The Design Excellence Awards recognize innovation and creative product design. The awards are co-sponsored by the International Casual Furnishings Association and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.

The Forest Arm Chair also took first place in the Cast Metal Category, one of nine categories judged in the 2008 design competition. Best of Show was selected from among the category winners. The other category winners were:

Outdoor Lighting: Lagoon Lights from Dayva International.

Rattan/Wicker/Woven Materials: Cove Day Bed by Rock Wood Casual Furniture.

Resin/Fiberglass: Windward Sling Arm Chair by Telescope Casual Furniture.

Shade Products: Crescent Shade Lounge from TUUCI.

Tubular Materials: NH-01 Chaise Lounge from Neoteric Home.

Wood Furniture: Elan Dining Arm Chair from Gloster.

Wrought Iron/Wrought Aluminum: Re-Trouve Arm Chair by EMU.