05.13.26

A Day of Design, Collaboration, and Community – IIDA SoCal Student Charrette

Last month, students from across IIDA Southern California came together for an energizing Charrette Design Challenge, hosted by LPA Design Studios and made possible with the generous support of ECC, Gensler, Haworth, Interface, Eagle Flooring Solutions, and Sharpe Interior Systems. More than a design competition, the Charrette embodied the spirit of brainstorming and teamwork—bringing diverse perspectives together in a fast‑paced, collaborative setting.

Open to students from all Southern California schools on a faculty nominated basis, the all‑day event grouped participants into teams of up to five, each representing a different school. After receiving a design program at the start of the day, teams worked intensively to develop creative, thoughtful solutions. Student participants were from CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, San Diego Mesa College, MT SAC, IDI, Saddleback College, Palomar College, and Santa Monica College!

At the conclusion of the session, each team presented their concept to a panel of judges: Rick D’Amato (LPA), Monique Swihart (HMC) and Christine Peter (Kaleidoscope), along with event guests. Following deliberation, the judges selected first‑ and second‑place teams. The first‑place team, Team Provision, was awarded a $10,000 prize, to be presented on stage at the Calibre Design Awards. Second place, Team Encore, was awarded a $4,000 prize and will also be honored at the Calibre Design Awards on May 21.

Event highlights captured moments of focused collaboration, innovative problem‑solving, and meaningful connection—reinforcing the value of bringing students, professionals, and organizations together to support the next generation of designers. Thank you to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make this Charrette a success.

Click here to view more photos from the event! Photography by Chris Hatcher. 

This event is brought to our chapter by the Student Affairs Team.