Meet 2024 Next Work Environment Competition Furniture Category and Overall Student Winner, Cali Pitcher and her Notions submission.
Cali just graduated from Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, Canada with a Honours Bachelor of Interior Design. She is now a full time designer at Justin Sherry Design Studio. Keep up with what’s next for Cali on LinkedIn!
As our 2024 Overall Student Winner and thanks to the generous support of our sponsor, Tango Analytics, Cali will be attending an immersive experience at IFMA’s World Workplace in San Antonio where she will receive her award.
Check out the slideshow and summary of the submission below:
Inspired by Mid-century modern design, Notions encapsulates the mantra of the design movement: form follows function. Focused on maximizing functionality in a small footprint, Notions creates Newstalgia by drawing inspiration from Mid-century modern sewing boxes, bringing that practicality and streamlined design into a piece made for modern living. The name Notions gives a nod to both new ideas and sewing supplies.
Notions fills the need for a storage unit, two desks, and a dining table all in one compact piece. Taking the highly popularised work-from-home lifestyle into account, Notions allows two users to simultaneously use the table as a teleworking space by simply lifting the tabletop to reveal a writable surface and bulletin board, created with an acoustic panel to enhance the functionality of Notions as a work station. Like Mid-century modern sewing boxes that have multiple compartments for storage, Notions creates storage spaces within the table and bench seating. Notions has been designed for compact living spaces and modern lifestyles.
Utilizing four Formica products to create this aesthetically pleasing piece, Notions is designed with Neo Cloud Laminate, Fenix NTM Blue Shaba, Natural Teak Laminate and Writeable Surface in white. The combination of these products creates a modern and functional appeal to the piece.
Notions takes on the theme of Newstalgia by seamlessly blending vintage design principles with a modern approach. Just as teak was used in the Mid-century modern design movement for its durability and rich colour, Formica Natural Teak Laminate evokes a Newstalgia look into the piece, while ensuring the surfaces are easy to clean and durable, to withstand everyday use. The design takes into consideration modern lifestyle demands and functionality, within a unique piece of furniture that would be an attractive and practical addition to any living space.
We connected with Cali to see how Notions has evolved since entering the competition:
Since submitting my design, I would love to have the opportunity to evolve my design into a smaller version designed for children. I picture turning Notions into a half-size version to be utilized as a child’s play station, desk, and storage unit.
See all of Cali’s work so far here!
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Special thanks to our 2024 Innovative Brand Partners:
