L-R: Toby Allies, winner Matthew Bland and Tom Chant
Product design student Matthew Bland has won the 2011 SuperYacht UK (SYUK) design competition. By winning, Matthew has secured a place to represent British excellence at the 5th Abitare La Barca Concept Award which will take place from 16-17 February 2011 at Seatec, Italy.
The SYUK design competition enables design students studying in the UK to compete on a global platform. Matthew was awarded a certificate and a SYUK jacket by Toby Allies, vice chairman of SYUK and Tom Chant of BMIF
Students from a selection of design courses were asked to submit their current portfolio to a panel of judges from the SuperYacht UK association. Portfolio requirements demanded a strength in being able to design by hand, which would enable the winning student to compete successfully at the competition by drawing to a brief live on the Show floor.
Matthew, who is currently studying BA Hons Product Design at Uclan University, is delighted with the result, he said: “ I’m looking forward to the competing and travelling to Italy to compete in this esteemed competition, representing British design. This opportunity could really enhance my career prospects. I would encourage fellow design students to promote their work through opportunities such as this. ”