A Fresh Look at Design, Through Student Eyes
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City was all about celebrating what’s new, bold, and thoughtful in the world of design. It brings together designers, furniture, fixtures and fabric makers, and design lovers to explore fresh ideas and spark meaningful conversations. From sustainable materials to creative craftsmanship, ICFF is where innovation meets everyday living—with a strong focus on making design more responsible and inclusive.
Designing in Harmony: Students Take the Spotlight
This year’s ICFF at the Javits Center gave students a chance to shine under the theme “Designing in Harmony.” It wasn’t just about style—it was about substance: sustainability, inclusivity, and designing with people in mind.
From the Student Perspective
1. Sustainability
It was inspiring to see emphasis on eco-conscious design. For students, it was a powerful reminder that great design also means being kind to the planet. Responsible material choices and ethical production were key topics throughout the fair.
2. Craftsmanship Meets Storytelling
Beyond beautiful pieces, many student projects told a story, whether about the source of materials or the journey behind the design. This storytelling approach added depth and encouraged students to think about the “why” behind their work.
3. A Truly Global Exchange
The diversity of designers from all over the world made for a rich exchange of ideas. Students viewed how different cultures approach design and collaborate with others who shared a passion for solving global challenges creatively.
4. Real-World Impact
This wasn’t just a gallery of pretty objects. ICFF felt real, like a window into what the future of the industry could look like. Students were encouraged to balance vision with practicality, thinking about how their designs could genuinely improve lives.
Spotlight on the Schools Showcase
An interesting section of ICFF was the Schools Showcase, where top design schools exhibited student projects. It was an incredible opportunity for young designers to step into the spotlight.
Making it Special:
- Student Exhibitions: A platform to show off new ideas and approaches to sustainable furniture and design.
- Mentorship Moments: Industry pros offered advice, guidance, and encouragement—helping students take their projects to the next level.
- Career Connections: Whether networking with future employers or meeting potential collaborators, the fair opened doors.
- The “Best of Schools and Students” Award: This friendly competition gave students a chance to be recognized for their work, and to feel seen and celebrated by the wider design community.
Looking Ahead
ICFF 2025 wasn’t just another design event it was a launchpad. It gave students a taste of the real world, filled with inspiration, ideas, and opportunities. More than anything, it helped them imagine themselves as tomorrow’s design leaders, ready to shape a more thoughtful, connected, and creative future.
Education
Schools participating in the 2025 ICFF Schools Showcase and WANTED Design Schools:
🎓 ICFF 2025 Schools Showcase Participants
These schools represent a diverse and international mix of design talent, offering students a unique platform to present their work and engage with industry professionals at ICFF 2025.
- California College of the Arts (CCA)
- Centro de Estudios Superiores de Diseño de Monterrey (CEDIM)
- IED Istituto Europeo di Design
- Istituto Marangoni
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Parsons School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
- School of Visual Arts (SVA)
- Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey)
- Universidad Anáhuac Puebla – School of Architecture and Design
- Universidad Iberoamericana
- University of Arkansas
- University of Iowa – 3D Design Program
- University of Oregon
- 🛠️ WANTED Design Schools Workshop Participants
- California College of the Arts (CCA)
- Centro de Diseño y Comunicación (CENTRO), Mexico
- Escuela Mónica Herrera, El Salvador
- Ohio State University
- Pratt Institute
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- School of Visual Arts (SVA)
- Ecole Camondo, France
- ENSCI – Les Ateliers, France
Photo courtesy of Luxe Interiors + Design
The Future
Design students aren’t just making furniture, they’re making statements. Their work at ICFF shows us that the future will be defined by flexibility, empathy, ethics, and imagination. It’s no longer just about how we sit, store, or sleep, it’s about how design can help us to reimagine how we live, and how design can meaningfully enhance that experience.
