From what the judges called “the best ever” caliber of entries, they selected the (b)One bench as Best of Show in the IWF Design Emphasis 2010 student furniture design competition.

Also named winner of the contract (commercial/office/hospitality) furniture category, the (b)One bench by Ross McCoy of Kansas State University featured MDF blanks that were CNC machined, assembled, then covered in fiberglass and painted a bright sheen. The flowing sculptural design was honored for its outstanding design and master craftsmanship.

Selected from the 50 finalists, other Design Emphasis category winners and honorees named in a special ceremony on Aug. 24 were:

Commercial/Office/Hospitality: Winner: McCoy; Merit: Joshua Janis, Haywood Community College, Blue Wave bench; Honorable Mention: Berry Schnetter, Iowa State University, dining room chair.

Casegoods: Winner: Eric Warnick, Pittsburg State University, mahogany and sapele king-sized bed; Merit: Nathan Schrock, Pittsburg State University, figured walnut dresser; Honorable Mention: Peter Kasper, Iowa State University, oak and walnut gun cabinet.

Accent Furniture/Tables: Winner: Melissa Engler, Haywood Community College, Swallow Tail desk; Merit: Jacob Maxfield, Brigham Young University, table with hidden drawer; Honorable Mention: Jake Blok, Kendall College of Art & Design, curly maple and bubinga cabinet.

Design Creativity: Winner: Vanessa Choi, Art Center College of Design, Tandu stool; Merit: J. Michael Floyd, Appalachian Center for Craft – Tennessee Tech University, Chippendale Mirror Moderne; Honorable Mention: Zorine Pooladian, Art Center College of Design, Beat seating solution.

Seating: Winner: Melissa Engler, Haywood Community College, Lift; Merit: Matthew Ovel, Kansas State University, Contour Chair; Honorable Mention: Matt Culver, Appalachian Center for Craft – Tennessee Tech University, Butterfly Chair.

All 50 finalists, “have shaped and moulded their inspiration into works of art,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of marketing for the American Home Furnishings Alliance and chairman of the judging committee. The 50 finalists were selected from more than 180 entries, from more than 30 schools.

Furniture from the finalists and winners will be on display throughout the IWF show at Booth 3037 in Building A.

The (b)One bench by Ross McCoy was named Best of Show in the Design Emphasis 2010 competition.

Winners and honorees in the Design Emphasis 2010 competition include: (top row, L-R), J. Janis, M. Ovel, J. Maxfield, J. Blok, N. Schrock, (bottom row, L-R) M. Culver, J. Floyd, M. Engler, R. McCoy, E. Warnick.