The Interior Design Program, part of the Applied Design Department within the College of Fine and Applied Arts, is celebrating a major achievement after its students claimed top honors at the recent IIDA Carolinas Designworks event in Charlotte. The recognition highlights the program's commitment to design excellence and professional preparation.
“As Chair of Applied Design, I am inspired by the creativity and professionalism our students bring to their work every day. Their success at IIDA Carolinas reflects both their exceptional talent and the strength of the education they receive at App State,” said Sheryl Oring, Chair of the Department of Applied Design.
Hannah Antworth and Alex Poorman (faculty)
Hannah Antworth was named the winner of the highly prestigious Shining Star Award. This honor is bestowed annually upon only one student across the Carolinas and recognizes student members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, actively participate in Chapter events, and are involved in various committees.
In the Student Design Awards competition, a student team was named the Winner for their project, "Duke Pediatric Infusion Center, Studio V". The winning team members were Logan Cope, Charly Fischl, and Liza Kearns.
Hannah Antworth and Jacco Rampolla (App Alum)
Additionally, Morgann Owens was recognized as the runner-up in the Student Design Awards for her project, "Sasi Massaya Resort, Hospitality, Studio IV".
Other recognized Appalachian State student projects featured in the program included Logan Cope's "Tetu Vegha, Hospitality Studio IV" and Mimi Allen's "Ghasel Hotel and Evviva Restaurant, Hospitality Studio IV". All award-winning and recognized projects were overseen by Jeanne Mercer-Ballard, Professor of Interior Design.
"I am so proud of these students and honored that they have been recognized by IIDA Carolinas for their hard work. Our students have historically been recognized by IIDA Carolinas for many years and we truly appreciate these opportunities. Winning these awards from this professional organization validates the quality of our program and we look forward to more success in the future."
-Professor Jeanne Mercer-Ballard
The Interior Design program provides a four-year professional degree leading to a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, and is accredited by both the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
About the Department of Applied Design
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research, and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor's degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design, and interior design.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
IIDA Carolinas logo thumbnail
IIDA Carolinas logo thumbnail