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20.11.2023
At Jacaranda, we pride ourselves on encouraging new design talent and are thrilled to announce the launch of our hand-tufted rug design competition in collaboration with the renowned West Dean, KLC School of Design and GoodWeave International.
This exciting partnership celebrates a shared commitment to innovation, ethical craftsmanship, and sustainability, marking the second year of this successful initiative.
Our Partners
The competition is run in partnership with GoodWeave, a charity who Jacaranda are proud to support, as they work to end child labour and protect the rights of adult workers in the weaving communities.
The esteemed KLC School of Design offers leading interior design courses renowned for their exceptional teaching and industry connections.
Why We Run the Competition
Supporting Emerging Designers – The competition provides students with a unique opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to the interior design industry. The winning design will be transformed into a hand-tufted rug for the student to keep. Additionally, standout designs are considered for inclusion in the Jacaranda collection, an extraordinary opportunity for any up-and-coming designer.
Raising Awareness – By partnering with GoodWeave, we’re highlighting the importance of ethical practices in the weaving industry, including the fight against child labour.
Highlighting Sustainability – The theme of ‘Regeneration’ and the use of renewable fibres underline our belief in sustainable luxury.
The Competition
KLC students have been challenged to design a rug that showcases their technical and artistic abilities whilst considering the technical capabilities of hand-tufted rug design. The brief asks students to:
- Design a hand-tufted rug for a luxurious city apartment in a re-purposed building to suit design conscious residents desiring a high-end, luxury interior
- Base their design on the theme of ‘regeneration’
- Use sustainable fibres wool and TENCEL™, incorporating creative features possible in hand-tufting
- Provide research demonstrating their interpretation of the ‘regeneration’
To launch the competition students had the privilege of hearing from a panel of esteemed professionals
Inspiration & Guidance from Industry Experts
Jo Hamilton, renowned interior designer, offered a glimpse into her creative process and shared tips for integrating standout rug designs into high-end interiors.
Fay Handley from GoodWeave UK provided a deep dive into the realities of the weaving industry and how sustainable practices are transforming communities.
Angela Henson, Jacaranda’s Design Manager, demonstrated the endless creative possibilities in hand-tufted rug design.
The inspirational talk gave students not only a clearer understanding of the technical aspects but also the inspiration to think boldly about their designs.
Meet the judges
Richard Meager – Founder and Managing Director of Jacaranda Carpets & Rugs
Fay Handley – UK Representative for GoodWeave International
Jo Hamilton – Award winning interior designer
Jan Erika Lewis – Artist and rug designer
Geoffery Makstutis – Head of School at KLC School of Design
Judging will take place in early 2025, our distinguished judging panel combines expertise from diverse fields
After careful evaluation and consideration, every student will receive individual feedback on their entry.
As well as celebrating up and coming design talent, the competition offers unique exposure to the industry, an exclusive insight into the artisan craft of hand-tufting and a crucial awareness of the importance of ethical production.
We look forward to sharing the innovative creations and bringing to life the winning design.
Good luck to all the participants.
