CLIFF YOUNG DESIGN COMPETITION

Duo Dining Chair by Juan Olaya

Duo is a chair inspired by the duality with which we perceive the world, highlighting how the definition of something is directly linked to the existence of its opposite.

Juan Pablo Olaya G is an industrial designer from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University in Bogotá, Colombia, currently residing in Miamπi, FL. He is pursuing an online master’s program at the Aidia Design Center. Originally from San José del Guaviare, a region in the Amazon known for its cultural richness, archaeological sites, and biodiversity, his background profoundly influences his work and life perspective. 

Juan Pablo has a keen interest in history and enjoys spending time with his family and dogs and cherishing the moments with his son. His passion for product design is evident in his appreciation for its impact on shaping our current and future environments.

Joe Dining Chair by Kia McCormick

Meet Joe—the dining chair inspired by your favorite cup of Joe. A dining chair that evokes the comforting experience of enjoying a morning brew. 

Kia McCormick is an alumna of the University of Southern California’s Iovine and Young Academy, where she pursued a program in Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation. With a passion for the creative and technical aspects of design, Kia has dedicated herself to mastering sustainable design practices, making, and prototyping. She also finds physical and mental balance through rock climbing.

Kia draws profound inspiration from her circle of friends, who fuel her creativity and push her to innovate. She is captivated by the vibrant colors and rich textures of the 1960s and 1970s, which frequently influence her design aesthetic, infusing it with a nostalgic yet fresh vibe.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kia now resides in Los Angeles, California, where she immerses herself in the city’s dynamic creative community and thriving arts scene. 

Safari Dining Chair by Nanxuan Liu

Inspired by the untamed beauty of the African Savanna, the Safari chair captures the essence of a safari expedition while exuding an air of refined luxury. A standout feature of this chair is its hollowed back, offering a glimpse of the seat within, much like a hidden oasis in the wilderness. 

Having recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design in May, Nanxuan Liu is now based in New York. Originally from Chengdu, China, Nanxuan’s passions for travel and photography significantly shape her design philosophy. Each journey, whether to bustling cities or scenic destinations, enriches her creative vision. 

Nanxuan frequently visits art exhibitions and incorporates these artistic narratives and emotions into functional and expressive interior designs. Her inspiration is multifaceted, often sparked by daily life and the new perspectives each day brings. 

Plane Dining Chair by Christopher Hayse

The Plane Chair’s straightforward design offers versatility, fitting seamlessly into various spaces and complementing different furniture styles. Constructed using mortise and tenon joinery, the chair’s minimal form is crafted entirely from red oak, chosen for its distinctive grain. 

Christopher Hayse, a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, recently earned his Master’s degree in Furniture Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Beyond his academic achievements, Christopher has a rich creative life; he is an avid reader, enjoys cinema, and expresses himself through various artistic mediums including electronic music, collage, and painting.

His background in architecture and a keen interest in Minimal art profoundly influence his design philosophy. Christopher strives to distill his designs to their essence, focusing on the purity of form and the natural beauty of materials. This approach allows him to create pieces that not only serve functional purposes but also stand as works of art in their own right.

Originally hailing from the small town of Leitchfield, Kentucky, Christopher now calls the Cincinnati, Ohio area home, where he continues to explore the intersections of design, art, and functionality in his work.

Eagle Dining Chair by Mervat Ahmed

The Eagle Dining Chair draws inspiration from the majestic silhouette of an eagle’s wings, particularly evident in the chair’s back. Designed to complement standout Cliff Young Signature Collection, this chair embodies the spirit of Cliff Young with the soaring essence of an eagle.

Mervat Ahmed is currently completing her final year as an Interior and Furniture Design student at the Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt. Residing in Nasr City, a bustling district of Cairo, Mervat is deeply engaged in a range of creative pursuits. She is passionate about painting and furniture model building, finding joy in bringing her designs to life in miniature form. Additionally, she enjoys immersing herself in books and engaging in various handcrafting projects.

Nature serves as Mervat’s primary source of inspiration. She is fascinated by its complex systems, the diversity of its elements, and the harmonious integration found within the natural world. Mervat’s interest in history and civilization enriches her perspective, providing her with a deeper understanding of how environments have been shaped by different cultures over time.

As Mervat approaches the completion of her studies, she continues to explore and integrate these varied influences, crafting interiors and furniture pieces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also culturally informed and ecologically sensitive.