Students from Leeds Beckett University partner with furniture retailer for design challenge

Students from Leeds Beckett University have partnered with furniture retailer Redbrick for an immersive industry design competition.

Students were tasked with designing an original item of furniture for Redbrick customers, with the winning concept due to be manufactured and showcased in stores in February 2026. 

The 16 students joining the challenge visited Redbrick’s headquarters, which is home to brands including Heal’s, Oka, Roche and Loaf, offering an insight into furniture retail. Initial concepts were presented to Rebrick professionals, after which eight concepts were shortlisted. 

Students also visited Vale Bridgecraft in Hebden Bridge, a manufacturing partner to Redbrick brand Zofa, where they were able to work with in-house produce designers to understand budgeting, materials, craftsmanship and routes to market. 

One design will be chosen as a winner early next year, with the finished piece unveiled at Redbrick shortly after selection and offered a route to market. 

“The second year of the BA (Hons) Product Design programme has a focus on building professional practice skills to prepare students for work in the creative industry. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our partners,” says Robin Brinkworth, Senior Lecturer of Design at Leeds Beckett University. 

“Study visits, feedback from professionals and opportunities to develop design work for manufacture within established furniture production environments all add richness to the learning experience of our students.”

Alastair Bailey, Managing Director at Redbrick, adds: “Redbrick has always been passionate about design-led retail experiences and supporting emerging, young talent. This project is a pivotal examples of how we can help young designers turn their ideas and concepts into tangible, viable products.”