Young Furniture Makers Award Winners Spotlight: Kevin Tronel

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

Principally sponsored by Tizo Limited, the Young Furniture Makers exhibition took place on Wednesday 2 October 2024 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 Kevin Tronel, winner of the Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by Meon by Gaze Burvill for his Verne Easy Chair.

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

I was thrilled and deeply honoured! It was a moment of pure excitement and disbelief. To have my work recognised among such talented designers was incredibly validating.

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

Personally, it’s a huge confidence boost and a reminder of why I love what I do. Professionally, it’s an important milestone that opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations while showcasing my work to a broader audience.

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

I believe the combination of timeless design, attention to detail, and the craftsmanship behind the Verne Easy Chair played a significant role. I wanted to create something that balances functionality with elegance, and I’m glad that resonated with the judges.

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

It was an incredible experience! The exhibition was vibrant, with so much creativity on display. It was inspiring to see the diversity of ideas and approaches in furniture design.

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

It was humbling and motivating. Being in the company of such talented individuals reminded me of the endless possibilities within this craft and pushed me to keep evolving as a designer.

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

The feedback was incredibly encouraging. Attendees were drawn to the chair’s sharp design and the comfort it offers, while industry professionals appreciated its strong production focus and the meticulous attention to detail in craftsmanship.

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

Absolutely. I had the chance to exchange ideas with fellow designers and met a few buyers and industry professionals who expressed interest in my work. Those conversations were invaluable and could lead to exciting future collaborations.

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

Exhibitions like this are essential. They bring together emerging and established talents, fostering innovation and collaboration. They also create a platform for designers to connect with the industry and the public, ensuring the craft continues to evolve.

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

Make the most of the opportunity by connecting with as many people as possible. Be prepared to answer questions and explain your design and production approach clearly—it’s a chance to share your passion and process, which can leave a lasting impression on attendees and industry professionals alike.

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

I plan to use this recognition to expand the reach of my designs, build more connections within the industry, and continue developing pieces that combine craftsmanship with functionality.

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

I’d love to see one of my pieces retailed in a high-end shop like Heal’s or The Conran Shop. Collaborating with a major retailer to bring my designs to a wider audience is a key goal I’m working towards as I continue to grow in my career.