chair A-10 Named Winner and BLESSED STONE Honoree in the 2026 NYCxDESIGN Awards
We are proud to share that chair A-10 has been named a Winner of the 2026 NYCxDESIGN Awards, while floor lamp BLESSED STONE has been recognized as an Honoree.
This recognition reflects AREA’s continued exploration of Japanese aesthetics, material presence, craftsmanship, and contemporary living.
Through two distinct works — a chair inspired by architectural structure and a sculptural floor lamp shaped by stone and light — AREA continues to explore how objects can bring quiet presence and lasting atmosphere into the interior.
2026 NYCxDESIGN Awards Winner
chair A-10
chair A-10 reinterprets the classic Windsor chair through the structural principles of traditional Japanese shrine architecture. Its silhouette, inspired by the form of a torii gate, incorporates the concept of pillars and supporting columns within the back structure, creating a quiet sense of tension and architectural balance.
Crafted in walnut and oak, along with Japanese solid woods traditionally used in shrine architecture such as zelkova and Japanese cherry, chair A-10 brings together ergonomics, craftsmanship, and an expressive material presence. Finished with traditional lacquer colors, the chair is designed for everyday comfort while embracing the beauty of age, patina, and time.
2026 NYCxDESIGN Awards Honoree
floor lamp BLESSED STONE
floor lamp BLESSED STONE is a sculptural lighting piece that brings together natural stone and a single line of light. The work explores stillness, reflection, and the quiet presence of material within an interior space.
A slender beam of light emerges from Datekanmuri Stone, creating a subtle tension between the strength of the natural material and the delicacy of illumination. Each stone carries its own unique expression, making every piece one of a kind.
Designed as both a functional floor lamp and an atmospheric object, BLESSED STONE bridges nature, craft, and contemporary design, offering a quiet focal point within the home.
From the Ceremony
NYCxDESIGN Awards 2026 Ceremony
The 2026 NYCxDESIGN Awards ceremony brought together designers, brands, and creative professionals from across the design community to celebrate outstanding work in contemporary design.
Learn more on the official NYCxDESIGN Awards website:
View Winner & Honoree Gallery →