Dunn-Edwards’ fourth annual Emerging Professionals Design Competition has been officially opened for submissions nationwide. Current architecture and design students who are enrolled in school can submit their entry online now through Aug. 18, 2024. There is no fee to enter. Winners will be announced by Sept. 30, 2024.

There will be two competition prizes: grand and first runner-up. The first runner-up will receive a cash prize of $800. The grand prize winner will receive a $3,000 cash prize, as well as a feature on Dunn-Edwards specs + spaces design blog.

Additionally, the grand prize winner will have the opportunity to participate in the next AYDA Awards competition hosted by Nippon Paint, giving them the chance to be critiqued by a global design community.

The winner will be the first and sole US contestant, and Dunn-Edwards will cover all travel expenses for the winner to attend the competition in-person in Asia. Winners of the AYDA Awards will attend the three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Programme at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

Calvin Ma, graduate student at UCLA Extension/Cal Poly Pomona, competed in the competition and secured a winning spot in both 2022 and 2023. “Dunn-Edwards offers all up-and-coming designers a wonderful opportunity to enhance their skills by offering these competitions,” he said.

The theme of this year’s competition is influenced by Dunn-Edwards 2024 Color of the Year, Skipping Stones (DET567). Each entrant will be required to include the color, born from Dunn-Edwards 2024 Color + Design Trends, in their design. They also will be required to submit a mood board and renderings as a part of their entry. Learn more about the Emerging Professionals Design Competition guidelines.

Lauren Hoferkamp, head of color and design at Dunn-Edwards, is one of this year’s judges.

“I am thrilled to be a judge of this year’s competition and to witness the students’ passions through their designs. I look forward to seeing the creativity and fresh perspectives brought forth in the entries and providing feedback from someone who has worked closely with architects, designers, and color for 20+ years,” said Hoferkamp.

Danielle Kinahan, Dunn-Edwards marketing segments manager, will also be a judge of this year’s competition. With a certificate in interior architecture from UCLA Extension and a wide range of marketing experience within the industries, Kinahan brings a valuable judging perspective to the competition.