New design competition - Solve offers cash prizes and IP consultation

"The idea behind Solve is to offer young designers a platform to showcase their talents - to demonstrate to the design community what they are made of. The competition also provides the challenge of working according to a brief with creative license, to work collaboratively with other designers and ultimately to elevate the industry and enhance our competitiveness," says Bielle Bellingham, editor of Elle Decoration.

"Design is a relatively modern discipline, while craft is an ancient practice; the challenge is to combine the two. This year's competition requires a designer and a crafter to collaborate in designing a product for either the home or the garden that integrates design with craft. The judging criteria will be based on the success of the collaboration and the integration of craft and design, as well as the originality and functionality of the product."

The prize also includes an intellectual property consultation for the top three finalists by Adams & Adams.

Judging panel

The Solve judging panel is drawn from across the design community, creating a diverse panel of experts who design, specify, evaluate and research:

• Atang Tshikare - Recipient of the 2014 Southern Guild Future Found Award

• Bielle Bellingham - With a background in interior design, visual culture, art theory and digital media, Bielle is the new editor of ELLE Decoration.
• Henry Abosi - Professional architect and lecturer at the UCT School of Architecture.
• Lianne Burton - Respected design commentator, brand consultant and trend analyst.

• Mariëtte Du Plessis - Her focus is on local designers and protecting their creative efforts, and she can often be found lecturing on IP at local advertising and design schools.

For more information, go to www.elledecoration.co.za.