has been proud to have served as one of the judges for this worthwhile award for a number of years.  Now, we are looking forward to becoming much more involved in our new role as the major underwriter, " said Ray Allegrezza, Editor in Chief.

As such, Furniture/Today will provide national advertising and coverage throughout the year to facilitate and expand the Pinnacle call for entries. They will also participate in the planning and execution of the awards banquet itself.

The purpose of the ASFD Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards is to generate and support innovative and quality design, while encouraging therecognition of furniture designers within the retail home furnishingsindustry. These discriminating awards honor designs that are produced in large numbers for sale to customers through retail stores.


ASFD's vice president & president-elect, Jack Lewis--an independent furniture designer from Grand Rapids, Michigan will serve as the team leader for the newly elected 2006-2007 Pinnacle Committee.

"Everyone at ASFD is very excited about this new partnership with Furniture/Today, and we look forward to the continuing suport of all of our long-term sponsors as well.  We are confident that Furniture/Today will help us take the Pinnacle Awards to the next level in reaching a broader segment of the furniture industry" says Lewis.

Christine Evans adds, “After ten years of ever increasing enthusiasm and momentum for the Pinnacles and their coveted sign of excellence in the industry, it seems fitting and appropriate to partner with the industry's foremost trade publication. We are confident that F/T's close involvement with ASFD through this important Pinnacle sponsorship will greatly benefit ASFD's fundamental goals and visions towards increased emphasis and visibility of the many talented designers and their original work."

Plans are underway to kick off the official 2006 11th Annual Pinnacle Awards Poster/Call for Entries in March 2006. The deadline for Entries will be moved back this year to August 3, almost a month earlier than in previous years. The annual Pinnacle Awards banquet will be held as usual during the High Point Fall Market, but on Tuesday evening rather than on Friday as in past years (due to the new Market schedule). Additional information including other participating sponsors and a list of the twelve Pinnacle Judges will be announced next month.



10/31/05   |   Hurley wins Inaugural 2005 ASFD President's Award
 
High Point, NC (October 22, 2005) - Matt Hurley, Lead Designer at Otto & Moore, Inc. Furniture Designers in High Point has won the first ASFD President's Award as announced at the Tenth Annual Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards ceremony held Friday evening at the High Point International Home Furnishings Center Ballroom.

A 2000 Honors Graduate from Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, Hurley has been with Otto & Moore since 2000 and also serves on the ASFD Board of Directors. Matt is married to Alicia Hurley and resides in High Point.

ASFD Vice President & President Elect, Jack Lewis presented the award quoting Hurley's employer as saying "his ability and skill as a furniture designer has led to tremendous success at the wholesale and retail level. In particular, two clients have enjoyed double digit sales increases every year that Matt has been involved in designing for them."

Matt was a co-winner of the 2004 Pinnacle Award in the "Major Collections" category for his work on the National Geographic Home Collection for Lane. He was a 2005 Pinnacle Finalist in the "Occasional Tables" category for Magnussen Home; and a co-Finalist in "Formal Dining" and "Bedroom" for Country Living/Portsmouth collections for Lane Home Furnishings.

The President's Award is intended to honor talented young furniture designers in conjunction with the Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards presented each year during the October Market. This new award was created to honor the memories of the late David Kline, Roger Schneeman and Alan Friedman--former ASFD presidents since 1997.

Open to staff or free lance designers under 35 years of age, entrants were
judged by a Pinnacle Awards subcommittee according to criteria including 1) a high degree of originality and creativity in home furnishings design, 2) demonstrated sales success of designs in the retail home furnishings marketplace, and 3) strength of recommendation letters by an employer, co-worker, client or supervisor.

For more information about ASFD, visit www.asfd.com

# # # # # # #
Founded in 1981, The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is the only
international, non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing, improving
and supporting the profession of furniture design and its positive impact throughout the world marketplace. Professional Members specialize in the design of both residential and contract furnishings and accessories. Membership includes both American and International professional designers, industry affiliates and associates, design school teachers and students. Corporate Members include suppliers of products and services to the industry and furniture manufacturing companies who wish to support the goals and objectives of the Society.



