For Immediate Release

2009 Pinnacle Awards Finalists

NEW LONDON, North Carolina (June 30, 2009) - The Pinnacle  judges met at High Point University's Norton Hall for a full day last week to select the finalists in this year's 14th Annual ASFD Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards.  

 “Despite the continued slump in furniture retail sales, ASFD and the Pinnacle Committee were encouraged by the breadth of this year’s entries,” said Steve Hodges, ASFD president who presided the judging along with Christine Evans, executive director.  Katie Hatch, ASFD vice president serves as the 2009 Pinnacle Awards Chairperson.

Members of the distinguished panel were Dr. Richard Bennington, High Point University; Gary Evans, Furniture/Today;  Ellen Gefen, Gefen Productions; Jackie Hirschhaut, AHFA; Sheila Long O'Mara, Home Furnishings Business; Linda Longo, Home Lighting & Accessories, Kip Pohlman, Otis College of Art & Design;  Chuck Portaro, Furnitureland South;  Dianne Ray, Garden City Furniture; Max Shangle, Kendall College of Art & Design; Julie Smith, former editor Furniture Style; and Steve Walker, NC State/Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center. 

Furniture/Today serves as the Major Underwriter of the 2009 Pinnacle Awards.  Editor in chief, Ray Allegrezza will serve as emcee at the Pinnacle Awards banquet which will be held at the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC) ballroom on Monday evening, October 19 during the High Point Market.  At that time, all Pinnacle Finalists will be recognized and the winners announced.  Invitation and registration information will be forthcoming during the next few weeks.

The 2009 Pinnacle Awards sponsors are AkzoNobel, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Elmo Leather, Furniture Design Studios, High Point Market Authority, Hafele America Inc., Hickory Springs Mfg., Home Furnishings Business, Home Lighting & Accessories, International Home Furnishings Center and Leggett & Platt.

 Following are the 2009 Pinnacle Finalists listed in alphabetical order under each Pinnacle Category:

Occasional Tables
Lexicon Drink Table, Shaun Melvin, ASFD for Baker Furniture
Milan Crescent Base Side Table, William Faber for Century Furniture
Palomar Round Bunching Cocktail,  Berry & Clark Design Associates for Bernhardt Furniture
Occasional Storage
Lexicon Tower Etagere, Shaun Melvin, ASFD for Baker Furniture
Loft Table & Pot/Plate Rack, Pamela Merritt and Donna Dill for DesignSolutions, Inc.
Metro Black, Valerie Schmieder,  ASFD and Matthew Maher, ASFD for LOFT 102  For the Home
Youth Furniture
Artsycraftsy!  Arlette Mulford, ASFD, Jonah Staw, Arielle Eckstut for Powell Company, Inc.
Base Camp, Mike Warren, ASFD and Shannon Lookabill for Stanley Furniture Company
Reflections, Abigail Eaton, ASFD and W. Dudley Moore, Jr.  for Lea Industries
Casual Dining
Bonita, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Allan Copley
Lexicon Guild Arm and Side Chair, Shaun Melvin, ASFD for Baker Furniture
Veer, John Caldwell, ASFD for Tropitone Furniture Company
Formal Dining
Alston, Tim L. Annas, ASFD for Kincaid Furniture Co., Inc.
Milan Dining, William Faber for Century Furniture
Palomar Dining, Berry & Clark Design Associates for Bernhardt Furniture
Motion Upholstery
Aurora, Rick Lee for American Leather.
Gilbert, Michael Wolk, ASFD for American Leather
Sogno DreamWave, Toshiyuki Kita for Inada USA
Stationary Upholstery
Bergen II Chair, Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott Furniture
Cooper Lounge Chair & Chaise, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Della Robbia
Giselle Sectional, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Carter
Leather Upholstery
Bamboo/Rattan Chair, Glenn Yelvington and Joel Cadampog for Maitland-Smith
Grisham Sofa,  Amy Archer for American Leather
Springfield Sofa & Chair, Amy Archer for American Leather
Accessories
Birch Forest Wall Decor, Allan H. Palecek for Palecek
Bloomin’ Onion Vase, Jeremy Penn for The Phillips Collection
Galvanized Wall Circles, Jason Phillips, ASFD and Julie Phillips for The Phillips Collection
Lighting
Formae Contemporary, George Chandler, ASFD; David Martin, ASFD; Charles Camacho, ASFD for Hubbardton Forge
Hallie Wall Sconce, Pasquale Miranda for Murray Feiss
Ikebana Sphere Lamp, Allan H. Palecek for Palecek
Home Office
Adagio, Ken Levi, ASFD and  Andy Nielsen, ASFD for aspenhome
Milan Writing Desk, William Faber for Century Furniture
Ventura, Mike Warren, ASFD & Shannon Lookabill for Loft 102 For the Home
Entertainment Centers/Home Theater
Bamboo T.V. Cabinet, Paul Fihn and Manee Meepanya for The Phillips Collection
Metro Black, Valerie Schmieder, ASFD and Matthew Maher, ASFD for Loft 102 For the Home
Young Classics Tailor, Ken Levi, ASFD and Andy Nielsen, ASFD for aspenhome         
Summer/Casual
Latour Lounge Chair, Shaun Sweeney, ASFD for Woodard Furniture
Luxe 30 Club Chair, Paul E. Rogers for O.W. Lee Co.
Sirocco, Richard Holbrook for Brown Jordan
Bedroom
Bonita, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Allan Copley
Grove Collection, Curt Christian for Martin Home Furnishings
Kemperton Envision, Mark Tucker III, ASFD for Hooker Furniture
Major Collections
Black Ice, Troy Hollis, ASFD for Lexington Home Brands
Destination, Jena Hall, ASFD; Brent Camfferman, ASFD & aspenhome Design Team for aspenhome
Paula Deen Home, Otto & Moore, Inc. Design Team for Universal Furniture

