LEESBURG, Va. — REHAU announces the launch of its second annual student-focused furniture design competition, “Leading Edge Design Challenge: Thinking Forward.” The competition invites undergraduate college and university students of architecture, interior and furniture design to create furniture concepts that feature REHAU edgeband, high-gloss surface and tambour door products.

The 2014 competition requires participants to create a design specifically for a retail or hospitality application. Registration is open to all students currently enrolled in an undergraduate architecture or design program in the U.S. or Canada.

“The Leading Edge Design Challenge offers a compelling opportunity for students in architecture as well as interior and furniture design to extend their creative ideas into real-world settings,” said Dr. Thomas Troeger, North American director for REHAU’s furniture business unit. “In addition, it provides a way for students to gain a competitive advantage while helping to facilitate the transition from classroom to career.”

The panel of judges for the 2014 competition will include: Lee Davis, instructor, Interior Design Department, Kendall College of Art and Design; Allison Embrey Medina, executive editor, design:retail (formerly DDI Magazine); and Art Kubach, president, TC Millwork.

“For the second annual contest, we’ve added a new dimension to the judging criteria – manufacturability – so that the students get a better understanding of the practical constraints they may be faced with as their designs move from concept into production,” said Troeger.

Students may enter the competition by completing the registration form at www.na.rehau.com/leadingedge until the registration deadline of Feb. 23, 2015. All submissions are due via email to [email protected] by Mar. 1, 2015, and must include a written description and supporting CAD, PDF and JPEG files. A more detailed list of specific submission guidelines is available on the competition website.

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of industry jurors, and one winner will be notified via email. The winning student will receive a USD $1,000 prize, and the winning design will be posted to the REHAU North America website. Additional information on REHAU’s 2014 Leading Edge Design Challenge: Thinking Forward can be viewed by visiting www.na.rehau.com/leadingedge.

For more information on the complete line of high-gloss surfaces, edgeband solutions and tambour door systems, contact: REHAU, 1501 Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E., Leesburg, Va., 20176. Phone: 1.800.247.9445. Fax: 1.800.627.3428. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.na.rehau.com/furniture.

REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. Approximately 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.