10/22/05   |   2005 Pinnacle Design Achievement Award Winners
 High Point, NC (October 22, 2005) - The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) announced the winners of the 2005 Pinnacle Awards at the Tenth Annual Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards ceremony held Friday evening at the High Point International Home Furnishings Center Ballroom. Nearly 300 industry guests were present for the event which was kicked off with a cocktail reception sponsored by Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company. Fifty-nine finalists in fifteen categories were recognized and the glass Pinnacle statue was presented to one winner in each category by representatives from the Pinnacle co-sponsors.
The participating Pinnacle judges were Dr. Richard Bennington, Director, Home Furnishings Programs, High Point University; Larry Chilton, General Manager & Merchandise Manager, Wood-Armfield Furniture, Michael Delgaudio, Vice President & Creative Director, Boyles Home Furnishings, Gary Evans, Senior Editor, Furniture/Today ; Jackie Hirschhaut, Vice President, Public Relations & Marketing, American Home Furnishings Alliance, Jeremy Ruff, NC Department of Commerce, Furniture Enterprise Office; Max Shangle, Professor, Furniture & Industrial Design, Kendall College of Art & Design; Julie Smith, Editor , Furniture Style and its supplements, Home Fashion Forecast, The Retail Experience and Connected ; Seth Stem, Professor, Industrial Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Cheminne Taylor-Smith, Editor-in-chief, InFurniture ; Steve Walker, Furniture Manufacturing & Management Center, NC State University; and Rhonda Wolf, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Havertys Furniture.
The 2005 Pinnacle sponsors include APA-The Engineered Wood Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Composite Panel Association, Elmo Leather, FurnitureFan, Inc., FurnitureStyle , Hafele America Co., Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. , Home Lighting & Accessories , InFurniture , World Market Center Las Vegas; Leggett & Platt, MGM Transport, The October Company and Weyerhaeuser.
More information is available on the ASFD website, www.asfdpinnacle.com. High resolution images of all finalists are available in the Press section. Use access code PINNACLE05 to obtain a user name and password if you have not done so already. The 2005 Press Book is available in the Downloads section. You can browse descriptions of the finalists in the Finalists section.
The 2005 Pinnacle Award winners including a comment from the Pinnacle Judges follows:
 
Occasional Tables
SPATS by Dean Maltz for Allan Copley Designs
"Depth and drama with striking contrast of materials. Trays add versatility and function at a competitive price."
 
Occasional Storage
Tachi Server by Frank M. Spano, ASFD and Thom O'Leary, ASFD for Polidor
"Exquisite sculptural design with storage available and visually active form—luxury all over."
 
Juvenile
Teen Bungalow by Michael Warren, ASFD and Shannon Lookabill for Stanley Furniture
"Sophisticated style and rich surfaces that acknowledges the adult side of the teen."
 
Casual Dining
Tropez Dining Chair by Allan Palecek for PALECEK
"Clean design rich in materials and texture, with refined detailing-- casual dining with atmosphere."
 
Formal Dining
Visage by Frank M. Spano, ASFD and Thom O'Leary, ASFD for Polidor
"Strong, classic elegance with contemporary flair; nice interplay of volumetric form and fine lines."
 
Motion Upholstery
Caméléon Slideshow by Normand Couture for Sofas International
"Sophisticated contemporary design and engaging forms, incorporating multiple seating configurations."
 
Stationary Upholstery
Nicole Chair by Goodman Charlton LLC for John Charles Designs
"Generous proportions with a balance of curves and angles—a marvelous blend of retro feel with contemporary update."
 
Leather Upholstery
Dylan's Chair by Kathy Imes, ASFD/Lauren Brooks for Vanguard Furniture
"Beautiful traditional styling, sophisticated, refined and great proportions with expert tailoring."
 
Accessories
Antique Brass Hurricane & Crystal Bowl Holder by John T. Burke, ASFD for Decorative Crafts, Inc., "Elegant traditional design, a touch of luxury at a good value."
 
Lighting
Stasis Floor & Table Lamps by George Chandler, ASFD for Hubbardton Forge
"Sculpural minimalism with an Asian flair; comfortable in a variety of settings."
 
Home Office
Shakespeare Home Office Collection by Cale Knopf for Century Furniture
"Manifold opportunities for hardware and finish customization; space and function at the users service."
 
Home Entertainment
Library Style INNERtainment™ Center by Joe McCambridge, ASFD for Sligh Furniture
"Strong traditional character. Appropriate for office or home settings, cleverly camouflaged with faux books."
 
Summer Casual
Gulf Stream by Richard Frinier, ASFD for Century Furniture
"Sleek and evocative retro styling with generous supple cushioning at home on deck or dock side."
 
