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2025 Student Design Competition Desktop Hero Banner 2025 Student Design Competition Mobile Hero Banner

2025 STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION

July 30 - November 23, 2025

Please see below for winners.

Award: Grand Prize Winner
Elizabeth Monk
East Carolina University
Elizabeth Monk, a Senior Interior Design student at East Carolina University, embodies the essence of thoughtful design. Her passion goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on crafting meaningful experiences that foster a deep connection between people and the spaces they inhabit.
REVEL
Culture. Creativity. Connection.​
Award: Grand Prize Winner

REVEL is a cultural hub where creativity, community, and connection converge to empower the next generation. Rooted in the belief that community grows stronger when shared, REVEL offers flexible, multipurpose spaces that adapt to the rhythms of everyday life. Community exhibition zones, open lounges, adaptable event areas, and a wellness focused café create an environment that supports social connection and creative expression. In the heart of LA's Fashion and Arts District, it invites young innovators to gather, make, and discover new possibilities together. Behr's Hidden Gem N430-6A anchors the concept, symbolizing the discovery of new perspectives within the community. In bright light, it reveals cooler blue undertones; in shadow, it deepens into a contemplative green mirroring the layered identity of LA culture. Rumors MQ1-15 adds contrast, while Curtain Call N570-5, Beehive M270-5, and Blank Canvas DC-003 introduce warm neutrals that soften the warehouse's industrial shell. The design preserves the raw character of the existing structure while elevating it with natural light, biophilic elements, reused materials, and curved pathways that echo the movement of ideas. A fully ADA compliant layout ensures accessibility for all. REVEL becomes a modern, "instagrammable" destination that sparks curiosity and encourages visitors to stay, explore, and connect.

Award: First Prize Winner
Leta Pham
San Jose State University
Leta Pham, a senior at San Jose State University, is eager to embark on her professional journey. She is passionate about designing commercial spaces that foster social welfare and spark creativity in everyday life. Her work showcases a dynamic fusion of compelling storytelling, vibrant colors and materials, and innovative approaches to diagramming and planning.
ROOT & RADIANCE CENTER
Youth Development Hub​
Award: First Prize Winner

In 2025, many young people lack spaces designed to support their transition into adulthood. Influenced by social media and adult-centered environments, adolescence has become fleeting. The Root & Radiance Center is a youth development hub that bridges this gap—balancing playfulness with sophistication. "Root" symbolizes grounding, maturity, and foundation, while "Radiance" represents growth and emerging confidence. Drawing inspiration from BEHR's 2026 Color Trends and the theme "Beyond the Expected," the design embraces saturated yet harmonious hues that mirror the duality of youth—vibrant yet composed. Shades of calming jade, warm terracotta, and soft neutrals create an atmosphere that feels both grounding and uplifting. Each space, ranging from collaborative lounges to quiet reflection zones, encourages self-expression, empathy, and connection. Spatial planning emphasizes openness and community-centered areas near the entrance, gradually transitioning to private zones for one-on-one meetings and focused work. Color choices carry emotional intent: the Color of the Year, Hidden Gem N430-6A, serves as a grounding accent exuding maturity and confidence. The breakroom's Beehive M270-5 energizes users with optimism, while the meditation room's Urban Nature S380-3 fosters balance and calm. Through color, form, and atmosphere, the Root & Radiance Center becomes a refuge for growth, confidence, and self-discovery.

Award: Second Prize Winner
Annaliese Siefer
La Roche University
Annaliese Siefert, a Bachelor of Fine Arts student in Pittsburgh, PA, is passionate about hospitality design and crafting immersive, inclusive, and sustainable spaces. She dreams of traveling abroad to explore diverse architectural styles and design histories, drawing inspiration from global influences to enrich her creative vision.
THE OASIS STACKS
Books Thrive in the Urban World​
Award: Second Prize Winner

The Oasis Stacks serves as an Urban Jungle Library, a biophilic retreat designed to offer city dwellers a peaceful and intellectually stimulating sanctuary. The overall concept focuses on creating a playful yet grounded balance between the built environment and nature, using color as the foundational tool for environmental immersion and user wellness. The color palette mainly consists of Terra Cotta Urn, Blank Canvas, Rumors, Cracked Pepper, and most Importantly Hidden Gem. Hidden Gem mimics the protective, lush canopy of a jungle and promotes a feeling of enclosure and focus. Terra cotta urn helps ground the space evoking the warmth of clay and rich soil, while Blank Canvas provides an airy contrast to help keep the space light. Rumors creates moody alcoves meant for quiet reflection, while Cracked Pepper ties the space together by defining the architectural structure, providing the necessary "urban" contrast which makes this space unique. This intentional color layering transforms the space into a warm, immersive, and inherently restful environment.

JUDGES

Kayla Kratz

Kayla Kratz

Sr. Director, Color & Design
Behr Paint Company

Amber Jones

Amber Jones

Director, Architect & Design Strategic Initiatives
Behr Paint Company

Guy Adam Ailion

Guy Adam Ailion

Architect, Designer,
CEO & Co-Founder
MattoBoard

Kayla Kratz

Kayla Kratz

Sr. Director, Color & Design
Behr Paint Company

Amber Jones

Amber Jones

Director, Architect & Design Strategic Initiatives
Behr Paint Company

Guy Adam Ailion

Guy Adam Ailion

Architect, Designer,
CEO & Co-Founder
MattoBoard

PRIZES

Enter the 2025 BEHR® Student Design Competition for your chance to compete to win the following cash prizes:

Grand Prize - $5,000

+ $1,000 for your design school

First Prize - $2,000

Second Prize - $1,000

All winners will receive a 1-year MattoBoard Pro Subscription

LeAnne's design LeAnne's design

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COLOR TRENDS 2026
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN.  INTERNET AND MATTOBOARD ACCOUNT REQUIRED. Trade contest offered in the 50 U.S. & U.S. Territories (“U.S.”) to full/part-time emerging Design students at U.S. eligible Institution (see Rules) who are legal U.S. res., 18+. Ends 11:59 P.M. PT 11/23/25. See Official Rules at: https://www.behr.com/pro/colors/2025-student-design-competition/rules for entry, judging criteria and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Behr Process LLC.

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