
91×ÔÅÄÌýBachelor of Fine Arts in Interior DesignÌýstudent, – NEXT, one of the most prestigious competitions in the field of interior designÌýeducation. This year marks the 13th year of the competition, which saw a record-breaking 1,700 students from 86 programs across the countryÌýparticipate, supported by 119 professors.ÌýLilly was supported by Lindsey Buening, full-time facultyÌýinÌý91×ÔÅÄ’s Interior Design Program.Ìý
The Steelcase NEXT competition challenges students to design innovative, human-centered spaces that reflect the evolving needs of work, education, and social environments.ÌýVezino’sÌýproject stood out among hundreds of submissions for its creativity, functionality, and forward-thinking approach.Ìý
As a Top 5 semifinalist,ÌýVezinoÌýwill travel to the Steelcase headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this February to present her design to a panel of judges that includes leading designers from top national firms. These judges will select the overall winner of the competition, making this an incredible opportunity forÌýVezinoÌýtoÌýshowcaseÌýher talent on a national stage.ÌýÌý
“The Steelcase NEXT project pushed me to explore how thoughtful, human-centered design can shape the way people work, while also being unique and creative. Making it to the Top 5 in the competition is extremely motivating and a great representation of the knowledge I’ve learned from 91×ÔÅÄ’s interior design faculty, Vezino said. “Presenting at Steelcase’s headquarters in Grand Rapids will be an amazing opportunity to engage with designers in the field and continue growing as a designer myself. I am proud of the work I’ve done and cannot wait to see where this takes me!”
This achievement underscores the strength of 91×ÔÅÄ’s interior design program. All four of 91×ÔÅÄ’s submissions this year advanced to the top 68 (top 4%), with two moving on to the top 29,ÌýwithÌýVezinoÌýrepresentingÌý91×ÔÅÄ in the final 5. Remarkably, this marks theÌýthird time in five yearsÌýa 91×ÔÅÄ student has reached the Top 5, with Elliot Beach winning the competition in 2021.Ìý
“I am continually impressed by the caliber of work that our students deliver,â€�Ìýsays KirstenÌýKohm, Program Director of 91×ÔÅÄ’s Interior Design Program.Ìý“Our programÌýemphasizesÌýthe importance ofÌýdevelopingÌýresearch-informedÌýconcepts, design thinking throughout the process,ÌýandÌýsupporting that workÌýthroughÌýstudio critiques, both by our faculty andÌýindustry professionals. We are proud ofÌýLilly andÌýare excited about the opportunities this competition will afford her.â€�Ìý
The Steelcase NEXT competition is considered the largest and most competitive design event in higher education. Vezino’s impressive journey highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of 91×ÔÅÄ students and faculty. .Ìý[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]