DGM 2018: What did the judges say?

The Design Guild Mark judging: it never fails to cause mass debate and deliberation amongst our esteemed panel of experts as to which pieces deserve the moniker of design excellence.

And while the ‘Beast from the East’ raged on outside Carpenters’ Hall, bringing chaos to London and the rest of the country, our motley crew of high respected judges trimmed a crop of 31 worthy submissions to 12 successful Design Guild Mark holders.

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

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

The 12 victorious designs can be viewed here and we’ll have much more content about each piece in the coming months, but what did the judges think of this year’s submissions?

We grabbed a quick soundbite from some of them to hear their thoughts.

Simon Alderson, Co-founder of twentytwentyone
“The quality and diversity of the 2018 applicants for a Design Guild Mark provided for a wholly stimulating range of presentations. It was interesting to consider the longevity of historic designs alongside the contemporary. The enduring quality of good design demands careful consideration of materials, process and form. While the panel doesn’t agree on all submissions, the debate and final consensus ensures the pedigree for the Design Guild Mark is one of respected quality.”

Rosa Bertoli, Design Editor, Wallpaper*
“Every year, the Design Guild Mark celebrates the excellent craft, creativity and ingeniousness which lies at the heart of the British furniture industry. The judging process offers a constant discovery (and rediscovery) of new and established designers, craftsmen and brands.”

Barbara Chandler, Design Writer, Evening Standard
“We did our judging on a deep snow day, but that did not deter a succession of talented designers coming to pitch their work. A stand-out trend was the ‘softening’ of office furniture. Several designers explained that there was now a demand for ‘homely’ workspaces (often shared), with softer sculptural flexible seating and ‘kind’ materials for tables/desks. At the same time, ergonomics, lighting and use of new technologies for working were carefully considered. We even saw an optional terrarium…”

Pernille Stafford, Principal of Resonate Interiors
“A wide spectrum of furniture items submitted this year which ranged from commercial to crafty but all of an exceptionally high standard and meeting our expectations. Innovation in commercial workplace was evident this year which was a pleasure to see.”

Terence Woodgate, Founder of Terence Woodgate
“The designs were a pleasure to judge with the work presented being diverse in form and function. There were some exceptional designs, well considered and executed. Design for me is a mix of art & technology and we certainly experienced designs at both ends of the spectrum.”