In an effort to highlight free-thinking designers with a unique approach to their work, don’t miss Fresh to Follow. Each spring and fall, we’ll unveil a new designer or group of designers we deem “follow-worthy.” This fall, jump on board with five Celia Moh Scholarship recipients. Find out what drives each of their individual passions and follow along to see what new perspectives they'll have to share at Fall Market.

Ryan Decker

Ryan Decker is a senior at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, majoring in Industrial Design with a concentration in Furniture Design.  He chose his major due to its balance of logical problem solving and creativity with an emphasis on 3D software.  In his free time, Ryan studies and creates 3D renderings and animation, primarily music videos and conceptual environments, interiors and furniture.  Following graduation, Ryan would like to pursue a career as a studio furniture designer and 3D animator.

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Cole Dignard

Originally from Chesapeake, VA, Cole is a junior at North Carolina State University.  He is majoring in Industrial Design.  He chose his major because of his love for creativity.  He knew he wanted to find a program that would allow him to grow his imagination and equip him with the ability to create real world projects.  Industrial design is centralized around innovation, but encompasses many different fields.  He was inspired by the skills needed to be an industrial designer and felt with his imagination he could use the skills to bring tangible products into existence.  Cole loves to play baseball, which he has played competitively for his entire life.  He also loves to surf but his main hobby is working with his hands.  Cole runs a small business, where he hand makes and sells baseball bats.  Upon graduation, he would like to pursue a career as a furniture designer/craftsman creating long-lasting heirloom quality pieces of furniture.

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Annina Fremgen

Annina is a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI, majoring in Furniture Design.  She is originally from Belgium and grew up in a small town in the Ozarks, Willow Springs, MO.  Annina found through platforms like Instagram and Pinterest her growing appreciation for interior spaces, architecture and product design.  With her background in fine art, she was drawn to the idea of creating individual sculptural pieces that could also serve a function in one’s home.  When Annina isn’t diligently working on school assignments, she enjoys playing tennis, going out with friends or simply having a quiet evening with her cat, Winston, watching Netflix.  Following graduation, she would like to pursue a career as a furniture designer where she can see her designs from concept to finished product.

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Addison Gantt

A senior at High Point University, Addison is majoring in Visual Merchandising Design because it allows for the expression of creativity in a way that impacts others.  It also helps to convey a piece of herself through each design and collaboration that she creates.  Addison has been on the Dean’s List and a Presidential Scholar.  She also received the Bimbo Bakeries USA National Scholarship, the Ida M. Alexander Scholarship, the Fred W. Alexander Scholarship, the Erath Furniture Industries Scholarship, and the Emile Hodge Scholarship.  Addison is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, The Leadership Fellows Program, and the Interiors and Home Furnishings Club at HPU. She enjoys giving back to the community by working with Special Olympics and the Second Harvest Food Bank.  Addison currently interns with Klaussner Home Furnishings in Asheboro, NC.  After graduation, Addison hopes to work as a Visual Merchandiser in the furniture industry and explore the use of Mid-Century ideals and concepts in modern day designs.

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Kate Hyman

Kate is a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design majoring in Furniture Design and minoring in Sculpture and Functional Objects. She pursued furniture design because it combines aspects of sculpture and industrial design. Kate has been on the President’s List and a Merit Scholar at KCAD.  In her free time, she teaches as a peer tutor and a Continuing Education Sculpture Instructor.  She also enjoys dancing, travelling, exploring the outdoors and downhill skiing.  Following graduation, Kate would like to be a residential furniture designer working in a collaborative design environment.

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