Arts University Plymouth Wins the BIID Student Design Challenge 2024

The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) is delighted to announce that the winner of the BIID Student Design Challenge 2024 is Arts University Plymouth! The ninth annual event took place from 4th–7th November and was open to final-year Interior Design and Interior Architecture degree students from UK universities. The competition was held online for the fourth consecutive year, providing accessibility to students nationwide and aligning with the BIID’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the interior design industry.

This dynamic event offers students invaluable learning by challenging them to respond to a client’s brief, collaborate in teams, and present to a panel of professional interior design experts. This year, the seven teams participated: Anglia Ruskin University, Arts University Plymouth, De Montfort University, University of Portsmouth, University of Gloucestershire, London Metropolitan University, and University of Plymouth. 

Each design team, consisting of 5-7 students nominated by their course leaders, competed on behalf of their institutions. The 2024 brief focused on designing a Social Media Creators House for a group of influencers in a multi-functional live-work space, located in a former student accommodation in Glasgow. The design required flexibility for content creation, communal living, collaboration, and relaxation. Teams had to consider technology, lighting, and aesthetic adaptability for various video formats, as well as sustainability. 

The teams had three and a half days to develop their proposals remotely in line with the brief, and each was assigned a practising BIID Registered Interior Designer as a mentor for guidance. This year’s mentors included BIID Registered Interior Designers Michale Schienke, Cat Hoad, Debra Kacher, Chris Dezille, Simon Mcilwraith, Susie Rumbold, and Sammy Bikoulis. 
Final presentations were recorded and judged by BIID President Angela Bardino, President Elect Liz Bell, and Past President Matt Freeman. Judging criteria encompassed adherence to the brief, addressing the client's needs, innovativeness, drawing quality, and presentation excellence.

The judges awarded first place to Arts University Plymouth during an online Awards Ceremony on Monday, 11th November. The winning team, mentored by Cat Hoad, was recognised for its outstanding project that deeply addressed the brief. The design showcased a well-thought-out use of space and cohesive aesthetics, creating a functional, sophisticated environment suitable for content creators.

Well done to the Arts University Plymouth team Elena Faulkner, Bethany Cornish, Chloe Nutt, Mae Sheppard, Poppy Holmes, Carmen Oppermann, and Harrison Eaton. And thank you to their Senior Lecturer & Subject Lead, Ally Turner for nominating them. 

Additionally, London Metropolitan University and University of Gloucestershire were awarded highly commended prizes for their projects, which skilfully addressed the clients’ requirements and were both excellently presented. 

BIID President and judge, Angela Bardino, commented, “The BIID Student Design Challenge offers an invaluable opportunity for students to sharpen their skills and bring their knowledge to life in a high-pressure setting, guided by experienced BIID mentors. This year's brief mirrors real-world design projects, providing students with a meaningful glimpse into the kinds of challenges they may encounter in their future careers.”

Click on the play button above to watch the winning submission.