The prestigious Design Guild Mark is awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, in order to drive excellence and raise the profile of British design and innovation.
The Mark recognise the highest standards in the design of furnishings across two categories (furniture and 2D) for volume production, by the finest designers working in Britain, or British designers working abroad.
The Design Guild Mark is independently judged by a panel of renowned experts in their respective fields and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the process.
Judging Criteria
A Design Guild Mark can be awarded, for a design, which is in current volume production. Evidence of this must be provided in terms of the design process and the means of production.
Furthermore, it must be designed:
by any British designer, or
by any United Kingdom based design practice
Entries must demonstrate excellence in design, materials, manufacture and function. Is the design outstanding?
Consideration will be given, for example to:
Are the materials appropriate?
Are they from sustainable sources?
Does the piece show new thinking?
Does it represent value?
Does it solve a problem?
Is it fit for purpose?
Does the design have longevity?
Has the design been refined for and is it capable of being produced in volume?
Furniture Judging Panel
Simon Alderson, twentytwentyone
Rosa Bertoli, Wallpaper* Magazine
Joanna Biggs , GA Design
Barbara Chandler, The Evening Standard
Rodney Kinsman, OMK Design
Tom Pearce, Sebastian Conran Associates
Philippa Prinsloo, John Lewis
Pernille Stafford, Resonate Interiors
Campbell Thompson, The Conran Shop
Terence Woodgate, Terence Woodgate
2D Judging Panel
Linzi Coppick, Forme UK Daniel Hopwood, Hopwood Design Studios Prof Clare Johnston, Royal College of Art Natasha Marshall, Natasha Marshall Corinne Pringle, tp bennett Peter Thwaites, Rapture & Wright
Benefits
Pieces or ranges of furniture awarded a Design Guild Mark are recognisably items of quality and excellence. To substantiate and promote this accolade, Design Guild Mark holders are entitled:
It’s money well spent
Participating in the Design Guild Mark costs less than an online banner, less than a 1/4 page print ad. And it can bring you and your brand much more.
It’s an accreditation of quality
The Mark recognises the highest standards in the design of furnishings in volume production, by designers working in Britain or British designers working abroad, and is judged by an independent body of renowned judges who are experts in their respective fields.
You get great press and social media coverage
Have your work shown to the design world and beyond. See the 2017 coverage on www.furnituremakers.org.uk/design-guild-mark/press/
You’re in good company
Look at www.furnituremakers.org.uk/design-guild-mark and our Pinterest and Instagram accounts to see past holders.
The Jonathan Hindle Prize for Excellence
Created in 2015 by Design Guild Mark founder Jonathan Hindle, this cash prize of £1,000 is awarded to the most outstanding design in any year. The judges will assess this prize once the Design Guild Marks have been awarded. All entries that receive a Design Guild Mark are eligible for this prize.
How to apply
Questions can be answered by Doreen Oddy, Guild Marks Manager by emailing guildmarks@furnituremakers.org.uk or by calling 020 7562 8520.
The application fee is £100 + VAT with successful entries having to pay a further £250 + VAT
Sign up to the Design Guild Mark newsletter
We send out a monthly newsletter with the latest news and goings on from the Design Guild Mark. Sign up to receive it.
Any questions about the Design Guild Mark or the application process, please contact us: 020 7562 8522guildmarks@furnituremakers.org.uk
