Designer Rugs 2019 Evolve Awards

Encouraging design professionals to throw their hats in the textiles ring, Designer Rugs Evolve Awards 2019 are officially open. Designers have the opportunity to tap into their own aesthetic and conceive their own design, for manufacture and production (and there are prizes!)

Designer Rugs’ Evolve Awards 2019 are now open. The awards see the opportunity for design professionals of either under (or over) five years’ experience, with two judging categories, to design their ultimate tactile rug vision. Each entrant can enter up to a maximum of three designs each, allowing for a varied response, and a creative exploration as part of the process. The competition is open to Architects, Interior Designers and Interior Decorators.

As a competition for professionals, the underlying premise behind the awards is an opportunity to showcase a learned knowledge of the manufacturing process, as part of the design itself. The competition also takes into earnest consideration, that as a professional, there is added knowledge and understanding of application, process and of lessons learned from project-specific experiences.

The competition is open to Architects, Interior Designers and Interior Decorators.

The competition is a celebration of rugs, and of its importance in contemporary Australian design. As an integral player as part of any space, the layered and sensory engagement should also be considered. Designers are asked to explore the limitations vehemently, but also to consider core specifications. Specifically, the designs will be hand-tufted in New Zealand wool, with the option of bamboo silk detailing and this needs to be captured in the design. There is also the option to propose production to be cut and loop pile, with the option of carving into the design. Through the link here, the specifications can be read at length.

Designers are asked to ultimately question what is it that makes a good rug. As a subtle addition to a space, or whether the statement centerpiece, the Evolve Awards encouraged to rethink the humble floor covering and propose something altogether new and immersive. Color combinations, palette and responses to trends will obviously be considered, along with complexity and boldness. Without over complicating the process, there is also a learned controlled-ness that will be considered in the judging process also.

The competition is a celebration of rugs, and of its importance in contemporary Australian design.

The judging process is conducted anonymously, with a special category (People’s Choice) open to voters in September. Entries close 30th April 2019, with finalists selected before 28th May, and the final event and winner announced in October 2019. Six finalists will receive a $2000 design fee and their design fabricated as part of the Designer Rugs 2019/20 collection. The People’s Choice Award will also receive a $2000 design fee. The winner will receive return flights to Milan to attend Salone de Mobile 2020, 3 nights accommodation, their rug and a design fee of $2000. Not a bad loot, for a little design time.