Caine College of the Arts Interior Design Students Finalists in National Competition

Two Interior Design students from the Caine College of the Arts (CCA) at Utah State University were among five finalists in the dscvr Student Design Competition.

Each year, dscvr identifies and exhibits emerging talent in the field of hospitality design and contributes toward the education of these future designers. Sponsored by Durkan in partnership with NEWH, the contest challenges applicants to design coordinating floorscapes for ballroom and pre-function areas using 12 colors or less.

Megan Orme took second place with her design, “Ostenti,” a representation of direction, relation and connection, created using topographical maps from across the world. Orme’s design features an unexpected color palette and modern design that integrates weaving paths, terrain-like textures, and the mysteries of the landscape, calling to attention the interrelation of people and place. Orme is the recipient of a $1,000 NEWH scholarship from Durkan.

“The Durkan Competition was an honor to participate in,” Orme said. “It gave my carpet design exposure and provided me an experience to talk about for years to come. It felt gratifying to be recognized and supported in my design efforts moving forward.”

Candice Buttars took fifth place for her design, “Marina.” Buttars will receive a $200 NEWH scholarship from Durkan.

“This competition confirms I have chosen a career path in which I believe I will be able to succeed,” Buttars said. “It took me some time to figure out what I wanted to do, so moments like this help build my confidence and reaffirm my decision.”

Darrin Brooks, CCA professor and Interior Architecture and Design Area Coordinator, said product design in a large part of the interior design students’ curriculum, whether it be furniture, lighting, textiles, wallcovering, or carpet.

“The Interior Architecture and Design program is thrilled at our student’s achievements at the national level in having their designs recognized year after year,” Brooks said. “This marks the 15th award in the Durkan National Student Design Competition for USU students since 2016. To see our student’s work appear in Durkan’s product line brings reality into the studio and recognition to USU.”

Other CCA student finalists were Aly Barlow, “Conchiolin,” and Jacee Hammons, “Rakaia.”

“Year after year we anticipate this opportunity as a way to not only recognize the best of the best but to also help inspire the greater community of hospitality design as a whole,” Arnavaz Barshan, director of design for Durkan, said. “This year’s submissions and the talented designers behind them are no exception, and we are delighted to be in the midst of the future of our industry”

In the decade since its inception, dscvr has jump-started the careers of several designers in the hospitality industry. Durkan continues to maintain a catalog of winning designs. A concept by CCA student Heather Wilkinson not only helped the rising designer build her portfolio and secure a finalist spot in the 2019 program, but also helped provide the inspiration for Durkan’s carpet collection, Up Color.

To learn more about the dscvr Student Design Competition and view the 2020 finalists and their designs, visit mohawkgroup.com/durkan/dscvr-voting.