Close Race at the Annual Student Design Competition
The Palouse Chapter gathered on June 4th at Spokane Hardware Supply for the highly-anticipated Student Design Competition.
The annual event is a highlight for students at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) working towards their Interior Design Associate in Applied Science Degree taught by Tanja Huffman.
“The students are actively involved in the chapter throughout the year, but this is the big event made just for them,” said Palouse Chapter President Katie LaPoint.
New this year, Programs Chair Sadie Lake (who is also a graduate of SFCC) instituted a mentorship component in the program. Sadie connected students with an industry mentor to help students with their final project. Mentors advised on NKBA Planning Guidelines and reviewed student projects before they were presented at the competition.
“All of the projects were fantastic,” said Katie “Judging was very difficult. I wanted to give them all gold stars! I was actually more critical of my mentee’s presentation than my fellow judges were. There was no favoritism involved.”
The winners reflected a diverse spectrum. Interior design is a second career for first place winner Shelly Norsworthy, who received $1000. Acacia Whitlock took second place ($500), with third place going to Emily Johnson ($250).
The competition is an emotional event for students–including parents, spouses, and sometimes even children who have been supporting them through their education. And of course, there was pizza–from Bennidito’s down the street.
“It’s always fun to see those students come and work in the industry the following year,” said Katie. “It really moves the bar for them in their job hunt. And we make sure to educate them on what being a NKBA member can do for their careers.”
The Palouse Chapter thanks Spokane Hardware Supply and hardwarehut.com for their sponsorship of the event.
