June 9, 2022

The Furniture Makers’ Company announces Design Guild Mark 2022 holders

by Freddie Steele • Company news, Workplace design

Innovation of materials and creativity remain at the forefront of British design as 23 outstanding submissions from three categories are to be awarded the coveted Design Guild Mark in 2022. The Design Guild Mark is awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, to drive excellence and raise the profile of British design and innovation. It recognises the highest standards in the design of furnishings in volume production across three categories – Furniture, 2D Design, and Lighting Design. The award is open to designers working in Britain or British designers working abroad.

Each distinct category has its own jury of renowned design experts who assess the submissions against a series of criteria, including: Are the materials appropriate? Are they from sustainable sources? Does the piece/collection show new thinking? Does it solve a problem?

The winning designers – some newcomers as well as previous holders – will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony on 24 May. The awarded designs – representing the domestic and contract markets – will benefit from increased industry and consumer awareness, press and social media coverage, with the designers and companies behind them also receiving enhanced brand recognition.

In addition to honouring the winners, the ceremony will include the announcement of winners of the Jonathan Hindle Prize. This additional award is presented to the most outstanding of the year’s Design Guild Mark awarded pieces and each recipient will receive a stunning trophy and a cash prize.

Rodney McMahon, chairman of the Design Guild Mark, commented: “The judging days are busy and intense, but it is always fascinating to learn how designers have developed their ideas and to witness their pride and excitement. The judges’ knowledge and questions are endlessly thought provoking and it is a design masterclass for me, and to be able to do it in person this year was a real privilege.”

Furniture

Your Move

Kaya

Smalto Low Table

Fourfold

Buddy (main image)

Sepal

Saranac

Heritage

Eva

PORTS

The Davenport Bureau

Bowater Collection – Cable Shop Stool (kit)

The Somerset Four Poster

The Tetbury

Textiles, wall coverings, surfaces carpets and floor coverings

‘All Tomorrow’s Futures’ Textured Linen Blend

Quest

Swell

Northward Bound Carpet Tiles

Lighting

Hotaru

Joseph Collection

Melina

FULL STOP

Evedal

The Design Guild Mark is judged by a panel of leading industry professionals. Each member of the panel is from the furniture, lighting, hospitality, commercial, retail, or media industry. Judges must ensure that each submission meets the criteria of excellence in design, materials, manufacture, and function.

Chaired by Rodney McMahon, this year’s eminent judging panel were:

Furniture

Joanna Biggs – Director at GA Design

Elliott Koehler – Creative Director at JPA Design

Lucy Kurrein – Furniture Designer for Lucy Kurrein

Tom Pearce – Co-founder of Farrah & Pearce

Campbell Thompson – Head of Furniture and Lighting at The Conran Shop

Textiles et al

Linzi Coppick – Design Director at Forme UK

Daniel Hopwood – Director at Studio Hopwood

Clare Johnston – Emeritus Professor at the Royal College of Art and Textile Designer for Fashion and Interiors at Royal College of Art

Natasha Marshall – Designer and Founder of Natasha Marshall Limited