Race Furniture Announces Esteemed Judge to Join the Panel for the Seating the Future Design Competition
Expanding the Panel with Industry Excellence and Legacy
Race Furniture is delighted to announce the addition of a distinguished judge to the panel for its 80th Anniversary Design Competition – Seating the Future: The Ultimate Theatre Design Challenge. The competition, which calls on UK-based design students and recent graduates to reimagine the future of theatre seating, now benefits from the expertise of Gavin Green, Co-founder of theatre consultancy Charcoalblue.
Celebrating Expertise and Heritage
Gavin Green brings extensive industry knowledge and insight, having co-founded Charcoalblue, a globally respected theatre, acoustics, and digital consultancy. With a career spanning 23 years dedicated to enhancing audience experiences through innovative theatre design, Green’s expertise will provide invaluable guidance in evaluating submissions that blend form, function, and sustainability.
As a co-founder of Charcoalblue, Gavin plays a pivotal role in leading the practice while maintaining a hands-on approach to design. He specialises in performance, sports, and public building design, focusing on auditorium design, bowl design, venue planning, and audience experience. Additionally, he leads competitions, feasibility studies, and briefing studies for projects worldwide. In his capacity as a member of the Senior Management Team, he helps define and implement the company’s growth strategy and oversees Marketing and Business Development across Charcoalblue’s global studios.
His impressive project portfolio includes iconic venues such as The Kit Kat Club for Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre, London; Aviva Studios in Manchester; the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, London; and The Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center, New York.
An Inspiring Opportunity for Emerging Designers
With this new appointment, the judging panel is now even more robust, offering participants a unique opportunity to have their designs assessed by leading professionals in theatre design and furniture craftsmanship. Alongside existing judges, including Jamie Clark, Head of Design at Race Furniture, and Brian Ahern, Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company, the panel will select winning entries based on innovation, functionality, sustainability, and feasibility.
Key Dates and Entry Details
Submission Deadline: Thursday, 24th April 2025
Winner Announcement: Thursday, 12th June 2025
Aspiring designers are encouraged to submit their theatre seating concepts via the Furniture Makers’ website. Full details and guidelines can be found here.
About Race Furniture
Race Furniture has been at the forefront of British design since 1945, crafting bespoke seating solutions that elevate audience experiences worldwide.
About The Furniture Makers’ Company
The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, promoting excellence and supporting education and industry professionals.
About Charcoalblue
Charcoalblue is a design and delivery consultancy specialising in theatre, acoustics, and experience services. Their portfolio spans a wide range of typologies, including workplaces, performance venues, immersive experiences, stadia, hospitality, schools and universities, media and broadcast spaces, museums, and cruise ships.
The practice is integrated and multi-disciplinary, built upon an experienced global team with hands-on industry expertise. With studios in the UK, Americas, and Australia, Charcoalblue embraces a hybrid working approach to keep its carbon footprint low while delivering creative spaces that clients and audiences love.