Original design and fresh ideas are at the forefront when 67 emerging designers join us at WantedDesign Manhattan 2023 as part of Launch Pad. These exhibitors will represent 19 countries from around the world; Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States.

Sponsored by American Standard and presented with media partners Design Milk and Clever, Launch Pad is an outstanding international platform for emerging designers that introduces new concepts and showcases prototypes of furniture, home accessories, and lighting. It is the best place for manufacturers to meet new designers, discover fresh ideas and potential products to develop.

Two designers are selected and awarded by a jury of renowned industry professionals as Best of Launch Pad 2023 in the categories, Lighting and Furniture/Home Accessories. The 2023 jury, led by Amy Devers, Host of Clever, includes Giulio Cappellini, Founder, Cappellini; Andrea Cesarman, Co-founder, Design Week Mexico; Jerry Helling, President and Creative Director of Bernhardt Design; Jean-Jacques L’hénaff, Leader, LIXIL Global Design AMERICAS; Jennifer Olshin, Founding Director and Partner, Friedman Benda; and Kia Weatherspoon, President and Founder, Determined by Design.

“As a whole, Launch Pad is a finger on the pulse; an interpretation of the unspoken undercurrent of concerns that emerging designers are perceiving and grappling with. This year’s Launch Pad is such an exciting representation of diverse perspectives, and a very optimistic prediction for the built world of tomorrow.” Amy Devers, Host of Clever

“From a mesmerizing mushroom-growing system to a poetic, nature-inspired and 3D printed lighting collection, this year’s candidates delighted us once again with thoughtful, inspiring and simply beautiful projects, making our role as jurors all the more difficult. I can’t wait to engage with them during our session at ICFF this week end!” Jean-Jacques L’hénaff, Leader of LIXIL Americas

Discover the full list of presenting designers on Design Milk’s latest Launch Pad feature HERE.

“This year is particularly interesting as it represents such a diverse group coming from all parts of the world. It translates into very diverse and original work offering fresh ideas and new design concepts. Notable as well: we have seen this year a much more serious attention to designing and producing in a responsible way.” Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, Co-Founders of WantedDesign.

Participants include Tianning Zhao and Erika Cross, Best of Launch Pad 2022 winners for the Lighting and Furniture/Home Accessories categories respectively.

Emerging Designers Showcase

Discover the next generation of designers as WantedDesign Manhattan hosts a live Emerging Designers Showcase where rising talent pitches their ideas to design experts. Only 6 Launch Pad designers will be selected to present their work on stage.

Sunday, May 21 | 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM 
ICFF + WDM Talks Stage | Booth 1371

Host: Amy Devers, Media Professional / Educator, Clever

Pros: Jerry Helling, President & Creative Director, Bernhardt Design, Kia Weatherspoon, President + Design Advocate, Determined by Design; Giulio Cappellini; Jean-Jacques L’hénaff, VP Design, LIXI; and Jennifer Olshin, Founding Director & Partner, Friedman Benda.

Launch Pad speaking designers: Shaunak Patel, David Hwang, Ming-Li Chang, Good Growing, Madeline Isakson, and Cassie Builds It.

We look forward to welcoming all the international and US-based designers who are taking the daring next step in their careers to exhibit as part of Launch Pad 2023.