It is incredible to think that the Wood Awards are now well into their fourth annual event since their relaunch under a new brand and profile.
Anecdotal research shows that among professional engineers, designers and architects the awards have already achieved high national recognition and recall. The PR portfolio, which we maintain, is impressive by its sheer range of titles covering the entry projects and the winners – for the professional media is always keen to report wood used inspirationally in the context of these awards.
This year the record level of entries and standard of projects – illustrated in this issue with a selection chosen by the editor – again emphasise that this opportunity to promote wood is both worthwhile and even vital to our industry.
This will be shown when the shortlist is launched at 100% Detail in London in September, where the Wood Awards stand will be a central attraction. Certainly the 22 generic organisations that form the sponsors group, and the too few enlightened companies in the timber trade that exploit it, feel so.
This year a free-standing furniture category has been included with more than 70 spectacular entries. Also a special award for projects with a significant element of off-site construction will help to assure that wood in all uses, such as timber frame, can be recognised and celebrated.
And celebration is maybe what we are all too often short of. So roll on the autumn when once again the media, the professions and the committed will come together again at Carpenters’ Hall to rejoice in the best of installations in wood; and to see the 2006 Wood Awards supplement that thousands of our target audience will shortly receive.
Then we will witness the beginning of yet another round of wood promotion that will likely result in dozens of feature articles inspiring professionals to specify wood.
Perhaps in 2007, the Wood Awards’ fifth year, the timber trade will finally get truly on board?
