Furniture markets offer a creative outlet for student designers

For years, the furniture industry has looked for new ways to attract young talent. One of the key reasons was that young minds also might have some insight into the mindsets and purchasing habits of younger consumers.

A recent initiative by rustic case goods supplier Groovystuff may have hit the mark in this area. The company partnered with Appalachian State University on a furniture design competition in which students in ASU's industrial design and furniture design programs were challenged to come up with ideas that reflected its licensed Dick Idol brand.

Prototypes of the designs of three finalists will be shown in Groovystuff's showroom at the April High Point Market. Company Vice President Chris Bruning called the talent shown by the students "indescribable."

The contest's success inspired Bruning and Groovystuff to come up with a "University Hall" concept, which would allows student furniture designs to be displayed at major home furnishings markets around the country.

Bruning told Furniture/Today that he also drew inspiration from some furniture shows in Europe that also highlight student design initiatives.

Asian shows also make it a point to recognize young talent. The International Furniture Fair Singapore, for example, has showcased designs for years in two categories, one for students at local and international arts and design institutions and one for local and international participants who are 40 or younger.

Show officials tout the results of the design competitions as part of the opening ceremonies, and also showcase the winning designs in a prominent area of the Singapore Expo, where the show is held each March.

In 2009, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair, also held in March, began what's called the Ideation Award to showcase student talent and encourage innovation in furniture design. It will help develop Malaysia's furniture industry by encouraging newcomers to enter it, officials believe.

As more and more young Asian designers are coming on the scene, what better time to develop and hone the young talent that's right here in the U.S.?

As part of their effort Bruning and Groovystuff also are compiling a list of U.S. colleges and universities around the country that offer design programs that could benefit the industry. It would be nice to see the industry return the favor by coming together and doing what it can to support this effort to attract young talent.