Earlier this month during Salone del Mobile in Milan, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) opened IIDA Milan—the 32nd chapter worldwide—and presented the first-ever Emerge Italy Design Competition winners.

“Milan is, of course, one of the great design capitals of the world, with a rich and abundant history, and it was inevitable that IIDA would establish a Chapter here,” said Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl Durst. “The wealth of excitement, passion and creativity to be found in Milan will, without question, enrich the global discussion of design. We look forward to a vibrant and inspiring relationship with the IIDA Milan Chapter and its Members. Viva Milano! Viva Italia!”

The IIDA Milan Chapter represents a significant step in the mission of IIDA to engage the design conversation on a global level. With its impeccable reputation as a center for fashion, architecture and finance, the level of energy and inspiration in Milan is rivaled in few other design cities.

Durst along with IIDA President Jim Williamson, FIIDA, LEED AP; President-Elect Felice Silverman, IIDA; Past International President Lewis Goetz, FIIDA, FAIA; and Senior Vice President Dennis Krause, Hon. IIDA, were all in attendance to celebrate the opening.

As part of its celebration of this new Chapter, IIDA recognized the winners of its competition for young design professionals.

“From the boldness and innovation displayed in the entries we received for the first-ever Emerge Italy competition, I can say with complete confidence that the future of design is in good hands,” said Durst. “The next generation is well on its way to building the foundation for product design in the decades to come.”

The winners of the inaugural competition, whose submitted projects best captured the innovative spirit of the younger generation, are:

Best of Competition:

“Folds Series" by CO Architects’ Angel Beale in the Hospitality Category

Honorable Mentions:

"Flight" by Head Turner Designs’ Sarah Turner in the Residential Category

“O-series” by Studio Brovhn’s Miguel Brovhn in the Residential Category

The winning entry will be produced by an Italian company and presented for display at the 2014 Salone del Mobile.

Emerge Italy is promoted by the Ministry of Economic Development and organized by FederlegnoArredo in collaboration with IIDA. Its purpose is to celebrate young, emerging Design Professionals whose product designs are innovative, functional and original in the arenas of hospitality, retail and residential practice.