Idaho, Auburn students win Groovystuff design challenge

Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, May 3, 2012

Janice Kammler, a University of Idaho student, used cascading vines to represent the receding water levels around Lake Mead in her Time Revealed table. A decorative iron ring symbolizes industrialization in Las Vegas.

The Eclipse Mirror, by Auburn University student Rachel Jones was inspired by organic architecture and the manipulation of basic shapes. The mirror aims to play with interacting circles of the wagon wheel to create movement and tension between the lines.

HIGH POINT — University of Idaho student Janice Kammler and Auburn University's Rachel Jones took top honors in Groovystuff's design challenge at the High Point Market.

Students competed by creating pieces with the theme, "By Design: Connecting Education and Industry." The challenge was sponsored by teak furniture specialist Groovystuff and International Market Centers.

Students were to design an environmentally friendly product reflecting the Dick Idol brand that could be manufactured sustainably.

Market attendees voted on product models and display boards.

Time Revealed by Kammler, inspired by current drought conditions in the Southwest, was voted most versatile and most likely to show a profit by retailers and interior designers attending market.

The Eclipse Mirror by Jones won the grand prize for most in written orders at market.

Kammler will receive $250 and Jones $500. They also will receive royalties on sales of their products, and an endorsement from the Dick Idol brand of home furnishings.

Groovystuff said the design competition aims to broaden the furniture industry's educational outreach at universities nationwide and to giving students real world experience prior to graduation.