“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 competiveness,” 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,” says Bellingham.

Entrants stand to win cash prizes, including R6000 to the winner, R2500 to the runner up and R1500 for third place.  

It also includes an intellectual property consultation for the top three finalists by Adams & Adams. The firm, the largest intellectual property law firm in the southern hemisphere, has endorsed events such as Design Indaba and the Loeries, both as the legal advisor and associate sponsor.
 
Bellingham says the magazine is thrilled that Adams & Adams has come on board to mentor the designers, helping them on their design journey. “Young designers need guidance and it is important for big companies to get involved. We commend Adams & Adams for their commitment to South Africa’s design legacy and future.”

Mariëtte du Plessis, partner at Adams & Adams, says the firm is passionate about the protection of innovative designs.  “We are extremely active in advising emerging young designers on how to protect their designs and to avoid the many pitfalls of the business world. We will be searching for new, unique and fresh designs. Ideally these should be commercially viable both locally and internationally.We are proud to collaborate with ELLE Decoration on the 2015 SOLVE Competition and to alert designers about their intellectual property.”

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, Tshikare has mastered the craft of surface design, changing global perceptions of African art and design. The driving force behind the independent studio Zabalazaa, Tshikare is a representation of the future direction of African capabilities in the visual creative sphere. One can connect with him on Twitter, here.

Lianne Burton

Respected design commentator, brand consultant and trend analyst, Burton is known as a champion of African creativity. She headed up communications for Cape Town’s successful World Design Capital 2014 bid, and understands the ‘people potential’ within cities. One can connect with her on Twitter, here.

Henry Abosi

Professional architect and lecturer at the UCT School of Architecture, Abosi is passionate about large spatial dynamics and its play with the human scale. He is greatly influenced by cinematography and the visual capture of interior and urban environments; which inspires concepts on spatial experiences. One can connect with him on Twitter, here.

Mariëtte Du Plessis

Protecting brands and designs for 25 years, Du Plessis is more than just a partner at Adams & Adams law firm. 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. One can connect with her on Twitter, here.

Bielle Bellingham

With a background in interior design, visual culture, art theory and digital media, Bellingham is the new editor of ELLE Decoration. Constantly tracking decor and design trends, both on and offline, Bellingham showcases the way styles evolve and find meaning in our daily lives. One can connect with her on Twitter, here.

The submission deadline is Friday, 1 May.

The official entry form, which provides the various elements required for the competition, is available at www.elledecoration.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook and on Twitter.