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Design Guild Mark: At a glance
Find out more about the criteria, judging process and categories.
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We will be happy to advise.
The prestigious Design Guild Mark is awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company 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 three categories for volume production, by the finest designers working in Britain, or British designers working abroad. These categories are Furniture; Lighting Design; Textiles, Wall coverings, Surfaces, Carpets and Floor Coverings.
— Rodney McMahon
Chairman, Design Guild Mark
The Design Guild Mark award scheme is intended to recognise the best industrial design. A Design Guild Mark can be awarded
for a product or collection of products that are currently in production, that were designed for, and are manufactured by, an industrial design process.
Most importantly it is paramount that all entries are:
- Designed by a British Designer or Designers
- Design practices that are based in the United Kingdom.
Browse the Design Guild Mark gallery to view previous awardees.
Entries must demonstrate excellence in design, materials, manufacture and function.
INNOVATION
Does the design demonstrate new and original thinking and
problem solving / is it different / does it do something better?
FUNCTION
Is the design fit for purpose / does it work well and
intuitively / does it benefit the user and how?
FORM
Is the design aesthetically appealing and its appearance
appropriate / is it made well / does it incorporate
innovative manufacturing materials and process?
BRAND
Does the design develop a brand’s position / does it
provide a competitive advantage or edge in any way?
ENVIRONMENT
Does the design demonstrate a responsibility to progressing
sustainable and circular practices / is the product
designed and made for longevity of appeal and use?
Click here to view the Judging Panel.
Furniture
Entry is open to all types of furniture from all different sectors.
Interior Design Elements
Textiles
The design should demonstrably be part of an extensive range and be commercially available. It should have achieved minimum sales of 500 linear metres.
Wall coverings
Eligible wall coverings include wallpaper, wall tiles, decorative acoustical panels and paint.
Surfaces
Qualifying surface categories are glass, illuminated surfaces, tiles, stone surfaces and veneers.
Carpets
Eligible are carpets and carpet tiles. The design should have achieved minimum sales of 400 linear metres.
Floor coverings
Eligible flooring types include wood, ceramic, bamboo, tile, laminate, vinyl, resin, rubber and cork flooring.
Lighting Design
Entry is open to all types of lighting from all different sectors
Process
All applications will be presented to the Design Guild Mark committee to establish whether the application meets the technical criteria.
Once approved, designers present their design in person, giving the judging panel the opportunity to examine it closely, and find out first hand from the mind behind the piece, how it demonstrates excellence in the design of furniture or furnishings for volume production.
Judging panel
Chaired by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the Design Guild Mark is judged by an independent panel that is subject to change up to the day of judging.
Click here to view the Judging Panel.
Closing dates:
Early bird: 24th November 2023
Final: 19th January 2024
Early bird: £210 [inc. VAT] per entry
Final Entry bird: £240 [inc. VAT] per entry
Late fee: £270 [inc. VAT] per entry
Benefits
Why you should apply
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 and is judged by an independent body of renowned judges.
You get great press and social media coverage
Have your work shown to the design world and beyond. View our press section for the latest coverage.
You’re in good company
Look at www.furnituremakers.org.uk/design-guild-mark and our Pinterest and Instagram accounts to see holders.
The Furniture Makers' Company
The Furniture Makers’ Company is a City of London livery company and the furnishing industry’s charity.
Our vision is to sustain a thriving British furnishing industry with a talented workforce delivering high quality products, which supports those in need from within its ranks and those who have served it in the past.
| Make us your first port of call
We’re here to help when times are tough with grants, services, time and support. |
Make us a part of your future
We’re encouraging new talent with our extensive education programme, working with schoolchildren, students and young professionals to create a powerful workforce. |
Make excellence your goal
We’re recognising and inspiring the very highest standards within the industry with our prestigious Guild Marks and Awards. |