HIGH POINT — The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) will present Bill McLoughlin, a veteran in the furniture industry with more than 30 years of experience and the editor in chief of Furniture Today, as its keynote speaker at the 28th annual Pinnacle Awards.
The industry’s highest honor in design, the Pinnacle Awards recognize outstanding achievements across various design categories. This year’s event will introduce a new category, finishings, expanding the scope of recognition for creative excellence.
The winners from 19 distinct design categories will be unveiled at the Pinnacle Awards Gala, set to take place during the High Point market on Oct. 28 at the Centennial Station Arts Center.
This year’s event also serves a philanthropic purpose, with a portion of ticket sales going to the ISFD Foundation Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to supporting talented student designers from educational institutions across the United States, helping to nurture the next generation of innovators in the furniture industry.
“We would like to thank all of the designers and manufacturers who entered this year’s Pinnacle Awards,” said David Blair, executive director. “Their continued support makes ISFD and this prestigious event successful.”
He also extended his appreciation to the judges who meticulously reviewed the competitive entries, highlighting the contribution of retired veteran furniture designer Steve Hodges, whose 48 years of experience brought invaluable insights to the judging process.
The 2024 Pinnacle Awards judges are:
- Brian Boggs – co-owner, master craftsman, furniture designer, Brian Boggs Chairmakers
- Patti Carpenter – principal and global trend ambassador, Carpenter + Company
- John Draughn – product finish design manager, Williams Sonoma and West Elm
- Nancy Fire – founder and chief inspiration officer, Nancy Fire Design
- Taylor Ghost – director of interior design, Stitch Design Shop
- Kim Grimsley – president, Kim Grimsley Designs
- Cindy Craig Hall – consultant/executive coach/small business coach, Cindy Craig Hall
- Sydney Harris – director of organizational development, Furnitureland South
- Steve Hodges – president, Steve Hodges Associates
- Cindy Hodnett – executive editor, brand development/home + design, Furniture Today
- Jesse James – founder and show director, Shoppe Object
- Angie Kenny – program director, Sustainable Furnishings Council
- Serena Martin – founder and president, 24/7 Creative Agency
- Erika Saurit – founder and creative director, Saurit Creative
- Scarlett Tapp – executive director, Sustainable Furnishings Council
- Erin Weir – co-founder and vice president of sales and marketing, Pearl Collective
- Ron Woodson – principal and creative director, Ron Woodson Design
The Pinnacle Awards celebrate designs that are primarily produced in larger quantities for consumer sale, honoring the designers directly involved in the creation of these products. To qualify, the entries must be in current production and have been showcased at major home furnishings or fabric markets worldwide or through online retail channels.