Furniture World News Desk on
9/23/2025
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) has announced 110 finalists in 26 categories for the 2025 Pinnacle Awards. The winners will be revealed during the 29th annual Pinnacle Awards Gala on Monday, October 27, in the IHFC 11th Floor Ballroom, held in conjunction with the Fall High Point Market.
TV personality Natalie Papier, host of Magnolia Network’s Artfully Designed, will serve as keynote speaker for the event. John Conrad, retired from ISFD, will return as master of ceremonies. The evening schedule includes a student meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., and the awards presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m.
A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the ISFD Foundation Scholarship Fund, which supports design students nationwide. Tickets for the limited-seating event are available at the Pinnacle Awards Gala website.
“Every year, I am amazed at the level of creativity and expertise that is shown in the entries, but I think that this year surpasses them all,” stated David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “The professional designers, designer-makers, and students really outdid themselves in offering the judges an outstanding array of exceptional designs to review. Even the new Biophilic Design in Wood category excelled in bringing nature to interior spaces. A magnanimous thanks goes out to the judges who tackled the challenging task of reviewing and selecting the finalists and ultimately the winners.”
The 2025 finalists include professional product, furniture, and textile designers, designer-makers, and graduate and undergraduate design students. Their designs are produced by a range of manufacturers and aim to highlight the value of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation in the consumer furnishings market.
Sponsorship support includes: Bronze Level Sponsors Furniture Design Studios, High Point Market Authority, and Lockdowel; Designer-Maker category sponsor Appalachian Hardwood; Biophilic Design in Wood sponsor Real American Hardwood; Student Competition sponsor Richard Frinier Design Studio; Corporate Partner Canadian Wood; and Industry Partners Designers Today, Elements Studios, Furniture Today, International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), and The Media Matters. ISFD also acknowledges support from the International Textile Alliance (ITA) and the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
“As part of our mission to inspire, educate, and connect our future professional furniture designers, ISFD charges no entry fee for the Student Pinnacle Awards, and we give every Student ISFD Member one free ticket to the Gala,” Blair continued. “We are looking for additional sponsors for this year’s student competition and gala so we can continue to introduce these future designers to our industry. Thank you in advance for your consideration.”
About ISFD
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is an association of professional and student furniture designers in residential and contract furnishings and accessories. Its mission is to promote and advance outstanding design and to elevate and support the furniture designer through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Its Pinnacle Awards® recognize the very best in furniture design each year, and its INNOVATION + DESIGN awards promote the outstanding work of designer–makers. Visit isfd.org for more information about the organization and its programs, or follow its activities on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
link