Two students win Groovystuff furniture design competition

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today -- Casual Living, 4/27/2011 12:11:06 PM

DALLAS — Reclaimed wood furniture resource Groovystuff has recognized two student furniture designers for their contributions to the Groovystuff Design Challenge.

Jeremy Maher, a student at Appalachian State University, won a $1,000 award for the Balance End Table he designed in a Groovystuff contest.The winners are Jeremy Maher from Appalachian State University and Suyin Li from Auburn University. Both designed products that reflect the nature of the company's Dick Idol licensed brand, and that can be produced through sustainable manufacturing practices.

Maher competed against 23 undergraduates from the Industrial Design Department at ASU who took part in the competition. He won the top prize for his $499 Balance end table, which received the most orders written at the April High Point Market.

"Sales are where the rubber meets the road, and our goal is to provide these graduates with a platform that encourages them to embrace the home furnishings industry," Groovystuff President Chris Bruning said.

Maher won $1,000 cash and also will receive royalties from the sale of the tables, which use a reclaimed teak wagon wheel for the base and an antique plow used for a decorative handle and center support.

Li placed first in the popular vote from market attendees for her Green Fall coffee table, a contemporary teak table inspired by the shapes of trees. She will receive $500 cash and will be one of the finalists participating in the Groovystuff Design Challenge at the October High Point Market.

Another Appalachian student, Lee Beatrous, received $500 for winning the most votes for his Stasis coffee table at the October 2010 market.