Furniture Today,
NEW LONDON, N.C. — The American Society of Furniture Designers is accepting applications for the

2014 Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards, which honor outstanding design in home furnishings.

Steve Hodges, president of Steve Hodges Associates and ASFD vice president and president-Elect, is chairman of the competition, now in its 12th year.

“After a record number of entries submitted in 2013, we look forward to our biggest and most successful awards competition in the Pinnacles’ history in 2014,” said Hodges. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 1.

For the second year, Furniture/Today is the major underwriter of the Pinnacle Awards and will team with ASFD in planning the gala to celebrate the finalists and winners, set for High Point on Oct. 1, the opening day of the High Point Market.

Other sponsors are the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Elmo Leather, Furniture Style, Hafele America, Hickory Springs Mfg., the High Point Market Authority, Home Furnishings Business, Home Lighting & Accessories, the International Home Furnishings Center, Leggett & Platt, Merchandise Mart Properties, Showplace, Weyerhaeuser and the World Market Center Las Vegas.

This year’s Pinnacle judges, who will convene for a full day in early August, include Dr. Richard Bennington, High Point University; Leslie Fishbein, Kacey Fine Furniture, Denver; Ellen Gefen, Gefen Productions and host of  “Industry Update Home Fashion Report;” Francel Goude, RFG Global Design Group; Jaclyn Hirschhaut, American Home Furnishings Alliance; Dr. Thelma Lazo-Flores, Savannah College of Art & Design; Dan Minor, Boyles Furniture, Conover, N.C.; Sheila Long O’Mara, Home Furnishings Business; Julie Smith, Furniture Style, Home Fashion Forecast and The Retail Experience; Max Shangle, Kendall College of Art & Design; Steve Walker, North Carolina State University; and Rhonda Wolf, Havertys Furniture, Atlanta.

Ray Allegrezza, Furniture/Today editor in chief, will be master of ceremonies at the awards banquet.

Information about the 15 entry categories, eligibility criteria, entry requirements and the entry form are available online at www.asfdpinnacle.com/downloads.

For more information, or to receive a free 2014 Pinnacle poster and entry kit, contact Christine Evans, ASFD executive director at info@asfd.com or call (910) 576-1273.