ISFD Hosts Hardwood Design Panel at Spring Market

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) has announced its annual Spring Market panel event: “The Power of Hardwood: Craft, Performance & Purpose in Modern Design,” presented in partnership with Real American Hardwood® and Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc.

The panel will take place Monday, April 27, at 9 a.m. in the Suites at Market Square ANDMORE Seminar Room (SAMS T-1022). It is open to all Market attendees; no RSVP is required.

Panelists will discuss the benefits of specifying hardwoods for furniture design, including structural integrity, design flexibility, environmental sustainability, and timeless aesthetic appeal, as well as the creation of biophilic interior environments.

“This year, working with Real American Hardwood®, the sponsor of the Biophilic Design in Wood category of our Pinnacle Awards, and Appalachian Hardwood, the sponsor of the Designer/Maker category, we are focusing on the beauty, performance, and sustainability of domestic hardwood,” said David Blair, ISFD executive director. “Our goal is to inspire designers to rethink how and when they specify hardwood, making it a defining element in their projects.”

Panelists include:

• Justin Binnix, Vice President of Case Goods & Outdoor Merchandising at Century Furniture, with more than 30 years of experience in lighting, furniture design, and product development.

• Scott Coley, ISFD, Founder of Scott Coley Designs and author of the 2024 book Elements of Furniture Design.

• Jerri Hobdy, Founder and Furniture Designer of MENO HOME, focused on creating healthful environments.

• Jeremy Kamiya, Founder of Kamiya Furniture, an award-winning designer-maker known for his work with wood species and no-stain finishing techniques.

David Blair will serve as panel moderator.

Following the panel at 10:30 a.m., designers are encouraged to pre-register for “The Hardwood Design Experience: A Curated High Point Tour,” a 90-minute guided visit to Century, Gat Creek, and Simply Amish. The tour will cover material selection, construction techniques, sustainability, and emerging design trends through the lens of U.S. hardwood. Space is limited; registration is available at realamericanhardwood.pro.

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. The Pinnacle Awards® recognize the very best in furniture design each year, and its INNOVATION + DESIGN awards promote the outstanding work of designer-makers. For more information, visit ISFD.org.