After several years of refinement, Carver Coffee Table enters production as the first competition-winning design to align with an identified category need. Originally developed through Room & Board for Business’ annual University of Wisconsin–Stout Student Design Competition, the concept responded to real assortment opportunities with manufacturability in mind.
Carver Coffee Table: Sculptural Form, Crafted for Commercial Use
Crafted in New Hampshire from sustainably sourced wood, Carver features a rounded solid wood top paired with a bold, architectural base. The softened geometry and material warmth make it well suited to lounge, hospitality, and workplace environments, while the straightforward construction supports durability in high-traffic settings.
Now in its 10th year, the competition connects emerging industrial design talent with real assortment opportunities within the Room & Board for Business portfolio. The internal design team serves as jury, evaluating each submission for clarity of vision, manufacturability, and alignment with business needs through intentionally open briefs.
As Brian Linehan, Merchandise & Design Manager at Room & Board, notes, “Carver is a great example of what’s possible when a student’s fresh perspective aligns with a real business need. And beyond the product itself, it’s incredibly rewarding to know the program can meaningfully support a student’s career trajectory—while strengthening our assortment.”
