Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travellers and their interactions has won a Kwantlen Polytechnic University student the Global Hospitality Guestroom Design Contest.
Alyssa Scott, who is in her third year studying interior design at the Wilson School of Design at KPU, was the student winner of the annual competition hosted by the hospitality industry network NEWH and Woodcraft Hospitality. The competition challenges practicing and student designers to refine their skills through developing and furnishing a hotel room interior.
The latest contest involved developing a line of hard furniture that included a headboard, tables and supporting fixtures. These furniture items, known as casegoods, were placed in a virtual hotel room focused on the modern traveller.
“Using circular forms, asymmetry, and repetition as found in Zen gardens, and by reducing touch points, we will design casegoods that equally create a sense of rest and recreation.”
All submissions were ranked on originality, suitability, relevant trends and integration of technology by a panel of judges from major hospitality and design groups. With Alyssa’s submission, the panel believed her concept covered the criteria in addition to conveying a high attention to detail.
For winning the student category, Scott was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Her achievement was announced during the Boutique Design New York (BDNY) conference in New York City.
“I was beyond excited to win the scholarship,” says Scott. “Going to New York to receive the recognition definitely added to this amazing experience.”
While developing her concept, Scott had support from her instructor, Erick Villagomez, for critiques that refined her process.
“Design critiques generate food for thought through guidance. I was honoured to be included in her process,” says Villagomez. “Scott’s success is rooted in the principles she shares with the Wilson School of Design: passion, curiosity and critical thinking.”