New London, North Carolina, 9 February 2009 – Celebrating its 14th year, the Pinnacle™ Awards are the Home Furnishings Industry equivalent of the Academy Awards honoring excellence in design.  Pinnacle™ award finalists and winners are recognized industry wide for their stylish and innovative designs.  The deadline for submissions is June 1st.  Contact Christine Evans, ASFD Executive Director at Email: info@asfd.com to request an Entry Form.

For Immediate Release
Contact: 
Christine Evans, Executive Director
Tel. (910) 576-1273; Email:  info@asfd.com

2008 Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards
High Point, NC ( October 20, 2008) -  The American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) celebrated its 2008 Thirteenth Annual Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards on Monday evening during the High Point Furniture Market held at the Natuzzi Showroom.

Following a gala reception sponsored by Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, Jack Lewis, ASFD president welcomed the nearly 300 industry guests and thanked all of the sponsors for their outstanding Pinnacle support. Furniture/Today again served as the Major Underwriter of the 2008 Awards along with major supporters AkzoNobel, the High Point Market Authority and Grid2 International.  Other outstanding sponsors were Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Elmo Leather, Furniture Design Studios, Furniture Style, Hafele America Co., Hickory Springs Mfg.,  Home Furnishings Business, Home Lighting & Accessories, International Home Furnishings Center, Leggett & Platt,  Merchandise Mart Properties, SHOWPLACE,  220 Elm and World Market Center Las Vegas.

Steve Hodges, ASFD president-elect and 2008 Pinnacle Awards Chairman introduced this year’s Pinnacle Judges who were Dr. Richard Bennington, High Point University; Terry Allen, Industry Expert; Daren Cronin, City Furniture; Judith Cushman Hammer, UNC Greensboro; Jackie Hirschhaut, AHFA; Jo Fleisher, Home Furnishings Business; Max Shangle, Kendall College of Art & Design; Julie Smith, Furniture Style and its Supplements, Steve Walker, NC State Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center; and Rhonda Wolf, Havertys.

Nancy Glass, head of Nancy Glass Productions and noted HGTV host joined Ray Allegrezza, Editor in Chief of Furniture /Today as master of ceremonies.  Pinnacle award program presenters included Tom Inman, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers; Pam Martin, AkzoNobel; Joe Bograd, Bograds Fine Furniture; Cary Benson, Natuzzi; Carol Greg, Red Egg; Jay Howard, I. O. Metro; Tracy Bulla, Home Accents; Jenny Heinzen York, Editor, Home Accent, and Barclay Butera of Barclay Butera Home.

The 2008 Pinnacle Award Winners including comments from the Judges are:

Accessories 
River Rock Planters by Jason Phillips
The Phillips Collection
Judges Comments:
Done in a grand scale.  Earthy and serene.  Judges loved the Zen quality and excellent use of materials.

Bedroom           
Zacara Collection by Troy Hollis
Lexington Home Brands
Judges Comments:
We  found the collection clean lined and understated.  The use of fabric in the headboard was ingenious!

Casual Dining
Origins Table Collection by Nikom Sangkanatha
The Phillips Collection
Judges Comments:
Origins Table Collection redefines the category!  It has an exotic look and makes an eco-friendly statement!

Home Entertainment 
Adagio by Ken Levi  and Andy Nielson
Aspenhome
Judges Comments:
Judges noted the sculptural quality, richness of materials and thoughtful modern lines.

Formal Dining
New Vienna  by Scott Thomas
Scott Hamed 
Judges Comments:
New Vienna projects a rich look, a new traditionalism with exquisite elements of formality. Its unique environmental finish is a winner!

Home Office
Map Desk by  Glenn Yelvington 
Maitland Smith
Judges Comments:
This beautiful piece celebrates the craft of inlay.  A remarkable piece of work in today’s world!

Juvenile
Stella Stackables by Jonsara Ruth
Q Collection Junior
Judges Comments:
An eco friendly, all natural design with a fresh, sassy look. The Stackables engage us all  and appeal not only to a children's market.