Bedroom
Napoleon Bed by Bill Faber for Century Furniture
"Opulent and romantic; generously scaled with luxurious surfaces—a place where dreams are made."
 
Major Collections
Origins by Berry & Clark Design Associates for Bernhardt Furniture
"A textural blend of wood, wicker and leather that exudes earthiness and harmony of finish."



9/10/05   |   ASFD 2005 Pinnacle Awards - We have the Finalists
 
For Immediate Release
 
 
NEW LONDON, North Carolina, September 15, 2005 — A field of 59 finalists in 15 design categories have been chosen for the 2005 Tenth Annual Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards from the American Society of Furniture Designers.
 
Also announced are the six nominees for ASFD's inaugural "President's Award" which is intended to honor a furniture designer under 35 years old for their demonstrated talent and accomplishments in furniture design. A subcommittee of the Pinnacle Awards Judges has selected a winner from among six "outstanding" candidates who include Laura Chapman, ASFD, Berkline/Benchcraft; Troy Hollis, Lexington Home Brands; Matt Hurley, ASFD, Otto & Moore Furniture Designers; Margaret Leigh, Zocalo; Thom O'Leary, ASFD, ApparenzA Design Studio; and Yuri Zatarain, The Phillips Collection.
 
Twelve independent industry professionals participated as Judges for the prestigious annual furniture design competition now in its tenth year. The Pinnacle Judges who convened for nearly eight hours on September 8 at High Point University's new "Norton Hall" home furnishings building included Dr. Richard Bennington, High Point University; Gary Evans, Furniture/Today ; Larry Chilton, Wood-Armfield Furniture; Michael Delgaudio, Boyles Home Furnishings; Jackie Hirschhaut, American Home Furnishings Alliance; Jeremy Ruff, NC Dept. of Commerce; Max S. Shangle, Kendall College of Art & Design; Julie Smith, Furniture Style magazine; Seth Stem, Rhode Island School of Design; Cheminne Taylor-Smith, Infurniture; Steve Walker, NC State Engineering School; and Rhonda Wolf, Havertys Furniture.
 
The 2005 Pinnacle sponsors include APA-The Engineered Wood Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Composite Panel Association, Elmo Leather, FurnitureFan.com, FurnitureStyle , Hafele America, Co., Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. , Home Lighting & Accessories , Leggett & Platt, MGM Transport, The October Company, Weyerhaeuser, Wiseway Transportation, Las Vegas World Market Center; and InFurniture, a major underwriter of the Pinnacle Awards.
 
All Pinnacle Awards Finalists will be honored and the Winners announced at the Tenth Annual Pinnacle Awards Banquet which will be held at the IHFC Ballroom on Friday evening, October 21 during the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. For more information about the Pinnacle Awards and/or Banquet tickets*, contact ASFD by email at info@asfd.com or by phone at (910) 576-1273. *All Pinnacle Finalists will receive Pinnacle Banquet invitations/reservation forms by mail. Non-Finalists are also invited by calling for reservation information.
 
2005 Pinnacle Award Finalists by Category:
 
Occasional Tables
Connoisseur's Cocktail Table, John T. Kolkka, ASFD; Henredon Furniture
Las Vegas, Matt Hurley, ASFD; Magnussen Home
Penta End Table, Gayle Zalduondo, ASFD; URBANUS, Inc.
SPATS, Dean Maltz, Allan Copley Designs
 
Occasional Storage
Lyndsey's Bench, Lauren Brooks/Kathy Imes, ASFD; Vanguard Furniture
Chantal Pop-Up Cellarette, Robert Cribbs, Jasper Cabinet Co.
Tachi Server, Frank M. Spano, ASFD and Thom O'Leary, ASFD; Polidor
Kitchen Butler, Joseph (Jodie) Davis, Powell Company, Inc.
 
Juvenile Furniture
iBedroom, David Walker and John Conrad, Powell Company, Inc.
Ma Marie, Michael D. Warren, ASFD and Shannon Lookabill; Stanley Furniture Co.
Teen Bungalow, Michael D. Warren, ASFD and Shannon Lookabill; Stanley Furniture Co., Inc.
 
