CONNOR HOLLAND WINS MIXOLOGY16 STUDENT DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY KI
Connor Holland, who recently graduated from Kingston University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Industrial and Product Design, has been named Student Designer of the Year at the prestigious Mixology Awards. Connor was presented with his award by Jonathan Hindle, Group Managing Director, KI EMEA, in front of over 1,100 attendees at the prestigious annual ceremony held at London’s Old Billingsgate on 23 June 2016.
His ‘Lilo Bench’ demonstrates originality, innovative material exploration and fine craftsmanship. Using a homemade version of ‘hydroforming’, it appears to be pillowed, inflated and soft, akin to its namesake. Its robust structure provides strength and stability to support the mattress-like seat.
Connor comments: “Winning ‘Student Designer of the Year’ is an honour, which will be invaluable in helping to promote my work to a wide audience and potential clients. I am very grateful for the support I have received at the beginning of my career, and providing the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious event within the design community.”
Working in association with the Furniture Makers Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, the judging panel for the Mixology Awards selected a shortlist from the recent graduates whose works were displayed at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition. Connor was also awarded with the Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award at this event, hosted at the Furniture Makers’ Hall in the City of London in October 2015.
Connor’s design will be on display at KI’s London HQ & showroom during London Design Festival in September 2016. Jonathan Hindle commented: “This award recognises, and helps encourage, the talented individuals on which the long term competitiveness of the UK furnishing industry depends. We wish Connor all the best and look forward to seeing exciting things from him, and all the other award nominees in the years ahead.”
