Under the direction of Jamie Metrick, Managing Director of Elte, a jury of international experts from the design and carpet industry selected the most convincing designs in eight categories. A total of 191 carpet designs were submitted worldwide for the Carpet Design Awards 2023 . Of these, 24 entries reached the final round of the competition.

Design, quality and craftsmanship

The prestigious awards – presented in collaboration with COVER and HALI magazines – celebrate contemporary carpet design and reflect the innovations and trends within the industry. In selecting the finalists, the jury paid particular attention to the design, quality and exquisite craftsmanship of the handmade rugs. In selecting the finalists, the jury paid particular attention to the design, quality and exquisite craftsmanship of the handmade rugs. "What I love about the awards is that they push the best of the best artisans to continue innovate and bring something new to the market each year," reveals Jamie Metrick, head of the jury and elaborates further: "I was really impressed by the range and diversity of candidates that made my shortlists. There is a great mix of producers, wholesalers, retailers and designers up for awards this year.” Carin Terins, also a member of this year's CDA jury and Chief Purchasing Officer as well as Creative Director at RugVista Group AB, was particularly pleased with the creativity and quality of the submissions: „This was not an easy choice! There is a lot of interesting designs and information to consider.” Three exclusive examples of each category made it to the finals. They will be on display in Hall 2 throughout DOMOTEX.

Honouring sustainability

In 2023, the category "Sustainability Award" will be introduced. With this new award, the CDAs want to take into account the growing importance of sustainable design and ethical carpet production. Carpet designer and jury member Nani Marquina supports the inclusion of the new category, stating: „All of us, who are dedicated to product design, have to keep sustainability very much in mind. It has practically become an obligation, a necessity.” Since the competition's inception, the categories have been constantly refined and adapted to the latest industry trends and values.

EUCA Award honors carpet importers

During the Carpet Design Awards, the European import trade for handmade oriental carpets will also be honored. The EUCA Award has been presented by the European Carpet Importers Association since 2007 and is being awarded for outstanding achievements in this field for the 15th time.

Time to celebrate together

All winners of the eight CDA competition categories and the EUCA Award will be announced at a ceremony on the second day of the fair, 13 January 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Carpet Design Awards exhibition area in hall 2, booth C34. "For the first time since 2020, we can once again experience the Carpet Design Awards ceremony live at DOMOTEX in Hannover. We look forward to celebrating the most beautiful handmade carpets with everyone," explains Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX Events worldwide.

The finalists - who will win?