After the registration period for the 2018 Salão Design 2018 Award ended this Monday, October 2, the organization of the award announced the names of the judging panel of this special edition, which marks the 30th anniversary of the competition held by the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis). The group consists of five design professionals with industrial and craftsmanship influence, whose work features a strong sustainable appeal. Their names are: Brunno Jahara, Bruno Faucz, Letícia Grisa, Nicole Tomazi and Salvatore Figliuzzi.

During the first judging phase, all graphic entries will be evaluated. The finalists  announced in November will then submit their full-size products or their prototypes so that the winners are chosen in Bento Gonçalves (RS).

Sponsored by Berneck and Interprint, the Salão Design Award will offer more cash prizes this year. Each class (Student, Professional and Industry/Retail) will have first, second and third places, awarded R$ 12,000, R$ 8,000 and R$ 6,000, respectively. There will also be three super awards for the best 2018 products, regardless of their classes: R$ 20,000, R$ 15,000 and R$ 12,000.

In addition, the winners will participate in two product shows: from March 12 - 15, during the Movelsul Brasil fair (where the award ceremony will also take place), and from August 28 - 30 at High Design - Home & Office Expo. For more information, visit www.salaodesign.com.br, Facebook/ Prêmio Salão Design, Instagram @premiosalaodesign.

Learn more about the members of the judging panel:

Brunno Jahara (Rio de Janeiro) – Graduated from the University of Brasília and IUAV in Venice, Brunno established his design consultancy firm, Jahara Studio, focusing on the creation and production of objects and furniture. Influenced by his experience in Europe, he approaches themes such as sustainability and recycling of industrial material, while moving through other creative areas. Global, but always locally inspired, Jahara's work represents the diverse background he acquired in Europe and Brazil, showing a new understanding of the different cultures and societies he lived in.

Bruno Faucz (Santa Catarina) – Graduated in Furniture Design in 2007 and postgraduate in Master International Design. He worked for seven years in the manufacturing companies and traveled throughout Brazil researching aspects related to the "moment of purchase". In 2013, he started his own Design Studio, which focuses on the Market - Industry - Design pillars. He has already exhibited in São Paulo, NYC, Paris and Milan. One of his pieces is in the book "Brazilian Furniture Design", which features the main highlights of seat parts from 1928 to 2013.

Letícia Grisa (Rio Grande do Sul) – Designer of Product from the University of Caxias do Sul and Specialist in Ergonomics from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, sha has already worked in the furniture and automotive industry. With experience gained at Poli.Design in Milan and industrial background, she has shared her knowledge as a professor at UCS design courses for eight years. Today she is the managing partner of UNT Intelligence Design, a company based in Rio Grande do Sul specialized in strategic product design, a finalist and award winner in the Salão Design Award.

Nicole Tomazi (Rio Grande do Sul) – Her work combines design and crafts by developing design pieces for her brand - Oferenda Objetos since 2007. Her products have been exhibited internationally at Salone Satellite and Fuori Salone in Milan. Winner of the Planeta Casa Award 2012 and a finalist at the Salone Satellite Award 2012 and 2013, she is a Master in Design with research focused on territory and culture.  She is currently developing projects aimed at territorial design, pieces for her brand and also projects for Brazilian manufacturing companies.

Salvatore Figliuzzi (Germany) – German, of Italian origin, he lives near Cologne, in Germany - one of the most important furniture hubs in the world. He has been working in the surface design industry for 30 years and all his professional experience is aimed at design and creativity. His professional focus is to ensure that design brings people together through communication and emotion. He has worked for Interprint since 2006 and is currently Director of Marketing and Design for the Interprint Group.

Pay attention to Salão Design Award schedule

Judgment of the first phase: October, 2017

Announcement of the finalists: November 13, 2017

Delivery of products for the final phase: January 11, 12 and 15, 2018

Choice of the winners: January 22 and 23, 2018

Announcement of the award winners: Feb 5

Show and award ceremony: Movelsul Brasil 2018, March 12 - 15 in Bento Gonçalves

Second award winners show: High Design Expo, August 28 – 30, 2018 in São Paulo