Ami Verhalen, Design Concepts’ director of industrial design, was selected as a judge for the Sixth Annual Housewares Design Awards, presented by HomeWorld Business with the educational support of the International Housewares Association (IHA). Judging took place in mid-November in Chicago, IL

Each year, Housewares Design Awards nominees are chosen based on a design believed to differentiate a product with unique appearance and/or function. The judges considered appropriate aesthetics, innovative materials and technology, user benefits and market response.

Verhalen, and 11 other leaders in industrial design, selected five finalists and “Best in Category” winners in each of 13 categories. The categories include: Floor Care Electrics; Home Environment Electrics; Personal Care, Health Care & Garment Care; Cooking Electrics; Food Preparation Electrics; Furniture; Lighting, Home Décor & Outdoor Living; Cookware & Bakeware; Countertop Kitchenware & Barware; Kitchen Hand Tools; Cutlery; Tabletop; and Home Organization, Laundry Care & Non-Electric Cleaning Products.

The awards and “Best in Category” selections will be presented January 20, 2009, in New York. Finalists are featured in a special HomeWorld Business publication.

2009 Housewares Design Awards Information.