Two design students won the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library’s interior design competition. Erica Brooks and Tung Nguyen both received scholarship grants as part of their award during the High Point market, which took place last week.
Brooks took first place for her “LineUp” entry. According to the Virgina Tech senior student, she was inspired by the artist Julien Bouillion. Brook’s designed space boasts of strong movements and defined textures which offered up for an edgy appeal. She received a $5,000 scholarship which she will use to purse her interior design education. The second place went to Nguyen who is currently studying at Winthrop University. Nguyen received a $1,500 scholarship.
June Anderson, one of the competition’s judges, said, “It is very imaginative and smart to use a live existing artist in the presentation.” Anderson cited that Brook’s design created an environment that encourages sales and marketing for the pieces of art that we ar inspired by.
Both Brooks and Nguyen were also awarded memberships to the American Society of Interior Designers and the American Society of Furniture Designers. The universities where both students come from will also receive $1,000 each, which will go to their academic programs.
Russell Bienenstock, president of the library board said, “The intention of these scholarships is to encourage and inspire the best and most creative minds and help develop their talents.” Russell Bienenstock is the grandson of Sandy Bienenstock, the library’s founder. Sandy Bienenstock founded the scholarship which will help the design education of future furniture designers.
Twenty-three students from 10 colleges were asked to design a three-storey unit with the first and second floors serving as art galleries with the third floor as a residential space. The jury was composed of designers Brianne Verstat, Christi Spangle, June Anderson and Marilyn Russell.
