Every year since 2007, we’ve paid tribute to bright new talents in our industry. To give something back. To create the space and capacity for new superstars, new ideas and new ways of designing.
Because we truly believe that something unique is created in the intersection between tradition and innovation. And that fresh, new talent is the future.
We have received many inspiring and innovative design submissions from hopeful designers all over the world, and our professional jury has now found the winner of the Jury Prize and - your favourite - the People's Choice Prize.
Ida Thorgaard
Pinch
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Ida Thorgaard
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Pinch
JURY PRIZE
Designed by Ida Thorgaard
I wanted to create a design that demonstrates how a single, subtle change in form can generate multiple functions. The pinch detail transforms each object in a different way, acting as a handle, a pouring spout, or a place to rest your spoon or collect eggshells. Through this simple gesture, I aimed to create a cohesive product family where functionality emerges naturally from the form itself.
Máté Horváth
Root
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Máté Horváth
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Root
PEOPLE’S CHOICE PRIZE
Designed by Máté Horváth
The idea of Root connects to childhood summers spent with my grandfather, who taught me to work with wood by hand and think in forms that are useful, beautiful and never unnecessarily complicated. This memory shaped my belief that design must be honest and functional.
The Root chair is a quiet object designed to become part of a room, not dominate it. Its structure is simple but not simplistic; every joint is visible, and every detail supports a perfect balance between strength, comfort and natural presence.
THE JURY
We have gathered a distinguished external jury, composed of experienced designers and dedicated professionals within the industry. They will be joined by our BOLIA design team, creating a competent and passionate panel.
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DESIGNER
KASPER SALTO
Kasper Salto is a leading Danish furniture designer known for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Trained as a cabinetmaker and educated at the Danish Design School, he gained international recognition with the Ice chair in 2002. His collaborations with Fritz Hansen include the iconic Ice chair, NAP chair and Little Friend table. In 2003, he co-founded Salto & Sigsgaard, notably designing new furniture for the UN Trusteeship Council Chamber manufactured by Onecollection.
Salto's work is celebrated for its elegance, functionality, and respect for Scandinavian design heritage. -
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN EXPERT
LINDA NHU
Linda Nhu Laursen is Associate Professor and Head of Research at the AAU Design Lab, Aalborg University.
Her work focuses on sustainable design, circularity, and product longevity. She has led interdisciplinary projects on repair culture and zero-waste strategies and co-authored the book Designing for Longevity. Linda is also a jury member for the Danish Design Award and recipient of the 2024 Kamma Prize for female leadership. -
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
THOMAS ALKEN
Born in Copenhagen, Thomas E. Alken is a prominent Danish industrial designer known for his functional and timeless furniture designs. After graduating from the Danish Design School in 1997, he founded his Copenhagen-based studio, Format Design. Alken’s work emphasizes the conscious and unconscious interaction between user and object, focusing on visual and functional durability, rational production, sustainability, and the integrity of materials.
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HEAD OF MATERIAL LAB
ANNETTE KJÆR
Annette Kjær is Head of the Material Lab and a Project Leader at the Royal Danish Academy (Det Kongelige Akademi).
She specialises in material-driven design, sustainability, and circular processes. Annette collaborates with organisations such as MÅLBAR to integrate life cycle thinking and environmental impact assessment into design practices. Her work bridges education, research, and industry, promoting responsible material innovation and future-ready design methods. -
BOLIA DESIGN TEAM
The final part of our BOLIA DESIGN AWARDS jury is a team of our own in-house experts. With experience ranging from furniture design and concept development to responsibility and compliance, they help bring focus and perspective on some of the important values, we are looking for in the future of design. And who knows, maybe your creation will catch their eye and become part of our collection?
We’re already looking forward to next time BOLIA DESIGN AWARDS opens for entries once again. As we get closer, we’ll share more details about the specific dates and practical information. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletters and follow us on our social media to be notified when we dive into the future of design again.
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