04.29.14
Student Scholarship Awards Portfolio Competition
On Saturday, March 8th, the annual Student Scholarship Awards Portfolio Competition was held at the office of Shlemmer Algaze Associates, in Irvine. IIDA student members throughout Southern California were invited to enter and asked to submit sample work from a previously completed school project. Of the students who entered, the top twelve were selected to present to an esteemed panel of judges.
This year, students were given an appointment time for a closed presentation on the day of the event, and arrived prepared to participate in a 30-minute interview and question and answer session with judges. With a total of $15,000 to be awarded, students arrived both excited and nervous with anticipation. Throughout the day, one by one each student was ushered into the conference room and given their opportunity to present several projects of their choosing. The chance to present in front of the panel of design leaders also proved to be a valuable experience for these senior students, as most will soon begin their professional careers.
Although the entire group of 12 students could not be selected as winners, the judges agreed they all showed exceptional work. After some deliberation, three students were selected as stand-outs for their design excellence. A first place award was given to the top contender, while second place was a tie between two exemplary students. The Stephanie Tarr Memorial award went to a deserving student for her tremendous community service efforts.
The special award established in memory of Stephanie Tarr, is to recognize the inspirational influence she had on the Southern California interior design community. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must demonstrate active involvement in professional or social organizations that promote design or give service back to the community.
We are pleased to present the 2014 IIDA Student Scholarship Awards Portfolio Competition winners:
First Place Winner of $5,000:
Thaddeus Lee, California State University, Long Beach
Second Place Winners of $2,500 each:
Kelsey Kaplan, California State University, Long Beach and Karlie Kier, California State University, Long Beach
Stephanie Tarr Award:
Sara Nelson, California State University, Long Beach
We thank all students who participated from Art Institute of California San Diego, California State University Long Beach, Otis College of Art and Design and Woodbury University.
A special thanks to our judges Aram Arakelian –Environmental Contracting Corporation, David Fridlund – Wirt Design Group, Scott Johnson –Wolcott Architecture Interiors.
Also, a very warm thank you to my Co-VP of Student Affairs, Erica Robles of Shlemmer Algaze Associates for hosting the event.
Sepi Salehirad, IIDA
HMC Architects
IIDA SoCal Co-VP Student Affairs
