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Graduates shine at the Evolve: Interior Design Grad Showcase, unveiling creativity, collaboration, and award-winning talent in a vibrant evening event.
Evolve: A Night to Celebrate our 2024 Interior Design Graduates
The energy at the KF College for Excellence was buzzing as graduates, industry professionals, family, friends, and members of the public gathered for the highly anticipated Evolve: Interior Design Grad Showcase. This annual event, hosted by the college’s Interior Design Diploma Program, celebrates the hard work, creativity, and forward-thinking of graduating students.
As the doors opened at 5:30 p.m., guests were welcomed with refreshments, and a gallery of innovative design, millwork, and furniture craftsmanship.
The evening showcased not only the best in capstone projects but also a special exhibition of collaborative teamwork from the Interior Design program’s partnership with the Okanagan Society of Interior Designers (OSID) design charette. This portion of the event gave guests a chance to engage with the graduating students, ask questions about their projects, and learn about the fascinating research that inspired their designs. Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact with graduate designs in 3D using VR viewing software.
Interior Design Capstone Awards
Following the reception, the event turned to the awards portion of the evening. Amy Kuipers, RID, a CAT program alumna who now works at Hatch Design, spoke on behalf of the Okanagan Society of Interior Designers (OSID) Board of Directors. Kuipers expressed her pride in the program and encouraged the graduates to embrace their creativity and push boundaries as they enter the professional world.
After opening remarks, two graduates were highlighted for their achievements and received the following awards:
- The Qpractice Award, sponsored by Qpractice, offered a coveted four-month NCIDQ study plan (valued at $675). This award honors the graduate who has shown outstanding dedication and professionalism throughout their studies. This year, the award went to Glori Duncan, recognized for her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and professionalism. Glori’s meticulous attention to detail and her passion for pushing the boundaries of design made her a deserving recipient.
- The evening culminated in the presentation of the Miller Knoll Modern Design Award, the showcase’s highest honor. Sponsored by MillerKnoll and Hub Office Furniture Inc., this award celebrates the value of timeless design for the betterment of humankind. Along with a $2,000 prize and a classic Eames LCW plywood chair (valued at $1,500), this prestigious award was presented to Madison Gault for her exemplary capstone project. Madison’s work was noted for its creativity, innovation, and its potential for real-world application, capturing the essence of modern design.
We caught up with Madison recently, here’s what she had to share about winning the award, her time at CAT, her thought process behind her capstone project, and what the future holds:
The Award:
“I would like to thank all my teachers and Hub Office Furniture Inc. for presenting me with the MillerKnoll Modern Design Award. I feel honoured and very grateful to be the recipient of this award. Your belief in me and recognition of my design makes me feel incredibly proud and thankful for this acknowledgment. “
Time at CAT:
“Reflecting on my time in the Advanced Interior Design Program at CAT, the one-on-one support from teachers, small class sizes, and industry connections empowered me to learn many skills that I can carry with me through my career. In addition, the program helped boost my confidence as a new Interior Designer and has also led to many new friendships!”
The Capstone:
“The intent of The Monarch Treatment College is to create a space where youth and young adults can recover from eating disorders in a safe, comfortable environment. The design aims to provide various areas for treatments such as art therapy, yoga, training kitchens, and inpatient treatment rooms, offering individuals the freedom to explore what works best for them. Inspired by Scandinavian design, the space incorporates wood, textures, shapes, and patterns to minimize the typical clinical feel. The ultimate goal is to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where individuals can heal and find the treatment that suits them best.”
Future Plans:
“My plans for the future are to work for an Interior Design firm in Kelowna and continue to gain experience in residential and commercial design projects. I believe that the spaces we inhabit have the power to shape our lives in profound ways, and through my work, I hope to make each project its own piece of art that leaves an impression on everyone.”
Evolve: Showcased Talent of Interior Design Graduates and Community Support
The Interior Design program’s Evolve Grad Showcase was not just a display of talent but a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the bright futures ahead for these new professionals. With sponsor support from KF Aerospace, Qpractice, Miller Knoll, and Hub Office Furniture Inc., the evening was a true testament to the support and recognition that emerging designers have within the industry.
As guests mingled and chatted with the graduates, there was a palpable sense of excitement and pride in the room. Evolve continues to be a standout event, spotlighting the next generation of interior designers ready to leave their mark on the world.
Please enjoy the graduate’s final project PDFs, which are linked below.