The Interior Design Association and British Contract Furnishing Association were delighted to sponsor an award in Week One of the New Designers Exhibition at Business Design Centre Islington.
Our sponsorship of New Designers was demanding for the judges but enjoyable and very rewarding, particularly as we found someone with real potential and a sparkling personality to match. The standard of work throughout the show was truly outstanding and probably at an all time high in terms of creativity, quality and presentation.
The BCFA and IDA Design Award went to Lois Norman from Bucks New University, which she received from Colin Watson and Sophie Conran at a ceremony on 30th June. Lois has just completed her BA Honours in Textiles and Surface Design and has been attending new designers for the last four years running. Coming as a total surprise, she commented, “Winning this award has propelled me into the design world and is affirmation from my peers that I am on the right track.”
The judges liked the “perfect marriage of original artwork with innovation, resulting in several unique and stunningly beautiful pieces.” And what a thrill to see the emotion and euphoria of everyone at Bucks when the result was announced. They all knew how deserved it was.
The prize is a four-week placement at Brintons London Design Studio with accommodation and subsistence included, a year’s complimentary membership of the BCFA and Lois will be a guest of honour at the BCFA Lunch in November at the Dorchester.
The Judges were Colin Watson, Managing Director BCFA and IDA; Carolyn Mitchell, Contract Sales Director Walker Greenbank and BCFA Director; John Bain, Global Design Director Brintons Carpets Ltd and Mary Fox Linton, Managing Director Fox Linton Associates and IDA President.