Casual Dining
Pfaltzgraff Home Collection, Joseph (Jodie) Davis and Russell Shuping, Powell Company, Inc.
Tropez Dining Chair, Allan H. Palecek, PALECEK
Positano, James Dipersia, ASFD; Excelsior Design Inc.
Regent Round Dining Table, Bill Faber, Tonya Osborne, Century Furniture
 
Formal Dining
Visage, Frank M. Spano, ASFD and Thom O'Leary, ASFD; Polidor
Channing, Jonathan Adler, Rowe Furniture Inc.
Surveyor Cherry Collection, Joshua Saltman, Powell Company Inc.
Country Living - Portsmouth, Matt Hurley, ASFD; Dudley Moore, Jr. and Lesli Chastain, Lane Home Furnishings
 
Motion Upholstery
Aries, Michael F. Galardo, Elite Leather Company
Caméléon Slideshow, Normand Couture, Sofas International
Milan, Gary Vanderwood, ASFD; La-Z-Boy
Citi Sleeper Sofa Queen, Tinka Camfield Swetland, A Custom Workshop Co.
 
Stationary Upholstery
Paris, Nancy Genova, ASFD; John Charles Designs
Zoe, Vladimir Kagan, ASFD; American Upholstery (AU)
Nicole Chair, Goodman Charlton LLC, John Charles Designs
Lampert Lounger, Jonathan Adler, Rowe Furniture Inc.
 
Leather Upholstery
Méridienne, Bruce Ward, Pearson
Dylan's Chair, Lauren Brooks/Kathy Imes, ASFD; Vanguard Furniture
45 Degrees Sectional, Rick Lee, ASFD; American Leather
El Sies, Filmore Harty, W. SCHILLIG
 
Accessories
Traditions Made Modern, Mimi Robinson, The Phillips Collection™
Couture, Thomas Paul Fernez, Thomas Paul
Cosmopolitan, Nelson VanderMeer, Howard Miller
Antique Brass Hurricane & Crystal Bowl Holder, John T. Burke, ASFD; Decorative Crafts, Inc.
 
Lighting
Stasis Floor & Table Lamps, George Chandler, ASFD; Hubbardton Forge
Solid Brass Palm Leaf Lamps, John T Burke, ASFD; Decorative Crafts, Inc.
Portobello Road Floor Lamp, Mark McDowell, Fine Art Lamps
TransAtlantic Table Lamp, Thierry Adam, Fine Art Lamps
 
Home Office
Paris Collection, Jim Sexton, Z-Line Designs, Inc.
198 Reflections, Berry & Clark Design Associates, Universal Furniture
Belaire Home Office Collection, Joe McCambridge, ASFD; Sligh Furniture Co.
Shakespeare Home Office Collection, Cale Knopf, Century Furniture
 
Home Entertainment
Antigua MULTI-FLEX™, Jack Kelley, ASFD, IDSA; Mike Warren, ASFD; Shannon Lookabill, Sligh Furniture
Positano, James DiPersia, ASFD; Excelsior Design Inc.
Library Style INNERtainment™ Center, Joe McCambridge, ASFD; Sligh Furniture Co.
Series One Collection, John Cooper, ASFD; Bush Industries
 
Summer/Casual
Gulf Stream, Richard Frinier, ASFD; Century Furniture
Empress, Frederic C. Doughty, ASFD; AGIO
Calais, Frederic C. Doughty, ASFD; Crate & Barrel
Intrepid, Frederic C. Doughty, ASFD; AGIO
 
Bedroom
Windows of Style, Ilan Dei, Creative Elegance, Inc.
Symmetry, Morgan M. Harris, ASFD; Vaughan Furniture Co., Inc.
Napoleon Bed, Bill Faber, Century Furniture
Country Living - Portsmouth, Matt Hurley, ASFD; Dudley Moore, Jr, and Lesli Chastain, Lane Home Furnishings
 
Major Collections
West End, D. Scott Coley, ASFD; Thomas McDaniel, ASFD; Bassett Furniture
Origins, Berry & Clark Design Associates, Bernhardt Furniture
Consulate, Bill Faber, Century Furniture
Liz Claiborne Home Collection, Jerry Crotts, Troy Hollis, Ed Tobin, Lexington Home Brands
 



8/30/05   |   David Kline Memorial Scholarship Contest 2006
 New London, NC (August 15, 2005) - The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is proud to announce that Häfele America Co. will again co-sponsor the fifth annual ASFD David Kline Memorial Student Scholarship contest.

"Häfele has staunchly supported ASFD initiatives through their Corporate membership since 1994." says Christine Evans. "They have been an ASFD Pinnacle Awards sponsor for ten years; and this third year for sponsoring the student design contest shows their continued support and commitment to the furniture design profession."

