The New Design Britain Awards, organised by UBM Live Built Environment, has announced a partnership with leading online members-only luxury lifestyle store, Achica.
In a first for the respected graduate initiative, the five finalists from the Accessories category will have the opportunity to showcase their designs in an exclusive commercial space on the Achica website.
The partnership with Achica enhances the rare opportunity for graduates to kick-start their careers, by providing an instant route to market, aiding the New Design Britain programme with its aim to bridge the gap between education and industry.
Liam Butler, brand director of Achica, will join a line up of 24 judges who will shortlist five designers from each of the six categories – Accessories, Furniture, Fabrics, Surfaces, and, new for 2015, Interior Design and Architecture. Finalists will exhibit their work as part of the New Design Britain showcase at May Design Series, taking place at London's ExCeL between 17-19th May 2015.
New Design Britain Award winners will receive benefits including a work placement with key industry players, and vital industry advice and support. Winners will also receive a free stand to exhibit their products at May Design Series 2016.
Allie Little, New Design Britain programme curator, says: “We are extremely proud and excited to have Achica’s support as sponsor of our Accessories category. As a market-leading online brand, we are thrilled to have Achica’s help in bringing graduate design talent to the forefront of the international interiors industry.”
Liam Butler adds: “Good design is at the heart of the Acicha philosophy and, as a British company, we are delighted to give something back by supporting the design stars of the future. Achica has a captive market of almost five million diverse but discerning members across Europe and it is the perfect platform to showcase the best of British graduate talent.”
