FROMM.Lab Design Competition

Overview

The FROMM.Lab Design Competition, titled Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures, is an international call for young designers to reinterpret Arab cultural heritage through a contemporary design lens. This competition invites creatives from across the globe to design functional, innovative, and production-ready pieces that embody cultural narratives while addressing modern-day needs. Winning designs will be produced by FROMM., exhibited at the Doha Design Biennale 2026, and receive global exposure.

Why You Should Participate

This competition offers a rare opportunity to:

Collaborate with renowned mentors including Giulio Cappellini, Joseph Grima, and Aline Asmar d’Amman.
See your concept professionally prototyped and added to FROMM.’s prestigious design collection.
Exhibit your work on an international stage at the Doha Design Biennale 2026.
Gain media recognition and build an international portfolio presence.
Engage in a meaningful mentorship experience from September to October 2025, allowing deep insight into design processes and global industry practices.

Key Highlights

Theme: Design for a Changing World – Bridging Cultures
Objective: Reimagine Arab heritage through furniture or lighting design
Eligibility:
- Designers under 35
- Open to all nationalities
- Individuals or teams (max 3 members)
- Commitment to mentorship (Sept–Oct 2025)
Design Categories:
- Seating: chairs, stools, benches
- Tables: coffee, side, console tables
- Storage: cabinets, modular units, boxes
- Lighting: floor and table lamps
Material Guidelines: Open to all materials with an emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and cultural relevance

Entry Fees

There are no entry fees for the FROMM.Lab Design Competition.

Prizes and Recognition

Prize/Recognition	Description
Mentorship	From international leaders in design and FROMM.Lab’s creative team
Prototype Production	Full realization of the selected design as a FROMM. product
FROMM. Collection Inclusion	Selected designs become part of FROMM.’s permanent collection
Doha Design Biennale 2026 Exhibition	Physical display of winning designs
Global Media Exposure	Press and digital exposure via FROMM. and major design platforms
Biennale Attendance	Exclusive access to events and official launch in Doha

Submission Details

Format: PDF (max 20MB)
File Name: FirstName_LastName_MDWCompetition
Submission Email: info@from-m.com
Submission Limit: One entry per applicant
Contents Required:
- Technical drawings
- 3D renderings
- Concept statement

Important Dates

Milestone	Date
Registration Deadline	May 30, 2025
Submission Deadline	September 1, 2025
Mentorship Period	September 20 – October 2025
Doha Biennale Exhibition	2026

How to Join

Design a culturally relevant, sustainable furniture or lighting piece.
Prepare the PDF (max 20MB) with technical drawings, 3D renderings, and concept statement.
Email your submission to info@from-m.com with the correct file name format.
Ensure registration is completed by May 30, 2025.
Submit your final entry by September 1, 2025.

Judging Criteria

Cultural Relevance: Connection to Arab heritage
Innovation & Creativity: Original concept and execution
Functionality: Practical use and user experience
Material & Sustainability: Responsible material use and environmental consideration
Aesthetic & Craftsmanship: Design quality and construction potential

Jury Panel

Jury Member	Affiliation
Giulio Cappellini	Founder & Art Director, Cappellini
Joseph Grima	Co-founder, Alcova; Architect, Curator
Aline Asmar d’Amman	Founder, Culture in Architecture
Fahad Al Obaidly	Acting Director, Design Doha Biennale
Luca Fois	Design Professor, Politecnico di Milano
Dana Said	Head of FROMM.Lab

Foster cross-cultural design innovation and see your vision come to life at one of the world’s most prestigious design events.
Apply now to shape the future of design with FROMM.Lab.