Young Furniture Makers Award Winners Spotlight: Tomer Arad

We announced the winners of our Young Furniture Makers Awards and Prizes at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition in October.

Principally sponsored by Tizo Limited, the Young Furniture Makers exhibition took place on Wednesday 2 October at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London.

A part of a series of articles on the Young Furniture Mwinners, we interview Tomer Arad whose Diamond + Pearls Chair won the Best in Show Prize, sponsored by Blum.

What was your initial reaction when you found out you had won the prize?

I was initially quite overwhelmed. When you pour so much time and energy into apiece, it’s easy to focus on the imperfections and areas for improvement. This often happens to me when I’m deeply involved in a project. Winning the award gave me a new perspective on my work and helped me appreciate it for what it is.

What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?

As a creative individual who is deeply invested in my work, it brings me immense satisfaction to know that others can appreciate the beauty of my creations. Pursuing this career path has often been accompanied by self-doubt, but this award has given me much-needed confidence that I am on the right track.

What do you think sets your work apart from the other entries this year?

While all the entries demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship and design, I believe my piece stood out due to its unique design concept. Rather than prioritising comfort and ergonomics, I aimed to create a piece that embodies an unusual persona and yet, captures a harmonious moment, much like a symphony.

What was your experience like showcasing your work at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition?

It was truly exciting to participate in such a wonderful event and witness the appreciation young designers like myself are receiving. This exhibition was a significant milestone for me and others, as we typically spend most of our time in the workshop, away from public and client interaction. It provided us with a valuable opportunity to showcase a precious part of ourselves that usually remains hidden.

How did it feel to have your work on display alongside so many talented designers?

It was a great honour to exhibit my work alongside like-minded people who share the same passion. There was a great atmosphere among the exhibitors,everyone was very friendly and I enjoyed discussing our work, exchanging ideas,and building new connections.

What kind of feedback did you receive from attendees and industry professionals at the exhibition?

The feedback I received was very positive. While some people were more interested in the design, others were intrigued by the making process. Many were surprised to learn that the piece was entirely hand-shaped, with no CNC machining involved. I believe this highlights the value of preserving traditional techniques, particularly for young makers, as it can help develop both technical skills and creative thinking.

Did you have any memorable conversations or connections with other exhibitors or industry figures during the event?

I had a pleasant conversation with the interviewer, Johnny Larran. We discussed my situation and the challenges I faced in obtaining a UK work visa due to the government’s recent decision to increase the minimum wage for foreign workers. After winning the award, Johnny introduced me to Donna Bellingham, CEO of Shackletons Ltd. She was also surprised to learn about my circumstances and subsequently introduced me to Jonathan Hindle, chairman of the British Furniture Confederation. We discussed the industry and how it could benefit from skilled,motivated workers like myself, and how the current policy is detrimental to it. He expressed his willingness to assist.

How do you think exhibitions like this contribute to the future of the furniture design industry?

These kinds of events facilitate interaction between young and experienced designers. They allow established professionals to provide critical feedback, while also showcasing the achievements and aspirations of the next generation. I believe these interactions are fundamental to a thriving creative industry, fostering a culture of innovation and evolution.

Looking back, what advice would you give to future participants in the Young Furniture Makers exhibition?

I would advise future participants to:

• Walk around and talk to other exhibitors as much as you can.

• Print business cards to distribute to visitors – there’s no reception or Wi-Fi in the church, so relying on Instagram isn’t practical.

• Enjoy the moment, as it’s a truly special experience.

• Bring your own sandwiches.

How do you plan to build on this achievement as you move forward in your career?

I’m currently navigating the challenges of securing a UK visa through the connections I made at the exhibition. I have a potential job offer from a sponsor,which I believe would be the best way to advance my career. However, I’m not overly optimistic that it will happen anytime soon. In the meantime, I’m focusing on establishing my own workshop in Portugal. I’m currently exploring different locations across the country to find the perfect spot.

What is the next milestone you hope to achieve in your design journey?

I recently applied for the Bespoke Guild Mark. My goal is to achieve this award with my current piece, or alternatively, to create a piece worthy of winning it.