The winner of the eight annual HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition is Junghyun Shin of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, for the design of the Cove lounge chair.
The chair balances elegance and comfort through a sculpted walnut frame and a continuous cupped seat-and-back form that creates a seamless, enveloping silhouette.
With softly rounded edges and a unified upholstered surface, it highlights craftsmanship and natural warmth while offering a refined, inviting presence.
Judged by Williams-Sonoma Business to Business director Frank Harker and senior designer Sam Jones, this year’s contest tasked students to design a lounge chair conceived for hospitality and commercial spaces.
“The chair feels inherently aligned with West Elm’s design ethos effortlessly balancing modern form with warmth and approachability,” says Harker. “There’s an immediate sense of comfort and familiarity in this chair. Its soft, welcoming form is balanced by a refined wood structure, resulting in a piece that feels timeless yet distinctive. It’s just as beautiful viewed from any angle, something you want to sit in, admire, and live with.”
In addition to a $5,000 prize, Shin will also have his product produced by West Elm.
Emma Kean of the Savannah School of Art and Design was named this year’s finalist for her Solace lounge chair, which explores the contrast between soft textile volume and a continuous curved wood frame.
Shin and Kean will be honored at the 22nd annual HD Awards ceremony on May 5th at Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas during HD Expo + Conference. Purchase tickets today!