Upcycling University Program 1

Spring 2025

Student Design Competition

Upcycling University Program 1

Spring 2025

Student Design Competition

Let your imagination run wild.

The Spring 2025 Material Bank Student Design Competition invites the next generation of designers to envision a commercial space within one of the breathtaking landscapes of America’s National Parks. Whether it’s a visitor center, glamping lodge, or communal retreat, participants will design a theoretical project that honors the landscape and tells a story of thoughtful connection between people and place. This is your chance to blend creativity with conservation and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the built environment.

How to enter

1. Register

Create a free Material Bank account using your university email address.

2. Build Your Board

Select materials and build a digital board for your National Parks - inspired space.

3. Visualize with AI

Use AI tools to bring your concept to life with rendered visuals.

4. Submit Your Project

Submit your completed design using the form on this page.

5. Watch for Tips

Need help? Watch our video for additional details and requirements.

Deadine

Let your imagination run wild.

The Spring 2025 Material Bank Student Design Competition invites the next generation of designers to envision a commercial space within one of the breathtaking landscapes of America’s National Parks. Whether it’s a visitor center, glamping lodge, or communal retreat, participants will design a theoretical project that honors the landscape and tells a story of thoughtful connection between people and place. This is your chance to blend creativity with conservation and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the built environment.

How to enter

1. Register

Create a free Material Bank account using your university email address.

2. Build Your Board

Select materials and build a digital board for your National Parks - inspired space.

3. Visualize with AI

Use AI tools to bring your concept to life with rendered visuals.

4. Submit Your Project

Submit your completed design using the form on this page.

5. Watch for Tips

Need help? Watch our video for additional details and requirements.

Deadine

Awards

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First Place

$3,500+ worth of cash and prizes
Frame 1000004053

Second Place

$1,500+ worth of cash and prizes
Frame 1000004054

Third Place

$500+ worth of cash and prizes

Brand Partner Awards

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Blog1 (4)
Blog1 (5)

Submission checklist

To be included on your Material Bank board:

Submission checklist

To be included on your Material Bank board:

Board

25+ Materials required.

Select at least 25 and no more than 75 unique materials from 10 or more different product categories to demonstrate range, creativity, and thoughtful specification.

 

3+ AI-generated images.

Visualize your concept with at least three images in JPG or JPEG format, each under 1MB in file size. Use AI to help bring your space to life.

 

1 Video walkthrough.

Record a 1–2 minute MP4 video explaining your material selections, design thinking, and overall concept. Speak to your creative process and how your design responds to the chosen National Park setting.

 

3 Sponsors featured.

Your board must include at least one material each from Acoufelt, Benjamin Moore, and TileBar to be considered eligible.

 

1 Project description.

Write a clear and concise summary of your project—minimum 50 words, maximum 100 words—explaining your design concept, inspiration, and how you approached key challenges.

 

25+ Materials required.

Select at least 25 and no more than 75 unique materials from 10 or more different product categories to demonstrate range, creativity, and thoughtful specification.

 

3+ AI-generated images.

Visualize your concept with at least three images in JPG or JPEG format, each under 1MB in file size. Use AI to help bring your space to life.

 

1 Video walkthrough.

Record a 1–2 minute MP4 video explaining your material selections, design thinking, and overall concept. Speak to your creative process and how your design responds to the chosen National Park setting.

 

3 Sponsors featured.

Your board must include at least one material each from Acoufelt, Benjamin Moore, and TileBar to be considered eligible.

 

1 Project description.

Write a clear and concise summary of your project—minimum 50 words, maximum 100 words—explaining your design concept, inspiration, and how you approached key challenges.

 

Meet the Judges

Meet the Judges

Tile1-1

Andrew Dent Ph.D.

 

EVP of Research, Material ConneXion

Tile2 (1)

Carmeon Hamilton

 

CEO, Nubi Interiors

Tile3-1

Christine Handy

 

Architect & Designer Marketing, Business Development Manager, Benjamin Moore

Tile4-1

Dana Morales

 

Manager Design Studio - Artist Edititions & CMF, Kohler

Tile5-1

Hannes Bauerle

 

Managing Director DACH & Material Bank Studio, Material Bank

Tile6-1

Kelly Ryan

 

Senior Architecture & Design Representative, TileBar

Tile7-1

Meghan Howell

 

Creative and Design Director, Formica North America

Tile8 (1)

Michele Brautnick

 

Creative Director, Acoufelt

Tile9-1

Rebecca Best

 

EVP Sustainability, Material Bank

Tile10-1

Sarah Nelson

 

Creative Director, Momentum

 

 

Entry form

Entry form

For a complete list of rules, entry criteria, and prizes, please visit: https://sample.materialbank.com/material-bank-student-design-competition-spring-2025-official-rules