Young Furniture Makers Award Winners Spotlight: Eva Ellis

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.

As part of a series of articles on the Young Furniture winners, we interviewed Eva Ellis whose Cove chair won the Textiles Award, sponsored by House of Sonnaz, and the Fast Track Prize, sponsored by industry legend Malcolm Walker.

What was your initial reaction when you found out you had won the Young Furniture Makers Award?

Winning an award at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition was a wonderful surprise, so receiving two truly exceeded my expectations. I am thankful for this recognition as I begin my design career. Connecting with industry professionals about my work was invaluable, and it was inspiring to see such talented designs on display.

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

As a new designer, receiving these awards is significant, as this recognition reinforces my commitment to my work and installs a greater sense of confidence. The Textile Award provides an opportunity to further highlight 3D knitting as a sustainable alternative to conventional PU foam upholstery. Meanwhile, the Fast Track Prize offers a valuable chance to learn from Malcolm Walker, enhancing my professional growth.

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

What sets my work apart is that Cove is designed for mass production, while many of the other entries were bespoke, handmade pieces. Though I initially felt intimidated by the craftsmanship on display, my chair embraces new technologies like 3D knitting and sustainable manufacturing methods. Created in collaboration with Camira Knit, Cove uses recycled materials and minimises waste, addressing the industry’s need for scalable, environmentally conscious solutions. This focus on both innovation and mass production makes Cove distinct in its ability to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality furniture at scale.

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

Showcasing my work was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was great getting to connect with other young designers, exchange insights, and discuss our shared journey into the furniture industry. I was pleased to see such positive feedback on Cove from both the judges and fellow exhibitors. However, the most rewarding part was the interest expressed by the public, with many people sharing how they’d love to have my chair in their homes. While I receive valuable feedback from peers and tutors at university, it was truly gratifying to see Cove resonate with new audiences outside of university.

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

It was definitely a bit intimidating at first, seeing so much incredible work around me. But once I got settled, it was really inspiring to connect with other designers, hear their stories, and exchange ideas. It was a great experience to showcase my chair alongside so many talented, like-minded people.

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

The feedback was very encouraging and insightful. Industry professionals recommended moving forward with development and production now, rather than waiting. They offered helpful technical suggestions, such as adjusting the backrest angle and improving the balance between the legs and the shell. They were impressed with the ambition of the project, especially given the short timeframe, and felt the prototype effectively communicated my design concept, though they noted areas for refinement in future iterations.

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

Definitely! I was placed next to two Chippendale students, and we had some great conversations about the differences between their hands-on furniture making training compared to my design focused background at university. It was interesting to hear how their approach to craftsmanship shapes their work. I also connected with other exhibitors, exchanging advice and discussing our projects. Sustainability was a recurring theme in many discussions, with a shared consensus that it should be a fundamental value in all design practices. 

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

Exhibitions like the Young Furniture Makers exhibition are incredibly valuable for gaining exposure and building industry connections. For me, exhibiting and winning prizes such as the Fast Track Prize have led directly to a 12-month internship with Malcolm Walker. This opportunity will allow me to gain first hand experience in the industry, deepening my understanding of the design process and production while helping shape my future career.

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

My advice would be to know your project inside and out. Be ready to answer the question “but why?”—whether it’s about your design, materials, or process. Judges will want to understand the reasoning behind every decision. I was praised for the depth of knowledge behind my design, especially regarding materials and cost. Malcolm Walker, who judged the Fast Track Prize, said my understanding was a key factor in winning. My internship at Pearson Lloyd was invaluable in shaping this approach, where Luke Pearson would constantly challenge me to question and justify my decisions, strengthening my confidence and clarity.

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

Exhibiting my chair, Cove, has been a valuable step in my career. I’m excited to build on this through my internship with Malcolm Walker, where I’ll gain industry knowledge, refine my skills, and make sure to ask plenty of questions. The exhibition has already opened new opportunities, including an invitation to showcase my work at Buckingham Palace in March. I look forward to using these experiences and connections to advance my career in furniture design.

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

My next goal is to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Design at ECAL University in Switzerland. I’m eager to deepen my skills, experiment with new ideas, and focus on sustainability as a core element of my practice, while exploring and developing my personal style as a designer.