The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers recently launched “Design it Digital”, a new CAD-based online design contest that is open to middle school, high school and post-secondary students in accredited woodworking or related programs in North America.

The contest presents three hypothetical scenarios in which a client is asking for a custom piece of furniture. Students can choose their favorite client project and design a solution using CAD and rendering software.

“This contest introduces students to challenges that designers face when making a custom piece of furniture,” says Don Bigelow, chair of the AWFS education committee. “It also highlights the use of CAD software in our industry and provides an opportunity for AWFS member companies to get involved with students and schools. Our focus is to engage young people into thinking about the many career opportunities utilizing advanced technology in the wood industry.”

The contest is free to enter and applications will be accepted through May 31.

A panel of industry professionals will judge the contest. The AWFS will announce the winners in August.

“This contest is an entirely online process, making it accessible to any CAD student in North America,” adds AWFS Education Director Adria Torrez. “We can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation that we know the students will present and look forward to seeing entries from schools throughout the country.”

Complete contest information is available on the Education page at www.awfs.org.