ATLANTA—Winners of the IWF Design Emphasis 2024 student design contest were announced on Wednesday,  August 7, in the Design Emphasis Gallery. Located in Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center, the gallery features the entries of all 41 finalists.

Orko Sen, from Appalachian State University, won Best of Show for DLW Station, a wall-mounted entryway cabinet designed for storing everyday items along with less frequently used outdoor items, in an organized manner.

Cash prizes were awarded to the Best of Show ($1,500), and to the winners ($1,000), merit ($500) and honorable mentions ($250) in each category. The five categories are Accent Furniture, Case Goods, Commercial/Hospitality Furniture, Design Creativity, and Seating. 

The competition is sponsored by IWF and its owner, WIA (Woodworking Industry Association). Projects will be on display in the Gallery throughout IWF.

ACCENT FURNITURE/ ACCENT TABLES:
Winner – Michael Aehle (Kansas State University) – Sonia Coffee Table
Merit – Toryn Black (Haywood Community College) – Janus
Honorable Mention – Haley Grimbeek (Appalachian State University) – Vega

CASE GOODS:
Winner – Jen Schmidt (Haywood Community College) – Barrel Manilow
Merit – Meredith Metz (Haywood Community College) – Ash and Sapele Credenza
Honorable Mention – Allen Kromer (Haywood Community College) – Flicker Cabinet

COMMERCIAL/OFFICE/HOSPITALITY FURNITURE:
Winner – Grayson Hall (Purdue University) – Poppi
Merit – Vic Stocker (Appalachian State University) – Eyry
Honorable Mention – Kyle Haggerty (Georgia Institute of Technology) – Resonance

DESIGN CREATIVITY:
Winner – Orko Sen (Appalachian State University) – Luma
Merit – Katherine Semler (Auburn University) – Serpentine Cellar
Honorable Mention – Genevieve Smith (SUNY Buffalo State University) – Prismatic

SEATING:
Winner – Katie Sturm (Appalachian State University) – Lou
Merit – Vic Stocker (Appalachian State University) – Luna
Honorable Mention – Jen Schmidt (Haywood Community College) – Barrel White