In honor of the sponsor, ASFD is inviting college students to enter a design project wherein the piece of furniture in some manner utilizes Hafele's UV Glass Bonding Hardware.

“No longer is it necessary to have glass drilled for hardware. Furniture designers can now incorporate technologies utilizing UV glass bonding where hardware applies to glass without a drilled hole. This process can be done by the manufacturer of furniture” states Philip Martin, Häfele’s Director of Marketing. “This new technology and hardware offer flexibility for manufacturers to produce in house without having to go to a glass fabricator thereby allowing innovative solutions and imaginative designs by designers.”

The scholarship awards total $5,000 and are awarded as $3,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for Honorable Mention. The announcement of the winners will be made at ASFD's Spring Dinner meeting on April 27, 2006 which coincides with the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC.

The 2005/06 Scholarship Contest posters and entry forms have been sent to educational institutions across North America. Students who are currently enrolled in a furniture or design program at an accredited school in North America and have completed the first year of study are eligible. Applications must be received no later than March 1, 2006.

For detailed contest information and entry forms, School Staff or Students may go online at www.asfd.com; contact ASFD by Email: info@asfd.com; or call (910) 576-1273.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered near High Point, NC, the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is the only international, non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing, improving and supporting the profession of furniture design and its positive impact throughout the world marketplace. Professional Members specialize in the design of both residential and contract furnishings and accessories. Membership includes both American and International professional designers, industry affiliates and associates, design school teachers and students. Corporate Members include suppliers of products and services to the industry and furniture manufacturing companies who wish to support the goals and objectives of the Society.



11/10/04   |   David Kline Memorial Scholarship 2005
 The new David Kline Memorial Scholarship application and information has been posted on the Scholarship page. You may also click here to download the application.

Please note that all entries must be postmarked no later than March 1st, 2005.



9/11/04   |   ASFD 2004 Pinnacle Awards - We have the Finalists
 ASFD 2004 Pinnacle Awards - We have the Finalists

For Immediate Release

NEW LONDON, North Carolina, September 8, 2004 - A field of 61 finalists in 16 design categories have been chosen for the 2004-2005 Pinnacle Design Achievement Award from the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) to be presented on October 15 at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina."While one designer will receive the actual Pinnacle, all of the finalists are important winners, in the sense that their compelling designs in the eyes of the judges met the strict criteria that includes value to consumers, visual appearance and function, use of materials and application of production technology," said Karl D. Felperin, a California-based furniture designer and chairman of ASFD's Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards.

For the furniture industry's most prestigious recognition for design, a panel of 12 independent judges selected the following finalists:

2004 Pinnacle Awards FINALISTS

Occasional Tables
Saville Row Brian Palmer Hammary Furniture
Leonardo James DiPersia, ASFD Johnston Casuals
Wainwright Rick Schroeder Stanley Furniture Co. Inc.
Mocha Collection Hugh Elliott, ASFD Charleston Forge

Occasional Storage
Beau Nouveau Bar Gary Hokanson Stanley Furniture Co. Inc.
Shadow Box Tower Gayle Zalduondo, ASFD & Laisy Martinez Urbanus,Inc.
Symphony Hall Chest Frank M. Spano, ASFD & Thom O'Leary, ASFD Polidor

Juvenile
Monster Bedroom David Walker Powell Company
Citisleeper Student Studio Tinka Camfield Swetland A Custom Workshop Co
2nd Nature Michael Warren, ASFD & Shannon Lookabill Stanley Furniture Co. Inc.
Spring Garden Bonnie Kielwasser Lea Industries

Casual Dining
Madera Jeffrey White & Bill Faber Century Furniture
Nova Swivel Barstool Carl Muller, ASFD Elite Manufacturing Corp.
4-Score Michael Wolk Johnston Casuals Furniture
Princeton Collection John LeShane Johnston Casuals Furniture

Formal Dining
Moderne Steve Hodges Associates, Inc., ASFD Cresent Manufacturing Co
Kentshire Bill Faber Century Furniture
Symphony Frank M. Spano, ASFD & Thom O'Leary, ASFD Polidor
Camden Group Lisa Strong The Platt Collections

Motion Upholstery
(sub) Urban Recliner Jack Lewis, ASFD Berkline/Benchcraft LLC
Comfort Swing Tom Garland American Leather
The Ritz Michael A. Galardo Elite Leather Company

Stationary Upholstery
Snap Todd Oldham La-Z-Boy, Inc.
Mackenzie Settee Lauren Brooks, ASFD Vanguard Furniture
Lizzie Nancy Genova John Charles Designs, Inc.
Sandy Jeffrey Goodman & Steven Charlton John Charles Designs, Inc.