Leather Upholstery
Stilletto Chair by Joe Mallison
Century Furniture
Judges Comments:
We loved it! Rock Star presence!

Motion American
Spinnaker by Louis Lara
American Leather
Judges Comments:
This piece is futuristic with dynamic form and beautiful lines.  Stunning to see such absolute function and elegance in a recliner.

Occasional Tables
WireForm Table by Paul Rosebrock and Craig Stout
Ethan Allen 
Judges Comments:
Great contrast in metal and glass; beautiful scale and proportion, and stellar execution!

Stationary Upholstery
Cadden Cutaway by Paul Galli, Jason Culler, Marissa Brown
Martha Stewart Living with Bernhardt
Judges Comments:
The use of materials and textures was clean and graceful, with an absolutely timeless appeal.

Lighting
Dyad Lamps by Charles Camacho, George Chandler , David Martin
Hubbardton Forge
Judges Comments
This Collection exhibited strong architectural style, softened by relevant materials.

Summer Casual
Stratus Collection by Jarrod Lim
Selamat Designs
Judges Comments:
Uncommonly clean and forward thinking, with a nod to Mid Century Modern

Occasional Storage
Six Drawer Console by Katie Hatch
Brastilo
Judges Comments:
Incredible.  Achieves a lightness that belies such a substantial piece. A real value for an eco -friendly product.

Major Collections
New Horizons by Paul Rosebrock and Craig Stout
Ethan Allen
Judges Comments:
Classic clean lines, style and substance.  A cohesive collection with thoughtful contrast in texture and finish that represents today's lifestyle.

Pinnacle Design Achievement Award
2008 Finalists Named

High Point, NC (August 8, 2008) – The American Society of Furniture Designers
(ASFD) and their judging panel selected finalists for the 2008 Pinnacle Design Achievement Award.  An unprecedented number of applications were submitted for this year, signaling an ever increasing commitment to the designers' role in the home furnishings business.  ASFD saw applications rise in all categories, as well as increasing diversity and innovation in product submissions.

The judging panel met in High Point University's Norton Hall for the full day to determine finalist for the awards.  Judges participating were, Dr. Richard Bennington High Point University; Steve Walker, North Carolina State; Max Shangle, Kendall College; Julie Smith, Furniture Style; Jo Fleisher, Home Furnishings Business; Terry Allen, Industry Expert; Daren K. Konig, City Furniture; Rhonda Wolf, Havertys; Judith Cushman Hammer, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; and Jackie Hirschhaut, American Home Furnishings Alliance.

Pinnacle Awards winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner event Monday October 20 at the Natuzzi showroom building on Commerce Street in High Point.  The event will be guest hosted by HGTV's Nancy Glass and Furniture/Today’s Ray Allegrezza.  Early reservations are suggestions for this limited seating event.

Questions related to ASFD or the 2008 Pinnacle Awards should be directed to Jane Matteson at info@asfd.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2008

Contact:
Jane Matteson, executive director
American Society of Furniture Designers
Phone 336.617.3209
Fax 336.274.9553
info@asfd.com

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF FURNITURE DESIGNERS ISSUES CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR 2008 PINNACLE AWARDS

GREENSBORO, N.C. ‑ The American Society of Furniture Designers is accepting entries for its annual Pinnacle Design Achievement awards that will be presented at the October 2008 High Point Market. Deadline for entries is July 30.

The Pinnacle awards are open worldwide to any designer or manufacturer; and membership in ASFD is not a requirement for entry.

For the 2008 awards, eligible products must meet the following criteria:

• Generally available to the public in retail stores
• Currently in production
• Introduced since October 2006
• Exhibited at a major retail furniture market or be available in at least 20 retail stores in the United States.

The Pinnacles are given in the following 15 product categories:

• Accessories
• Bedroom
• Casual dining
• Formal dining
• Home entertainment centers
• Home office
• Juvenile furniture
• Leather upholstery
• Lighting
• Major collections
• Motion upholstery
• Occasional storage
• Occasional tables
• Stationary upholstery
• Summer/casual furniture

"I'm really looking forward to the Pinnacle Award process, said Executive Director Jane Matteson, who was named to her position earlier this year. "We are already getting requests for entry forms and feel there will great interest in the 2008 Pinnacle Awards."

The ASFD’s board of directors instituted the Pinnacle Awards in 1995 to promote better design quality and to encourage the recognition of furniture designers among home furnishing retailers. Consequently, the awards are for designs that are produced in large volume for sale to consumers through retail stores, rather than for limited or custom production sold through designers or design showrooms.

Information about the categories, eligibility criteria, entry requirements and the entry for are available online at www.asfdpinnacle.com/downloads or by calling 336-617-3209 or fax 336-274-9553.

For the third year, Furniture/Today is the major underwriter of the Pinnacle Awards and will team with ASFD in planning the gala celebration for finalists and winners on opening day of the October market in High Point.

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