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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
A Design Guild Mark can be awarded for a product or collection of products that are currently in volume production. Entries are not restricted by the original date of production. Clear evidence must be provided to showcase the design process and the means of production of each piece that is entered.
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.
Is the design outstanding?
Consideration will be given, for example, to:
• Are the materials appropriate?
• Are they from sustainable sources?
• Does the piece/collection 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?
Click here to view the Judging Panel.
Furniture
Entry is open to all types of furniture from all different sectors.
Textiles, Wall Coverings, Surfaces, Carpets and Floor coverings
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.
NEW: 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: 26th November 2021
Final: 21 January 2022
There is a one-off application fee of £150 + VAT for applications submitted before the Early Bird deadline.
Submissions before the Final Deadline cost £175 + VAT.
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.
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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. |