DALLAS–More than 100 students from the Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, Columbia College–Chicago, University of Idaho, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University and Appalachian State University will participate in the Groovystuff by Design Challenge, the most students and schools the program has seen since its launch in 2010. The designs they create will then debut at April High Point Market.
“I think this is a testament on how this program has made it through the academic channels and more and more professors are finding the educational platform a benefit to their programs,” Chris Bruning, GroovyStuff’s CEO, told HFN. “Working with reclaimed materials is a real challenge and it educates on so many levels when it comes to corporate responsibility, choice and global awareness wherever the students go after graduation.”
For the design challenge, students will design an accessory, accent or occasional home furnishings product that uses or reconfigures reclaimed teak wood and is competitive enough to be included in Groovystuff’s Dick Idol Legends brand. The products will displayed in the University Hall of Innovation & Job Creation, an industry co-operative founded by Bruning that bridges the gap between education and the residential home furnishings industry, allowing students and professors to network with retailers, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and others at High Point Market.
Students from each school will submit a product board and model of their design for a chance to compete in the “Popular Vote at Market.” The winning design from each school will receive a $250 cash prize.