Above: 2012 Evolve winner Victoria Cybulski with Yosi Tal and judging panel: Stephen Ormandy, Eli Tal, Merryl Hare and Greg Natale

Indesignlive (IDL): What was the original motivation for launching the Designer Rugs Evolve competition?

Yosi Tal (YT): There were a number of reasons, but principally it was a way to engage and reward Architects and Interior Designers and Decorators who are our clients and on whom we rely on for the work we do. It’s also a way of creating original, fresh designs with the very people immersed in this world. So a win-win for everyone.

The industry crowd during the awards announcement for Evolve 2010

IDL: Why did you decide to open it only to professional interior designers?

YT: Because as a company with a 29-year Design history working with some of the best designers in the world, we wanted to ensure the standard would be very high.

IDL: How does the judging system and prize offering reflect this?

YT: Firstly, the main prize is a trip to Milan, which speaks for itself, and then we actually buy the designs from the finalists. Additionally, the winner gets an income stream for a year as they receive royalties on sales of their design.

Gavin Harris of Futurespace and Lachlan Allen of Group GSA winning the 2010 Evolve Award

IDL: What has been the industry’s response to the competition?

YT: The design community love it!

IDL: Have you received any feedback specifically on your decision to allow only professional interior designer entries? If so, what was it?

YT: Yes we have, we always receive requests from emerging designers or designers in different fields saying they would like to enter as well, but we wanted to reward the industry we work with, and so we have stuck by our original criteria to accept submissions only from professional architects and designers who are currently practicing.

Evolve award party 2010

IDL: How has Evolve contributed to Design Rugs’ industry relationships?

YT: I think the industry appreciates the fact that we give back – we get to reconnect with many of our peers, they get a chance to step outside their everyday activity and design in a different headspace, and at the end we throw a great party and someone wins a fabulous prize!

IDL: What part of Evolve is most rewarding/enjoyable for you and the Designer Rugs team?

YT: Definitely the event! Announcing the winner is always a lot of fun and the presentations of the competition are really well received.

Entries for the 2015 Designer Rugs Evolve competition are now open, find out more here.

Designer Rugs
designerrugs.com.au