A recent graduate of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design is making waves in the furniture design world. After winning Most Playful in JANUS et Cie’s student design competition for a chair that swings, Emmett Lockridge uses his passion to drive K-State’s success as an instructor.
How was the award ceremony?
All the finalists got to travel to Chicago for an interior design trade show called NeoCon. A lot of well-known furniture manufacturers were there — and they love competition. Showing off products at this big of a show is huge.
I also loved the ceremony because another K-Stater presented me with my award. He had won an award in the previous cycle, so it was a special moment.
What inspires your designs?
I love to be in the shop and have a hands-on relationship with the furniture. For me, adding the three-dimensional aspect pushes the design forward much more than looking at a computer screen or a sketch.
Does furniture design really matter to people?
The impact of the objects we interact with daily — and how they play into our lives — isn’t thought about a lot. But blending into someone’s life while standing out as a piece of art is something furniture can do. Interacting with furniture is very intimate. We’re using furniture right now for this interview!
What legacy do you hope to leave at K-State?
I like to think that I’m just another dot in a long line of excellence that comes out of our college.
