The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Vietnam’s design community as it marked its 21st year as a principal supporter of the Hoa Mai Design Award. As one of Vietnam’s most respected design competitions, Hoa Mai has become a vital platform for emerging talent, many of whom are introduced to sustainable American hardwoods for the first time through this partnership.
AHEC’s collaboration with HAWA continues to guide young designers in understanding responsible material selection, sustainability, and the creative possibilities of American hardwoods. This year’s contest once again highlighted how natural materials, particularly American red oak, can inspire innovative form, emotional storytelling, and deeply rooted cultural expression.
AHEC Regional Director John Chan emphasised the organisation’s long-term support, stating that designers “push the boundaries of good and sustainable design every year using American hardwood.” He highlighted the responsible forest management in the US and the environmental value of exploring a wider range of species.
Several prize‑winning designs used American red oak, showcasing the species’ versatility and expressive character. First Prize went to LUMAIRE LIGHT, a poetic reinterpretation of the lunar cycle by designers Ngô Thị Quỳnh Trang and Soi. Second Prize was awarded to the NEST STOOL by Nguyễn Thùy Dương, inspired by the familiar Vietnamese bao steamer. Third Prize recognised the CROSSLINE BENCH by Hồ Thị Thu Hà, drawing from the bridges of Saigon. The Grand Award Special Prize went to NODE by architect Lê Hữu Trường, an emotionally rich interpretation of the Vietnamese shoulder pole.
Many Encouragement Prize winners also created thoughtful, beautifully crafted works using American red oak, including the ISU Chair, Gánh Bench, and Echo Cabinet. Their designs reflect Vietnam’s growing global presence in contemporary furniture and product design. It is one rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and a refined understanding of natural materials.
Looking ahead, AHEC plans to deepen its engagement with Vietnam’s design and manufacturing sectors, expanding education, technical collaboration, and creative partnerships that empower designers to continue exploring sustainable American hardwood in meaningful, culturally resonant ways.
Ngô Thị Quỳnh Trang & Soi — LUMAIRE LIGHT
First Prize – Open Award, Interior Designers at Kaze
Design duo Ngô Thị Quỳnh Trang and Soi, interior designers at Kaze, won First Prize with LUMAIRE LIGHT, a poetic reinterpretation of the lunar cycle. Using metal reflectors and adjustable LED sources, the piece creates shifting atmospheres of light and shadow, supported by a modular construction that adapts to many settings. Although it was their first time working with American red oak, they found the species added emotional warmth, richness of grain, and a sensory authenticity that deepened the soul of the design.
“Vietnamese design is the harmony between memory and modern life, humble, imperfect, but deeply human.”
Nguyễn Thùy Dương — Nest Stool
Second Prize – Open Award, Interior Design Student at Ton Duc Thang University
Interior design student Nguyễn Thùy Dương created the Nest Stool, a playful reinterpretation of the bao steamer with soft curves and a clean, minimalist form. Working with American red oak for the first time, she valued its warm tone, durability, and elegant grain, though turning the hard wood into smooth, uniform curves required precision and control.
“I love creating things that make people feel comfortable and inspired.”
Hồ Thị Thu Hà — Crossline Bench
Third Prize – Open Award, Freelance Product Designer
Freelance product designer Hồ Thị Thu Hà drew inspiration from Saigon’s modern bridges for the Crossline Bench, capturing their rhythm and structural clarity in a refined timber form. Though its hardness demanded technical care, American red oak offered strength, stability, and a fine grain ideal for clean joinery and smooth surfaces.
“Design is turning ideas into real-life experiences, with people always at the center.”
Lê Hữu Trường — NODE
Grand Award – Special Prize, Architect at Li and Partners Architecture Co.
Architect Lê Hữu Trường won the Grand Award Special Prize with NODE, a chair inspired by the Vietnamese shoulder pole and bamboo joinery. The design features complex mortise-and-tenon construction, with contrasting tenons referencing bamboo nodes as a tribute to traditional craftsmanship. Working with American red oak taught him to understand how finishes influence tone and how to control color with greater sensitivity.
“My philosophy is Modern Heritage Design—close to nature, balanced, tranquil, and rooted in culture.”
Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Vân — ISU Chair
Encouragement Prize – Open Award, Graduate of Van Lang University
Van Lang University graduate Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Vân created the ISU Chair, a meditation-inspired design that encourages an upright, mindful posture through gentle support and curved structure. They found American red oak strong, stable, and visually calming, though its weight and meticulous finishing requirements demanded careful attention.
“Design connects people with their spaces, shaping how we live, feel, and interact.”
Hồ Thị Thu Hà — Echo Cabinet
Encouragement Prize – Open Award, Freelance Product Designer
In the Echo Cabinet, Hồ Hà draws from traditional Vietnamese wooden doors, blending nostalgia with modern practicality through curved door fronts reminiscent of tiled roofs. American red oak provided durability and a warm, expressive grain, though its hardness required careful shaping during fabrication.
“Each item carries its own story, a little soul that accompanies its user.”
Trần Tuấn Kiệt — Gánh Bench
Encouragement Prize – Open Award, Interior Design Student at Ton Duc Thang University
Interior design student Trần Tuấn Kiệt designed the Gánh Bench, a modern interpretation of the Vietnamese carrying pole that incorporates traditional joinery learned from his carpenter grandfather. American red oak’s strength and expressive grain helped him appreciate careful craftsmanship, even as its hardness challenged his technique.
“Responsible design must consider materials, construction, and sustainability and not just beauty.”
Thịnh Nguyễn — THE THỜ
Theme Award, Founder & Architect at NGOAC.SPACE Studio
THE THỜ is Thịnh Nguyễn’s contemporary reinterpretation of the Thần Tài – Thổ Địa altar, combining modular design, cultural symbolism, and elegant minimalism. Experimenting with many different materials for his design, American red oak provided a warm and honest aesthetic, though its open grain required extra preparation and finishing.
“My work explores how material becomes a living memory.”
