HIGH POINT, N.C. – Twelve talented furniture design students from Appalachian State University will have the opportunity to share their work on a national stage at High Point Market after being chosen finalists in the Perennial Wood Appalachian State Design Studio. The 12 finalists were chosen from among 23 students by Appalachian State University professors and representatives of Eastman, the sponsor of the studio and manufacturer of Perennial Wood, the material used by the students in their designs.

Introduced to the furniture market this spring, Perennial Wood is real, solid wood that has been modified to compete with hardwoods, rivaling teak in both beauty and performance. Sourced and manufactured in the U.S., Perennial Wood is modified to protect against rot, decay and movement, withstanding moisture and outdoor elements. Furniture made with Perennial Wood will hold its shape and stand the test of time.

“We collaborated with Appalachian State because they have a strong furniture design program,” said Brant Mitchell, market development manager for Perennial Wood. “The students’ enthusiasm, talent and creativity have exceeded our expectations. These students and the designs they created are important conduits for illustrating what’s possible with Perennial Wood.”

In addition to contributing to an important product launch, the students expanded their portfolios by working with an innovative new material in a highly creative and supportive studio environment. The finalists’ furniture will be on display at High Point Market Week, April 21-26, 2012, in the Suites at Market Square, #1-828 (third floor).

The twelve student finalists are listed below, along with their hometowns, states, and the titles of their furniture pieces.

Nicholas Barnette, Jacksonville, Fla. – Title of piece: Marty

Michael DeMarco, Charlotte, N.C. – Title of piece: Strangler Floor Lamp

Eugene Duclos, Cary, N.C. – Title of piece: The Wright Bench

Derek Elliott, Cary, N.C. – Title of piece: Patio Chaise

Samuel Felts, Apex, N.C. – Title of piece: Extending Lounge Chair

Gabriel Grant, Fairfax, Va. – Title of piece: Cascade Downspout

Stuart Griffiths, Havelock, N.C. – Title of piece: Patio Partner

William Larson, Chapel Hill, N.C. – Title of piece: Lax Hammock

Benjamin Messer, Gastonia, N.C. – Title of piece: Ellipse

Nathan Metty, Pittsboro, N.C. – Title of piece: Strut

Austin Richards, New Market, Va. – Title of piece: Reverb

Erick Tang, Charlotte, N.C. – Title of piece: Levels

Finalists Compete for Awards

High Point Market Week attendees and the general public are invited to see the furniture created by the students at http://www.perennialwood.com/ASUDesignStudio/ and cast votes for their favorite student furniture design by sharing via social media from that webpage. Public online voting opens on Saturday, April 21, and closes at midnight on Thursday, April 26.

The student with the most tweets on Twitter, likes on Facebook, and pins on Pinterest will win the People’s Choice award. A Grand Prize winner will be chosen by a panel of experts from Eastman and Appalachian State University that will judge entries on design approach, use of medium (Perennial Wood and other materials), and the product’s purpose, usefulness and aesthetics.

During the week of April 30, the winners will be announced. The Grand Prize winner will receive a professionally produced video of his or her furniture project for inclusion on the Eastman Innovation Lab website, a resource for industrial designers and marketers featuring success stories about using materials to differentiate products for better results. The People’s Choice winner will receive public recognition online and at the International Contemporary Furniture Show, May 19-22, 2012, where his or her furniture will be displayed alongside the Grand Prize winner and the other finalists.

“Being part of this design studio has given our students opportunities to push traditional boundaries and create truly unique outdoor products, while bolstering their portfolios,” said Richard Prisco, professor in Appalachian State University’s department of technology and environmental design. “Congratulations to the finalists who are moving on to the competition phase, as well as all of the students who participated in the studio for their hard work and tenacity throughout the process.”

Eastman is accepting inquiries from furniture manufacturers interested in incorporating Perennial Wood into their offerings. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected]. Perennial Wood offers furniture manufacturers a long-lasting attractive, U.S.-sourced wood for their furniture lines

Source: Perennial Wood