American Hardwood Export Council targets architects, designers at Middle East's first Festival of Interior Design in Dubai, showcases winning designer David Trubridge's black walnut Gallery Bench

Wendy Lisney

DUBAI, UAE , October 22, 2011 (press release) – The beauty of American hardwoods is being showcased at the inaugural Festival of Interior Design (FoID), with award winning designer David Trubridge set to bring his unique and innovative 'Gallery Bench' to Dubai.

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has announced its support for the first festival of its kind in the Middle East, which opened (October 22, 2011) and will run until October 25, 2011 across Dubai.

During the exciting four-day festival, AHEC will also be hosting a seminar at The Pavilion Downtown Dubai on October 24th and showcasing the 'Gallery Bench' at the 'CuBOID' at INDEX 2011.

During the festival, Trubridge will be showcasing his latest designs, including the 'Gallery Bench,' which is an example of his blend of creative contemporary design and immaculate craftsmanship. The beautifully crafted bench is made entirely from solid American black walnut, which the artist regards as one of the most beautiful timbers to work with from anywhere. Furthermore, the 'Gallery Bench' is part of a series of furniture designs that are derived from Trubridge's experience of boat design and building, making use of similar forms and vocabulary to traditional wooden sea craft.

"The 'Gallery Bench' is a fitting tribute to the strength and durability of American hardwoods and we look forward to showcasing the beauty of David's creation during the festival. The bench highlights features such as high aesthetic value and performance, which are just two of the key factors that have driven demand for American hardwoods and made them a sought after material amongst architects, interior designers, craftsmen and carpenters," said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania. "By showcasing the 'Gallery Bench' and through the seminar at The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, we hope to promote the strategic advantages and benefits of using American hardwoods. Moreover, our support for the festival is aimed at stregthening the ties we have with the region's top architects and design professionals."

David Trubridge is an innovative furniture designer based in Havelock North, New Zealand. His work is produced using almost entirely natural materials in order to reduce the effect on the environment. He holds a degree in Naval Architecture (boat design) from Newcastle University in England and has exhibited his works around the world. Trubridge is one of the featured keynote speakers at 'Interior Design Congress,' which takes place on October 22, 2011 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where he will talk on how design speaks for here and now. His talk will center on the creation of design that is fresh, new and relevant without being novel, contrived or superficial. Trubridge is expected to make the call for local designers to gather important elements like stories, flora, fauna, culture and geology, and filter them into their own artistic vision. This process, as Trubridge will suggest at the congress, could help build a cultural identity for Dubai and the rest of the UAE.

"I am looking forward to FoID 2011 and am very eager to meet with the participants and visitors at the Interior Design Congress. My participation will allow me to share my thoughts and views on the Middle East's design industry. The event also gives me the chance to show my latest creation, the Gallery Bench, which is a wonderful example of blending contemporary design with immaculate craftsmanship. I chose to use American walnut for this piece of furniture because this American hardwood is widely preferred for its look, durability and strong physical properties," said David Trubridge.

The inaugural Festival of Interior Design is being organized by the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), an organization representing professional interior designers in the Gulf region, with the key objectives of highlighting the significance of interior design and providing a key venue where the region's design professionals can converge and discuss timely industry trends and issues.

FoID aims at making people more aware of the value of interior design, providing innovative solutions to the community, businesses and beyond. The event also seeks out to promote innovation and creativity through free thinking and the introduction of new ideas, techniques and methodologies that may well be the trends of tomorrow. The festival is being held in conjunction with five pillar objectives, which are to 'Educate'; to 'Celebrate'; to 'Encourage'; to 'Highlight' and to 'Collaborate.'
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