FROMM. International Design Competiton
FROMM.Lab invites designers to apply for "Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures," an international competition launched during Milan Design Week 2025.
The competition calls for thoughtful, culturally inspired design concepts that reflect the richness of Arab heritage, interpreted through a contemporary, cross-cultural lens. Finalists will be mentored and supported in transforming their concepts into fully realized pieces, to be showcased at the Doha Design Biennale 2026 as part of the FROMM. collections.
Deadlines
- Registration Open till 30th of May 2025
- Submission Deadline 1st of September 2025
Competition Details
Who Can Apply
Individual applicants or teams (up to 3 designers)
Open to all nationalities
Willing to commit to a mentorship from September 20th until the end of October
Categories:
Seating: chairs, stools, benches
Tables : coffee tables, side tables, accent tables, consoles
Storage: small cabinets, modular units, storage boxes
Lighting: floor lamps, table lamps
Materials:
Open to all materials: innovative, sustainable, and culturally resonant materials are highly encouraged.
Submission Guidelines & Requirements
Concept Statement (max 300 words) Describe your design inspiration, cultural narrative, and intended functionality.
Technical Drawings & Sketches
Include top, front, and side views with dimensions.
Both hand and digital sketches are accepted.
3D Renderings
Perspective, detail, and in-context views
Material & Production Specifications
Detailed list of materials, finishes, and proposed manufacturing techniques.
Portfolio
A PDF portfolio (under 7MB) is required for submission.
Format & Specification:
File Title: Fromm.labDesignCompetition_FirstName_LastName
File Format: A3, PDF (max 20MB).
Language: English.
Submit via email to info@from-m.com Only one submission is allowed per applicant for each category.
Deadline: September 1st, 2025
What finalists will receive:
Mentorship with FROMM.Lab’s creative team and design leaders
Full production of a prototype -Have your design professionally realized and produced as an official FROMM. piece
Inclusion in the FROMM. Collections.
Physical exhibition at the Doha Design Biennale 2026 as part of the FROMM. showcase
Media recognition with Global exposure and press coverage
Biennale Attendance to join the official launch with exclusive access to events
Winners are selected by a renowned international jury composed ofesteemed design professionals and leading figures in the design field.
The Jury
Giulio Cappellini(Founder and Art Director of the Italian furniture company Cappellini), JosephGrima(Architect, Critic, Curator and Co-founder of Space Cavia & Alcova Milano), Aline Asmar d’Amman (Architect and Founder of Culture in Architecture), Fahad Al Obaidly (Acting Director of Design Doha Biennale), and The FROMM. team with the lead of Luca Fois (Design Professor at Politecnico di Milano).
Evaluation Criteria
Cultural Relevance – Connection to Arab heritage
Innovation & Creativity – Originality of concept and execution
Functionality & Usability – Practicality and user experience
Material & Sustainability – Thoughtful material use and impact
Aesthetic & Craftsmanship – Visual quality and technical skill
Mentors
Additional Information
Participation Costs
Participation in the competition is entirely free of charge for both individual applicants, teams and academic institutions.
Royalties, Intellectual Property, Legal Framework & other key information
Please refer to the “Terms and Conditions” document.
DESIGN COMPETITION
Any Questions?
JOIN OUR FAQ WEBINAR AND GET IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM
Wednesday 28th of May 2025 @ 18:00 (Doha time/GMT+3)
Click below to add the webinar to your calendar.