Winners of the 2011-2012 NKBA Student Design Contest, left to right: ANDREA BROWN, Seminole State College of Florida: Honorable Mention-Bathroom, COURTNEY FEDERSPIEL, Lakeland College: 3rd Place-Bathroom, ALICE MULCOCK, Seminole State College of Florida: 1st Place-Kitchen, JEAN DINKEL, Canada College:Honorable Mention-Kitchen, LINDSEY TAYLOR STEIN, The Art Institute of Philadelphia: 2nd Place-Bathroom, KC BRANDON SMELSER, Montana State University College of Technology: 3rd Place-Kitchen, ELAINE TREDWELL, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (Online):1st Place-Bathroom and 2nd Place-Kitchen
Waypoint Living Spaces and Sub Zero/Wolf once again joined together to sponsor the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) Student Design Contest. The culmination of this event is not only prize money but also a trip to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) last month. There the winners were honored at a luncheon as well as a special event hosted by Waypoint Living Spaces and Sub Zero/Wolf. The private event was held at the Nichols Board of Trustee’s Suite at The Art Institute of Chicago with a spectacular view of Chicago’s northern skyline. The students were recognized at a reception followed by dinner and a tour of the school’s Gallery of Architecture & Design. The group was also honored by a visit from a number of the NKBA’s Executive Council.
Each year NKBA provides a different scenario to challenge the entrants. This year the challenge was based around a young professional married couple who recently purchased a 19th century urban Federal style row house. The hypothetical owners are history buffs and love the look and feel of an older home but had a long list of needs when it came to the kitchen and bathroom. It was a tall order but the student designers were more than up for the challenge.
Entering the competition is a somewhat complicated process too. The rules for entries are strict and any error in how the entry is prepared can result in a disqualification. Submissions are limited to students who (other than internships) have had no professional experience. Entries are judged on visual appeal, correct application of the principles and elements of design, NKBA Guidelines and their Graphics and Presentation Standards. Whew! It’s easy to appreciate the thought and hard work put into the entry process.
Just making it to the finals is a tough job, but one of this year’s winners was a double winner: Elaine Treadwell a student at the Art Institute online program in Pittsburgh PA. Even more amazing, Elaine was a double winner last year too. Not only that, Seminole State College of Florida had two winners this year.
With such talent, there is no doubt that the future of the kitchen and bath design industry is in good hands. Congratulations to each and every one of them.
