04.16.13

2013 Student Scholarship Awards Portfolio Competition

Caroline Morris, Woodbury University

We just held our annual Student Scholarship Awards Portfolio Competition on Saturday, April 6th at Environmental Contracting Corporation. IIDA student members throughout Southern California were invited to enter a past project that fell under three award categories, each with a prize of $5,000.

The first, Innovation, seeks a project that illustrates an innovative design solution and creativity. Students had to articulate how they arrived to their solution through research, planning, graphic thinking and process.

The second, Social Relevance, strives for a project that addresses a social or cultural problem through interior design’s power to transform our environment and the way we inhabit space.

The third is a special award established in memory of Stephanie Tarr to recognize the inspirational influence she had on the SoCal interior design industry. To be eligible for consideration, projects must demonstrate how environmental, social, technological and cultural issues are addressed in the design solution. Candidates must also be actively involved in professional or social organizations that promote design or give service back to the community.

Kanpattana Phewban, California State University Northridge

This year’s event was an interview format. Contestants were given an appointment time for a closed presentation and Q&A with an esteemed panel of judges. As I greeted each student, there was an unmistakable, heart-pounding anticipation in them. That eagerness only grew as they were ushered into a conference room with six pairs of eyes looking on as they unveiled presentation boards and placed them on easels. For most, who graduate this Spring, it was their last opportunity at a scholarship. In that regard, this experience marked their first step into the profession, given the chance to speak in front of design firm principals and leaders.

Though all students couldn’t be winners, their participation alone showed they strive for excellence. It was refreshing to see almost all IIDA Campus Centers represented at the event. As Co-VP Student Affairs, I look forward to another year of bridging the gap between design students and professionals.

We are pleased to present the 2013 IIDA Student Scholarship Awards Portfolio Competition winners:

Category: Social Relevance in Interior Design and Stephanie Tarr Scholarship
Caroline Morris, Woodbury University

Category: Innovation in Interior Design
Kanpattana Phewban, California State University Northridge

We thank all students who participated from Art Institute of California San Diego, Interior Designers Institute, California State University Long Beach, California State University Northridge and Woodbury University.

A special thanks to our judges Aram Arakelian – Environmental Contracting Corporation, David Fridlund – Wirt Design Group, Scott Johnson – Wolcott Architecture Interiors, Pam Juba – HLW International, Susanne Molina – Klawiter and Associates, Robyn Taylor – r.taylor design

We also send a warm thank you to Hilary Luckenbaugh and Aram Arakelian with Environmental Contracting Corporation for hosting the event.

Erica Robles, IIDA
Klawiter and Associates
IIDA SoCal Co-VP Student Affairs