BOONE, NC - Doug Mockett & Company, Inc. recently announced the winners of its prestigious 38th Annual Design Competition, highlighting the exceptional talents of three Industrial Design students from Appalachian State University's Department of Applied Design. This year's competition, known for celebrating innovation in furniture parts, components, accessories, and hardware, has once again demonstrated the incredible potential of upcoming designers.
Saahiti Kothamasu, Ben Pipitone and Jacob Thompson have been recognized for their outstanding contributions, each bringing a unique perspective and design solution that not only challenges conventional aesthetics but also embodies functional innovation. Saahiti Kothamasu's "Empire Table Leg'' impressed with its art-deco inspiration melded with modern functionality. Ben Pipitone's "Crease Shelf Bracket" captured the essence of speed and precision while Jacob Thompson's "Bauhaus Bracket" offered a fresh take on classic Bauhaus principles with its inventive use of cutouts.
The success of Appalachian State University students mentored by Associate Professor Michael Rall in this competition, with 15 awards over the past seven years, speaks volumes about the program's commitment to real-world applications of design principles, understanding of manufacturing constraints, and rigorous preparation process. The competition's importance extends beyond mere recognition; it plays a crucial role in providing students with invaluable experience, confidence, and exposure to the industrial design field. Winning designs from the competition not only enhance students' portfolios but also offer them a head start in their professional careers through production and industry recognition.
With entries accepted nationwide, the Doug Mockett & Company Design Competition stands as a testament to the diverse and rich talent pool across the country. It offers students and professionals an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their designs, with the benefit of seeing winning entries brought to life. Mockett's Design Competition has a longstanding history, openness to a wide range of participants, and commitment to producing winning designs setting it apart as a valuable platform for designers at all stages of their careers.
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About the Department of Applied Design
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research, and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor's degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design, and interior design.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more about the college at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls 21,253 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
About Doug Mockett & Company, Inc.
For nearly four decades, Doug Mockett & Company, Inc. has been at the forefront of promoting innovation in design through its annual competition. With a commitment to bringing new ideas to the market, Mockett has become synonymous with quality, creativity, and excellence in the field of furniture components and hardware. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, Mockett continues to lead the way in supporting emerging talent in the design community.
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