CO-OPUS brings together artisanal furniture and interior design companies with designers to create new furniture inspired by regional heritage and made from underutilized French wood. Sponsored by UNAMA, the FCBA Technology Institute, Ecomaison, and French Design by Via, this call for projects is open until December 18, 2026.
The Essentials
- CO-OPUS is intended for pairs consisting of a craftsperson-maker and a designer.
- Projects must highlight regional heritage and five species of secondary hardwoods.
- Six projects will be selected and will receive funding and support to develop their prototypes.
CO-OPUS is a call for projects dedicated to the creation of contemporary regional furniture. It aims to foster collaboration between artisanal furniture and interior design companies and designers, decorators, or interior architects.
What does the name CO-OPUS mean?
CO-OPUS symbolizes the combination of expertise, from the shared conception of an idea to its realization. CO stands for unity, co-design, and co-production. OPUS means “work” in Latin and, therefore, represents the realization of a collective effort.
The name of this new call for projects reflects its goal: to encourage artisan-manufacturers and designers to combine their talents to create new regional furniture.
What types of furniture does the CO-OPUS call for proposals aim to promote?
CO-OPUS addresses two challenges: designing and crafting contemporary furniture inspired by traditional regional heritage, and showcasing underutilized French woods.
Five species of secondary hardwoods are included:
- charm;
- the black locust;
- the sycamore maple;
- the red oak;
- the poplar.
The goal is to highlight the aesthetic and technical qualities of these wood species and to refresh their image.
Who is eligible to apply to CO-OPUS?
The call for projects is open only to pairs consisting of:
from an artisan-manufacturer: cabinetmaker, upholsterer, carpenter, interior designer…
bya designer : designer, decorator, interior architect…
One of the two members of the team must have at least three years of professional experience.
Each pair may submit only one application in one of the two categories offered:
- Furniture: table, chair, console table, sideboard, sofa, armchair…
- Custom-built furniture: walk-in closet, bookshelf, kitchen, bench, wine rack…
How can I apply by December 18, 2026?
The application process for the CO-OPUS call for proposals consists of four steps:
- Form your partner.
- Work together to develop a project that meets CO-OPUS's expectations.
- Fill out your application.
- Please submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on December 18, 2026, to [email protected].
What kind of support is available for the winning projects?
The results of the CO-OPUS call for proposals will be announced in mid-January 2027. The selection committee will choose six projects.
Each winning project will receive:
- funding for prototyping covering 50% of the costs incurred, up to a maximum of 6,500 euros per project;
- hardwood provided by the FCBA to build the prototype;
- technical support on eco-design and broadleaf tree species;
- training sessions, conferences, webinars, and technical workshops;
- national visibility through the industry’s communication channels;
- an exhibition in Paris.
Through this support, CO-OPUS aims to enable artisan-manufacturers and designers to turn their joint project into a prototype and to take a fresh look at the region’s expertise and resources.
