AFDA 2026 Finalists
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Events
AFDA 2026 Finalists
Stylecraft and the National Gallery of Victoria are pleased to announce the finalists shortlisted for the Australian Furniture Design Award (AFDA) 2026.
Presented by Stylecraft and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the biennial Australian Furniture Design Award (AFDA), now in its sixth iteration, celebrates creative thinking and research that explores innovative production processes, commercial production opportunities and a $20,000 prize.
The finalists listed below will present their realised designs for exhibition and judging at the Stylecraft showroom during Melbourne Design Week 2026 with the winner to be announced.
The finalists for the Australian Furniture Design Award 2026 are:
- – Aileen Sage x garigarrra x mori x Kazu Noguchi Quill
- – Besley & Spresser
- – Isabel Avendaño Hazbún
- – Joanne Odisho
- – Nika Biggs
AFDA 2024 Winner
Chronicles of Resilience
Marta Figueiredo
AFDA 2026, themed Living Well Living Small, challenges designers to respond to the realities of denser urban living by creating furniture and lighting that enhance comfort, functionality, and wellbeing in compact Australian homes. Submissions should demonstrate intelligent, practical use of space and materials while embracing conscious living through sustainable, responsibly sourced, recycled, or upcycled approaches, and may also explore circular or regenerative design models. The jury will prioritise adaptable, multi-functional designs that evolve with changing lifestyles, balancing efficiency with aesthetic appeal, and supported by clear consideration of production methods — whether through emerging technologies or traditional craftsmanship. Importantly, proposals should show strong potential for commercial viability within the Stylecraft range, reflecting both innovation and market awareness, and ultimately illustrating how thoughtful design can elevate everyday living in smaller spaces.
The 2026 AFDA jury comprises Ewan McEoin, Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture at the NGV (Chair); Tony Russell, Brand Director, Stylecraft, Melbourne; Ross Gardam, Director, Ross Gardam, Melbourne; Brian Parkes, CEO, Jam Factory, Adelaide, and Pascal Gomes-McNabb, Director, PGM Design, Melbourne.
Congratulations to all 2026 finalists — we look forward to presenting your designs in May.
AFDA is part of Melbourne Design Week 2026, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV. The Australian Furniture Design Award competition is developed and delivered by CityLab.