Design Guild Mark launches 2019 call for entries

The Design Guild Mark is now accepting applications for both the Furniture and 2D (textiles, wall coverings, surfaces, carpets and floor coverings) categories for the 2019 awards.

For over 10 years the Design Guild Mark, awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, has been distinguishing the excellent from the ordinary in the design of furnishings intended for volume production.

It is unique to other design awards as the panel of independent judges – all experts in the field of design – examine the submitted piece and question the designer during a judging day that takes place in the fantastic surroundings of Carpenters’ Hall in the City of London.

Designs awarded a Mark benefit from increased industry and consumer awareness, press and social media coverage, with the designers and companies behind them also receiving enhanced brand recognition.

The piece from both the Furniture and 2D categories deemed to be the most outstanding by the judges will also win the Jonathan Hindle Prize for Excellence – a £1,000 cash prize.

Designers and companies have until 29 November 2018 to submit an entry to meet the early bird deadline and until 24 January 2019 to meet the final deadline.

Those interested in submitting an entry for the 2019 awards can download an application form from the Design Guild Mark website, www.designguildmark.org.uk, which was launched along with a new brand identity in September.

The new website includes information on all previous winners of the Mark, the latest news, biographies of the judging panel and useful information about applying and the judging criteria for both the Furniture and 2D categories.

Rodney McMahon, Design Guild Mark chairman, said: “2018 has been a landmark year for the Design Guild Mark what with the launch of the new branding and website. The award continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to seeing what pieces will be put forward for judging in 2019.”

Luke Pearson, director at PearsonLloyd (2018 holder), said: “It’s great to have a varied set of judges view the products, which in our view, grounds the award and makes it relevant both from a cultural and a commercial perspective.”

Jones & Partners (2018 holder), said: “Receiving the Design Guild Mark is a great honour for the studio. The ability to present directly to the judges makes it a unique experience.”

For more information, please go to www.designguildmark.org.uk.