3 INDD Alumni Named Furniture Competition Finalists

by Kate Mazade

Three different wooden coffee tables in living room settings, each with unique designs: one circular, one rectangular with shelves, and one tall with a persons legs resting on it.

Three recent Industrial Design alumni have been named finalists in an Atlanta-based furniture design competition.

The biennial Design Emphasis Student Furniture Competition is hosted by the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) and showcases furniture designed and built by students across the United States. Finalists’ designs were showcased in Atlanta in August for final judging, and the IWF distributed a total of $10,000 in prize money.

A woman in a graduation dress holds a cap and stands on grass in front of a red brick building with a clock tower.
Ximena Fenco ‘26

Nominated in the Accent Furniture category, INDD alumna Ximena Fenco ‘26 created “Serenite,” a Scandinavian-inspired coffee table designed to bring a feeling of tranquility and warmth into the home. The simple, organic form and functional details encourage comfort, connection and a sense of calm in everyday living.

“Auburn prepared me to participate in this competition by giving me the opportunity to develop my design process through sketches, research, fundamentals, prototypes and critique,” Fenco said. “The program taught me how to effectively communicate my ideas and push my designs beyond the initial concept.”

Living room with two gray sofas, a modern wooden coffee table, beige rug, potted plant, neutral pillows, wall art, and natural light coming through windows.
Fenco’s “Serenite” table drew Scandinavian influences into a living space.
A wooden desk with curved supports, holding a mug, a blue book, two notebooks, and a black remote control.
Fenco’s coffee table was centered around the idea of warmth and tranquility.
A young man with brown hair wearing a blue plaid shirt stands outdoors in front of green foliage, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.
Damien Joseph ’26

Damien Joseph ‘26 was also recognized in the Accent Furniture category for human-centered coffee table named “Intraforma.” Joseph drew on modern minimalism and avant garde ideas to create a storage-forward piece that accommodates how people actually use their coffee tables.

“My professors, all throughout my time in the undergraduate program, have pushed me to push myself in my designs, through participation in competitions, and without them I wouldn’t be as prepared as I am”, he said. “Getting to represent Auburn in this competition and show off my understanding of design is because of them and how they’ve encouraged me to be my best.”

Rectangular wooden coffee table with a glass inset top, open shelving on the sides, and a central storage compartment, set against a plain white background.
The “Intraforma” table combines modern minimalism with avant garde design concepts.
A wooden coffee table with books and decor sits on a woven rug in a living room with a beige sofa, stone fireplace, and lamp.
Joseph’s design integrates storage and multiple materials.
A young man with curly hair and a light-colored sweatshirt smiles outdoors, with trees and sunlight blurred in the background.
Dawson Emerson ’26

Nominated in the Design Creativity category, Dawson Emerson ‘26 created a wooden stool called “Hollow” inspired by the Appalachian foothills. Emerson designed the stool to support his performances as a folk singer-songwriter with an aesthetic that matches his musical style and shelves that hold items needed on stage.

“Auburn’s Industrial Design program prepares students to not just design beautiful objects, but to actually create them,” he said. “Hollow would not be possible without the support of my peers and the guidance of our faculty. They showed genuine interest in the success of my project and contributed to both the design and production.”

A red electric guitar, small ukulele, amplifier, stool, microphone, cable, and water bottle arranged together on a white background.
Emerson’s stool “Hollow” was inspired by the Applicational foothills and the region’s influence on his folk music.
Person sitting on a wooden stool playing an electric guitar, with a guitar amplifier and cables on the ground nearby.
Emerson’s stool has storage space and an integrated footrest for musical performances.

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Student Competitions, Student Experience, Student Recognition, Student Work

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