Race Furniture, a pioneer in British design and craftsmanship, proudly announces the launch of its 80th Anniversary Design Competition – Seating the Future: The Ultimate Theatre Design Challenge. This landmark competition invites UK-based design students and recent graduates to envision the future of theatre seating, inspired by the trailblazing legacy of the company’s founder, Ernest Race.
This extraordinary challenge calls on participants to reimagine theatre seating, blending innovation, sustainability, and ergonomic excellence. Designs should reflect the forward-thinking ethos that has defined Race Furniture for eight decades while incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials for modern audiences.
A Legacy of Visionary Design
Ernest Race, renowned for transformative designs such as the BA3 and Antelope Chair, revolutionised post-war British furniture by prioritising practicality, functionality, and an innovative use of materials over traditional aesthetics. His designs embraced resourceful approaches, repurposing surplus materials to meet the challenges of the era while redefining modern furniture design. In keeping with his spirit of innovation, this competition champions the next generation of designers to create a chair that embodies the principles of comfort, functionality, and sustainability.
Competition Brief: Design the Theatre Seat of the Future
Participants are tasked with creating a seating solution that combines form, function, and innovation while prioritising sustainability. The designs may include features such as modularity, advanced ergonomics, and integrated technologies to enhance the theatre-going experience. Submissions should align with Race Furniture’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and progressive design.
Judging and Prizes
Entries will be judged by a panel of esteemed professionals, including Jamie Clark, Head of Design at Race Furniture; and Brian Ahern, Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company. Stay tuned as we reveal additional members of our judging panel in the coming weeks. Top designs will be evaluated on innovation, functionality, sustainability, and feasibility, with prizes including:
- First Place: £1,000 cash prize, full profile featured in Design Insider
magazine, and an opportunity to collaborate with Race Furniture to bring
the design to life for exhibition at the Young Furniture Makers’ Exhibition in
October 2025. - Runners-up: Inclusion in press releases announcing the winner and
runners-up, and the opportunity to attend a design workshop with Jamie
Clark from Race Furniture. - Key Dates:
Launch: Friday, 7th February 2025
Submission Deadline: Thursday, 24th April 2025
Winner Announcement: Thursday, 12th June 2025
Eligibility
The competition is open to UK-based design students and recent graduates who meet at least one of the following conditions:
Currently studying in full-time education
Who has studied or is studying in a private/commercial furniture designer- maker course
Who has graduated from a UK university or college within the last two years
How to Enter
Participants can submit their entries, including a design concept, technical drawings, and material specifications, via the Furniture Makers’ website. Full details and guidelines can be found at: https://racefurniture.com/seating-the-future-design-competition/
Entries can be submitted at:
https://zealous.co/thefurnituremakerscompany/opportunity/seating-the-future-the-ultimate-theatre-design-competiton/
Join us in celebrating 80 years of design excellence by shaping the future of
theatre seatin
