In May this year, NDA launched a student competition in conjunction with the UK’s largest distributor of decorative surfaces, International Decorative Surfaces (IDS). IDS were looking for inspired designs for a new Head Office building in a prominent location in Stoke.
The competition was launched in partnership with Staffordshire University and more than 50 high quality entries were received.
The well deserved winners were announced at an Awards Evening organised and hosted by IDS, at the Potter’s Club in Stoke. Anthony Rayworth, NDA’s Director of Studies was delighted to be on the judging panel of this student competition and in his speech he commented “NDA are proud to be involved in student competitions which encourage creativity and provide students an opportunity to work with industry. This experience is invaluable to their future career development and the partnership with IDS proves how beneficial this can be to all involved.”
The winner was Martyn Webb, a BA Hons Architecture graduate from the University of Portsmouth; second came Blaze Perrigo, studying BA Hons Interior Design at University College Falmouth and third place went to Becky Spenceley, studying BA Hons Interior Design at Northumbria University. Samples of their work can be seen in the slideshow above.
The winner received £1000 in prize money plus a hosted visit to 100% Design in London in 2013, together with mentoring opportunities with the company’s many surface material suppliers. The runners up each received £500.
Due to the very high standard of entries and broad range of concepts presented, 3 ‘Highly Commended’ designs were also chosen by the judges in addition to the 3 finalists. The commended designers were; Amy Broad studying at Northumbria University, Gabrielle Milner studying at University College Falmouth and Anita Brown studying with the National Design Academy.
IDS is the UK’s largest distributor of decorative surface materials including laminates, worktops, flooring, solid surfacing and panel products. The company’s head office is based currently at Newcastle under Lyme and IDS has plans to relocate to new purpose built premises at the Parkhouse Interchange in early 2014. The premises will house a 61,000 sq ft warehouse, a 2,500 sq ft showroom, a 50 seat lecture theatre as well as office accommodation. The modern, eco-friendly building reflects the company ethos and will have the lowest possible carbon footprint, utilising modern materials and building methods including rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling and solar panelling. IDS have indicated that they will be happy to host seminars for NDA to increase the materials knowledge of our students.
John Bagshaw, managing director of IDS commented: “I am delighted with the calibre of entries that we received showcasing some very well thought-out and creative ideas incorporating our decorative surfaces.
“This is the first of many planned collaborations with Staffordshire University and local colleges to foster educational links and improve students’ knowledge and business skills.”
Judging of the entries was carried out by: John Bagshaw; Patricia Hancock, marketing consultant to IDS; Tristram Hunt, Labour MP for Stoke on Trent and Anthony Rayworth, Director of Studies at the National Design Academy based in Nottingham. Rowena Beighton-Dykes, Partnership Manager at Staffordshire University who facilitated the competition, also attended the judging as an observer.
