Celebrating 80 Years of Design Excellence

We’re celebrating 80 years of innovation and craftsmanship, and in doing so, we’re now on the lookout for UK-based design students and recent graduates to envision the future of theatre seating, inspired by the trailblazing legacy of our founder, Ernest Race.

This extraordinary challenge calls on participants to reimagine theatre seating, blending innovation, sustainability, and ergonomic excellence. Designs should reflect the forward-thinking ethos that has defined Race Furniture for eight decades while incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials for modern audiences.

Submission deadline: Thursday, 24th April 2025

Background: Ernest Race and the Legacy of Innovation

Ernest Race was a visionary designer who transformed post-war British furniture with his use of pioneering manufacturing techniques and materials. Notable for designs such as the BA3 and the Antelope Chair, Race combined beauty, functionality, and efficiency, often repurposing materials like aluminium from war surplus.

This competition offers you the opportunity to follow in his footsteps by rethinking how theatre seating can evolve to meet the needs of modern audiences, while also considering sustainability, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

Find out more about Ernest Race and our History


The Brief

The Brief

We challenge you to design the theatre seat of the future.

Imagine a chair that combines form, function, and innovation, embracing the principles of sustainability and modern design while ensuring comfort and aesthetic appeal for the modern theatre-goer. Your design should reflect the progressive spirit of Ernest Race, utilising creative manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials. The seat can be fixed, loose, semi-permanent – however you think the future of theatre seating should look.

Rows of tip up seating in an auditorium.

Eligibility

The competition is open to UK-based design students/graduates

  • Currently studying in full-time education
  • Who has or is studying in a private/commercial furniture designer-maker course or who has;
  • Recently graduated from a UK university or college within the last two years

The Brief

We challenge you to design the theatre seat of the future. Imagine a chair that combines form, function, and innovation, embracing the principles of sustainability and modern design while ensuring comfort and aesthetic appeal for the modern theatre-goer. Your design should reflect the progressive spirit of Ernest Race, utilising creative manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials. The seat can be fixed, loose, semi-permanent – however you think the future of theatre seating should look.

Considerations

Materials and Sustainability: How can your choice of materials contribute to a more sustainable future for theatre seating? Consider innovative materials or repurposed resources.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Theatre seats need to be comfortable for extended periods. How can your design enhance comfort without compromising style?

Aesthetics and Experience: What will the theatre of the future look like? Consider how your seat will enhance the aesthetic of the theatres it will sit within. What kind of experience are these spaces aiming to create, and how will your seat contribute to that? Think about how your design can harmonise with different architectural styles, from traditional to avant-garde, while offering an immersive and engaging experience for the audience.

Manufacturability: Keep in mind the practicalities of large-scale production. How can your design be cost-effective and feasible to produce?

Technology and Future-Readiness: Think about the future of theatre experiences. Can your design integrate technological advancements, such as personal charging ports, modularity, or even interactive elements?

Judging Criteria

With the design considerations in mind, your submission will also be judged on the following:

Innovation and Creativity: Does the design push boundaries while respecting the heritage of theatre seating?

Functionality: How well does the design address comfort, ergonomics, and practical use?

Sustainability: How effectively does the design incorporate sustainable practices and materials?

Feasibility: Can the design be produced at scale? The judging panel will consist of industry professionals, design experts, and members of the Race Furniture team.

Submission Requirements

Design Concept: A short description (max. 500 words) explaining the inspiration behind your design and how it responds to the brief.

Technical Drawings: Clear, detailed drawings (2D/3D) showing the design from different angles, including dimensions.

Material Choices: A brief description of the materials used, why they were chosen, and their sustainability credentials.

The Prize

First Place

• £1,000 cash prize.

• Full profile featured in Design Insider Magazine.

• A chance to work with the Race Furniture team to create your seat for exhibition at the Young Furniture Makers Exhibition in October.

Runner-Up

• Inclusion in press releases announcing the winner and runners-up.

• The opportunity to attend a design workshop with Jamie Clark from Race Furniture.

Key Dates

Submissions Open: Friday 7th February, 2025

Submissions Close: Thursday 24th April, 2025

Winners Announced: Thursday 12th June, 2025

Young Furniture Makers’ Exhibition: October 2025