The

BELIEVER Chair

CHALLANGE

 

 

An International Design Challenge

to Reinvent the Director’s Chair

Global Competition

FOR DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS

AROUNDtheTREE, the Portuguese design brand renowned for craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance, launches its FIRST Global Competition for  Designers and Architects:

The Believer Chair – A contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic Director’s Chair.

This initiative is a tribute to all film, advertising, and storytelling creators worldwide, with a special dedication to Roger Serrasqueiro, whose vision inspired AROUNDtheTREE.

 

Historical Context

The Director’s Chair dates back to the 15th century, with roots in Ancient Rome.
Originally a symbol of authority, it evolved into an icon of the entertainment industry—especially in Hollywood—representing creativity and leadership.

Now, it’s time to reinvent this timeless piece for a NEW ERA.

The CHALLANGE

Objective:
Redesign the classic Director’s Chair, keeping its essence while adding:

  • Timelessness a piece that transcends trends

  • Comfort & Ergonomics designed for prolonged use

  • Functionality lightweight, foldable, versatile

  • Sustainability  eco-conscious materials and processes

  • Innovation – a statement of modern design

This is not just a chair it is a symbol of

                     Belief, Vision, and Future.

.”

Welcome to the New ERA of AROUNDtheTREE

We are here to celebrate the beginning of a new journey, one where our passion for design, timeless quality, functionality, comfort, and the essence that defines us continue to stand as the pillars of our identity.
In this new era, we are excited to welcome talented designers who share our vision and are ready to shape the future of design.

Who Can Participate

Emerging designers

Architects

Design & architecture students

Creative individuals passionate about furniture design

(Individual or team submissions.)

Evaluation Criteria

A distinguished jury will assess submissions based on:

Innovation – originality and creativity

Respect for the iconic heritage of the Director’s Chair

Balance between tradition and modernity

Comfort and ergonomics

Functionality and practicality

Sustainability and materials

Production feasibility

Submission Requirements

Participants must submit:

Technical drawings (detailed dimensions and construction)

3D renderings of the design

Concept description (max. 500 words):

Inspiration and creative process

How the proposal meets the challenge

Personal details: name, contact, short bio (max. 150 words)

Timeline & Submission

Submissions via the official website:
www.aroundthetree.eu/believerchair

Deadline: [Insert date]

Pre-selection: [Insert date]

Finalists presentation: [Insert date]

Winner announcement: [Insert date]

The Prize

The winning design will be produced and launched by AROUNDtheTREE and have the name of designer

Global media exposure

Long-term collaboration opportunities with AROUNDtheTREE

The Jury

The jury includes artists, architects, and filmmakers, ensuring a multidisciplinary evaluation:

Artists – creativity and aesthetics

Architects/designers – technical feasibility and sustainability

Filmmakers – usability in production environments

Our Philosophy

At AROUNDtheTREE, we have always believed that every great design begins with an even greater story.
Our mission is to create unique and exclusive pieces that do more than furnish spaces

they tell stories that unfold over time. Inspired by nature,

we blend the innovation of today’s most talented designers with the tradition and

craftsmanship of master artisans, turning each creation into a lasting legacy.

I

2026 is a Year of Change.

A year of New horizons and

New stories to be written.

 

 

 

 We keep our collection alive, and now will enriched with the signatures of new designers and artists, bringing new perspectives, new traits and new emotions to every piece we create. Our commitment to sustainable design, authenticity and excellence continues unabated. Every piece tells a story, and every story is a reflection of our passion. Many projects are underway, each reflecting the soul of our brand and our unwavering commitment to innovation and timelessness.

Design,isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about giving meaning, about transforming spaces, about leaving a mark on people’s lives. we aim that AROUNDtheTREE leaves its mark on the history of world design. I want it to be relevant, timeless, a reference that crosses generations and borders. I believe that every creation has a story to tell, every piece has a soul and every detail reflects our commitment to beauty, art and sustainable, meaningful design. It’s been 12 years of dedication, commitment and dreams come true, but the journey has only just begun. What drives us is the desire to create something that endures, that inspires and that continues to grow.

 

 

 

Welcome to the NEW ERA of AROUNDtheTREE.

THE FUTURE IS NOW !

SUBMIT YOUR BELIEVERchair 

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.