It is the insights of the Design Guild Mark judges, and the challenging questions they pose, that ensure the award is something to which to aspire.
That is why when we introduced the 2D design category last year in order to praise excellent designs in the fields of fabrics, textiles, wall coverings, flooring and surfaces that we sought a panel of experts, separate from our Furniture category, to arbitrate this new class.
The expertise of the judges is unrivalled, with each of them permeating different sectors within the industry.
This year’s judging day took place at the beautifully lit surroundings of Morgan’s Clerkenwell showroom. Seven worthy winners were awarded the Design Guild Mark.
Following last month’s post with the Furniture judges’ thoughts, here’s what the 2D category judges said:
'Such an array of innovative ideas and products. Some quite diverse and unexpected but all worthy recipients of the Design Guild Mark.'
— Linzi Coppick
Design director of Forme UK Design and Architecture
‘We all know that lovely quote by William Morris ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ In the light of this modern age may I add to the quote ‘and definitely sustainable’ as all of the products that have been awarded the prestigious Design Guild Mark meet all three of those criteria.’
— Daniel Hopwood
Director of Daniel Hopwood: London Interior Design & Architecture
‘This year’s winners provided a refreshing mix of clever ideas, beautifully crafted details and creative solutions on how to live, work and relax. It’s always a pleasure to be involved in the process and I hope the results will inspire more unique and innovative entries next year.’
— Clare Johnston
Emeritus professor at the Royal College of Art and textile designer for fashion and interiors
‘I was so proud to be involved for the second year of judging the 2D Design Guild Mark - a day viewing such a diverse range of British designed 2D products designed for volume production, many of which were being produced in the UK. It was so encouraging to see that the winners this year have sustainability in the forefront of their minds during their design process.’
— Natasha Marshall
Designer and founder of Natasha Marshall Limited
‘The Design Guild Mark offers a fabulous opportunity for designers to showcase their creative thought process which goes into any product. Working collaboratively with other specialists in the development of their ideas to bring together a marketable solution within their industry is often a challenge. The Design Guild Mark recognises the importance of creativity and development of solutions in new ideas.’
— Corinne Pringle
Director at tp bennett
‘As with last year's awards, the entries that impressed the judges most, were those that managed to combine innovation and original thinking with an environmental and ethical consideration. Moreover, good design should both excite us as fellow designers and consumers and have the integrity to move us as humans.’
— Peter Thwaites
Design director for Rapture and Wright