Leather Upholstery
San Tropez Fillmore Harty W. Schillig USA
Hip Hop Chaise Vladimir Kagan, ASFD American Leather
Milan Greg Sheres, ASFD Elite Leather Company
Glen Cove Michael A. Galardo Elite Leather Company

Accessories
Man & Woman Sculpture Yuri Zatarain The Phillips Collection
Espresso/Black Coffee Clocks Mike Warren, ASFD & Shannon Lookabill Sligh Furniture Co.
Cole Side Chair Sarah Gayle Carter, ASFD Casa Pacifica
Water Lily/Bowl/Watergarden Joe Gordy Natural Decorations, Inc.

Lighting
Neo-classic Desk Lamp John T. Burke, ASFD Decorative Crafts, Inc.
Dolci Mark McDowell Fine Art Lamps
Quadralli Mark McDowell Fine Art Lamps
Impressions Table Lamp George Chandler, ASFD Hubbardton Forge

Home Office
Gen "X" Collection Jim Sexton Z Line Designs
Tuxedo Executive Collection Walt Shaw, ASFD Bush Industries, Inc.
Candlewood Jack Kelley, ASFD & Mike Warren, ASFD Sligh Furniture Co.
Elegance Desk/Hutch Alex Holden Kimball Home

Home Entertainment
Mason Hills Collection Walt Shaw, ASFD Bush Industries, Inc.
Tuxedo 36" Walt Shaw, ASFD Bush Industries, Inc.
Candlewood Display & Pop-Up Mike Warren, ASFD & Shannon Lookabill Sligh Furniture Co.

Summer/Casual
Trinidad Wicker Shaun Sweeney, ASFD & Carl Muller, ASFD Woodard
Atrium Collection Frederic Doughty, ASFD Crate & Barrel
Harmony Ray Carter Brown Jordan International
Skyline Umbrella John W. Caldwell, ASFD Treasure Garden

Bedroom
Moderne Steve Hodges Associates, Inc., ASFD Cresent Manufacturing Co
Simply French Bill Faber Century Furniture
Avery Bed John T. Kolkka Kolkka
Elements Martin de Blois, ASFD Glober Finel Metal Furniture

Major Collections
Nautica, Colonial Passage Troy Hollis & Jerry Crotts Lexington Home Brands
National Geographic Home Matt Hurley, ASFD; Dudley Moore, Jr.; Lesli Chastain Lane Home Furnishings
Continental Sketchbook Tommy McDaniel, ASFD & D. Scott Coley, ASFD Bassett Furniture Inds.
American Home Tommy McDaniel, ASFD & D.Scott Coley, ASFD Hickory White

Decorative Surfaces
Vance Collection Linda Marsh Recherché Limited
Avery Bed John T. Kolkka Kolkka
Vanderbilt Dining Table John T. Kolkka Kolkka
Florence Table & Chairs Kelly Neal Mariotti, ASFD Green Frog Art




   |   CFIF to Host Table at Spring Market Reception
 As part of CFIF's (Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation) intention to have a long-term collaboration with the American Society of Furniture Designers, CFIF will have a table where different swatches showing how the furniture industry in Cebu processes and uses home-grown materials will be presented and displayed. A digital library containing relevant information on some of the Philippine indigenous materials will also be given to ASFD members during the presentation. A more complete digital library will also soon be uploaded to the CFIF website and will be accessible to ASFD members by password. This will hopefully assist ASFD members in their research for new materials and available technology and processes for the design of furniture and furnishings.

In line with this, CFIF is honored to invite you to visit their table during the ASFD Spring Market reception at the Thomasville Colonial Country Club on Friday evening, April 23. See for yourself what the Cebu furniture industry has to offer for the American furniture designers to possibly use in the design of furniture and furnishings for the North American market.

For April 23 reservations, contact ASFD headquarters, Email info@asfd.com or call 910-576-1273.


