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.
Registration Deadline
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