Seating the Future – An Interview with Judge, Jamie Clark
At Race Furniture, we are always looking ahead to the future of seating design. As part of our commitment to innovation, we are excited to launch Seating the Future: The Ultimate Theatre Seat Design Challenge—a competition designed to inspire bold, creative, and forward-thinking seating solutions.
One of our esteemed judges is Jamie Clark, Design Manager at Race Furniture. With years of experience in the industry, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for ground-breaking design. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, what he’ll be looking for in a winning design, and the trends shaping the future of theatre seating.
Q&A with Jamie Clark, Design Manager at Race Furniture
Q – Can you share a bit about your background and your journey to becoming Design Manager at Race Furniture?
A – After gaining on-the-job design and technical experience working for OE Electrics, I was fortunate to be offered a position at a new spectator seating company called Audise, which I took with both hands. The opportunity to assist in establishing and growing a new business within an exciting industry was a challenge that I could not refuse. Five years later, with Race Furniture’s acquisition of Audise, I was promoted to Design Manager.
Q – What key qualities will you be looking for in a winning design?
A – I will be on the lookout for a design that is bold and stands out from the crowd. Innovation is key—whether that be in an aesthetic, ergonomic way, or through a sustainable approach to manufacturing. A winning design should not only look great but also enhance the theatre experience in a meaningful way.
Q – Are there any emerging trends or innovations that excite you?
A – There are many emerging innovations around spectator seating, as audiences and venues continue to evolve. It’s particularly exciting to see how venues are pushing for greater inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all members of society can enjoy the theatre experience.
Another fascinating trend is the rise of multi-use spaces. More venues are looking at ways to create flexible seating solutions, such as seats that can be removed or folded into the floor, allowing for a versatile, adaptive environment. These innovations will play a big role in shaping the future of theatre design.
Shaping the Future of Theatre Seating
With the Seating the Future competition, we are looking for bold ideas that push the boundaries of what theatre seating can be. Whether it’s through innovative design, technological integrations, ergonomic comfort, or sustainable solutions, this challenge is an opportunity to make a real impact.
Are you ready to design the future of theatre seating? Submit your entry today and be part of the next era of seating innovation!