Rosmel D. Calderon
Manager
Membership & Cluster Development
Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF)
3/F LDM Bldg., Legaspi St. corner MJ Cuenco Ave.
6000 Cebu City, Philippines

Tel. Nos. +63 32 253-3091, 253-7408, 254-8246
Fax No. +63 32 253-0274

Websites: www.furniturecebu.com, www.cebuexhibition.com CFIF is a Corporate Member of ASFD



   |   DiPersia Succeeds Friedman as President of ASFD
 James DiPersia, ASFD is a freelance designer and a native New Yorker where he received a degree in Art and Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Wilsey Institute of Art and Design. During his academic years, a career in home furnishings was influenced by his cabinet maker father. This early interest in furniture design and manufacturing spawned his success as a designer in the furniture industry. A member of ASFD since 1996, DiPersia's philosophy is "You have to conceive it, build it, display it and sell it" to understand the psychology of furniture design.

His designs are produced by several manufacturers, including Excelsior Designs, Weiman, Glober, Johnston Casuals, among others both here and abroad. In addition, he has designed many custom projects for sports and entertainment personalities.

Jim is the recipient of five Pinnacle Awards since 1996, and an APEX Award for Design Excellence in 1999.



   |   Foundation for Design Integrity joins ASFD
 Who are they?

The Foundation For Design Integrity (FDI) was formed in 1994 to promote original design and to fight the unethical practice of manufacturing knockoffs. Today, more than 130 leading design companies work together to promote awareness within the industry about the importance of protecting original design; to assist members in preventing the unlicensed duplication of their proprietary product designs; and to move government to enact stronger legislation to protect original design both domestically and internationally.

FDI accomplishes its goals through education, protection and information. The Education Program brings industry leaders and experts on intellectual property law together with members of the community in seminars, public forums and round table discussions. The Protection Program works closely with noted attorney Susan E. Farley, Esq., of Heslin, Rothenberg, Farley and Mesiti, P.C. to bring the most current information about intellectual property law to members in a timely manner. FDI members also have exclusive access to a Patent Initiative that makes obtaining patents easier and more affordable. An extensive network of peers with similar experiences, dedicated to finding effective solutions, is one of the most valuable benefits of FDI membership.

More information about FDI is available through the foundation's web site, www.ffdi.org/.



   |   UDM Upholstered Furniture Design Competition
 APA – The Engineered Wood Association and udm magazine will again present the annual Under the Covers Upholstered Furniture Design Competition. The contest is open worldwide to any designer, manufacturer or student of furniture. Entries are due May 21, 2004.

Last year, a team from Lee Industries won the grand prize for their Sofa Style 7200, a curvy, high-back couch made from a single sheet of frame grade plywood.

The six-year-old contest rewards innovative use of engineered wood panels for upholstered furniture/seating. This year’s sponsors include the Martco Partnership, Georgia-Pacific Corporation and International Paper.

An understanding of design and manufacturing techniques and materials, although not required, will assist any entrant. To aid the contestants, APA has a 12-page guide, Upholstered Furniture Frames, that describes product attributes and design options enabling cost-effective and efficient use of structural wood panels as furniture frames.

Judging will take place at udm’s Chicago headquarters in early June. Among those scheduled to participate: Dr. Eva Haviarova of Purdue University, Max Shangle of Kendall College of Art and Design, and Sumner Adams of Adams/Kinkade Design. Winners will be treated to an industry reception at the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF)

-- more --

in Atlanta, Georgia in August.

Engineered wood enjoys wide spread acceptance among furniture manufacturers and designers for its strength, high yield attributes, design flexibility, and compatibility with CNC technology.

For a contest entry form, visit www.apawood.org/contest and download the pdf. You may also contact Michael Chazin at udm magazine, 847-795-7690 or email him at MChazin@chartcomm.com. The design guide, Upholstered Furniture Frames, (form B625) is also available online at www.apawood.org.

Frame symposium cancelled

The one-day Upholstered Furniture Frame Symposium at the Tupelo Furniture Market has been cancelled. Produced by udm and APA – The Engineered Wood Association, the program was designed as an advanced coursewww.apawood.org/contest in frame construction using engineered wood.

“The response from area manufacturers was insufficient to support the effort and expense needed to produce the program,” says Michael Chazin, udm’s editor and publisher. “Without a large enough audience it didn’t make sense to go ahead with the program.”

# # #

APA - The Engineered Wood Association (formerly American Plywood Association) is a nonprofit trade association whose domestic and international members produce a variety of engineered wood products. APA's primary functions are quality inspection and testing, applied research and product promotion.



   |   Obituaries - Alan Friedman, Roger Schneeman
 
Alan Friedman, ASFD, a leading furniture designer has died after a brief illness at the age of 65. At the time of his death he had been President of the American Society of Furniture Designers for two years, and had served on the ASFD Board since 1998.

