TDUK COLUMN: Wood Awards – where craft meets innovation

David Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of Timber Development UK (TDUK) explains how the Wood Awards spotlight excellence in woodworking, carpentry and furniture making across the UK.

TDUK Chief Executive Officer, David Hopkins

“At Timber Development UK, we believe great timber furniture is more than just functional design – it’s an expression of craft, creativity and the enduring power of one of our oldest natural materials: wood. That’s why we proudly support the Wood Awards, the UK’s leading competition celebrating excellence in timber architecture and product design.

“Held annually, the Wood Awards honour outstanding projects across two key sectors: Buildings and Furniture & Product. While the building categories showcase timber’s structural and architectural potential, the furniture categories speak directly to the woodworking community – celebrating the talent, skill and imagination that define our craft.

“The Furniture & Product categories – Bespoke, Production Made, Student Design and Sculptured Objects – highlight the breadth of modern woodworking. Whether it’s a one-off handmade piece, a design for large-scale production, or an experimental student project, the awards reflect the diversity and dynamism of the field.

“What sets the Wood Awards apart is their integrity and thoroughness. All shortlisted entries are personally inspected by a panel of expert designers, makers and specifiers. In a world dominated by digital submissions and ‘polished portfolios’, this hands-on evaluation is both rare and essential.

“For furniture makers and manufacturers, the awards serve as a pulse check on the industry. Past winners have explored everything from traditional joinery to advanced CNC fabrication – from simple stools to complex seating systems and expressive sculptural work. The results reveal what today’s designers care about, and how they’re using timber to express it.

Winners of the 2024 Wood Awards

“Winning or being shortlisted offers more than recognition. It places your work alongside the best in the UK, opening the door to media coverage, exhibitions and professional networks. More importantly, it contributes to an ongoing conversation about what excellence in wood looks like – how it evolves and why it matters.

“We believe timber has a vital role in building a low-carbon, sustainable future. The Wood Awards help demonstrate that potential through design – not just in structures, but in the intimate, human-scale objects that shape daily life.

“To every maker, designer and workshop team in the UK: the Wood Awards are your platform. Whether you’re working with native hardwoods, engineered panels, reclaimed materials, or experimental composites, this is where your work can be seen, recognised and remembered.

“Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in wood. Let’s celebrate the craft that brings this remarkable material to life.”

Explore past winners and discover inspiring projects at www.woodawards.com and for further information on TDUK, see www.timberdevelopment.uk.