He designed fabric, leather, stationary, motion, and occasional furniture for leading US and international manufacturers. Prior to establishing Alan Friedman Associates Inc., he had been a partner in Warren-Friedman-Williams Inc., specializing in furniture and industrial design. Alan was a winner of the 2001 Pinnacle Award for motion upholstery.

Alan was born in Rochester NY and graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in Fine Arts. He lived in Seattle, having previously lived in Chicago and Short Hills, New Jersey. He leaves his wife, Lori, daughters Deborah and Melinda, sons-in-law Donald and Michael, and granddaughters Olivia and Lily.

A memorial service was held at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle on Sunday, January 25 at 2:30 pm. The family requested that contributions in his memory be made to the ASFD for the David Kline Memorial Scholarship, 144 Woodland Drive, New London, NC 28127.



Roger Schneeman, ASFD died December 25, 2003 at the age of 70. Roger graduated from Lockland High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1951 and from the University of Cincinnati's College of Architecture, Art and Planning with a B.S. in Industrial Design in 1958.

Roger worked for 34 years as a furniture design manager for RCA-GE-Thompson Consumer Electronics, where he designed color TV furniture consoles, home entertainment and home theater cabinetry, and consumer electronic products. He was involved in the design of the Digital Business System/Digital Satellite Receiving System, which has been described as the "most technically and socially significant product since the color TV." It was the industry's most successful product introduction ever, sold one million units in 10 months, and was awarded the prestigious Design of the Decade Bronze award by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Following his retirement, he worked as a consultant, freelance furniture designer, and as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Design at Purdue University.

Schneeman served on the National Board of Directors and as Midwest District Vice President of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). He served on the Board of Directors and as President of the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) in 2001-02. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Roger loved dogs, vintage cars, and philosophical discussion. He enjoyed returning to the University of Cincinnati and traveling to other midwest colleges to judge student design competitions and share his knowledge and experience with industrial design, interior design, and graphic design students. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Dorothy Weber and children Pamela, Douglas, and Jeffrey.



2/2/02   |   Scholarship Winner Announced
 Congratulations to S. Joshua Brincko from Kent State University for winning ASFD's recent scholarship competition which was co-sponsored by Hafele America Co. Hafele is an industry supplier of functional and decorative hardware and has been a loyal corporate member and supporter of ASFD for many years.

The scholarship presentation including a check for $4,000 to Brincko will be made at ASFD's Spring Market dinner on April 23 at the Colonial Country Club in Thomasville.

“It is the opinion of the judges that the winning entry by S. Joshua Brincko’s “Swigga Bed” best satisfied his stated design objectives and presented a fresh take on a traditional form that allows for a surprising variety of uses.”

Entries were accepted from design students across the U.S. and they were judged by professional members of ASFD, namely, Philip Behrens, Ted Rittersdorf and Steve Hodges.



   |   Spring Market Dinner to Feature Patent Expert
 The American Society of Furniture Designers will host an informative evening featuring a presentation by Paul A. Keller, Esq., a leading attorney in the field of U.S. and International Design Patents and intellectual protection.

Mr. Keller is a partner in the Troy, Michigan law firm of Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C. His firm has offices in St. Louis and Washington, D.C. and is affiliated with law offices around the world, representing clients with design and utility patent issues. Mr. Keller is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and also holds an engineering undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati. He has been practicing patent law for over 24 years, and is a registered Patent Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Mr. Keller will be speaking on the current state of design patent law and its implications for the furniture industry, including its role in situations regarding imports. There will be a question and answer session following his presentation.

The event will be held at the Colonial Country Club in Thomasville, N.C. on Friday evening, April 23 and is open to all Market-goers, both members and non-members of ASFD. A cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m., featuring industry suppliers with table top displays, followed by dinner and the evening program. Presentation of the 2004 ASFD David Kline Memorial Scholarship will be made by Hafele America, co-sponsor of the student design competition.

The cost for the dinner and program is $55.00. Advance reservations are requested by contacting ASFD at (910) 576-1273, or by email at info@asfd.com.




Back to News


Home | Back to Top | Contact
© 2003 American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD).
All Rights Reserved. No portion of ASFD.com may be reproduced
without the express written permission of ASFD.

Web Site by Synergy Web Designs. Design aided by Monika Turek.