Jefferson Students Shine at 19th Annual Jacobs Student Design Competition

The 19th Annual Jacobs Student Design Competition recently took place in Philadelphia, challenging 42 participants from five schools in the region to demonstrate their creativity and interior design acumen. The competition tasked students with designing a 6,000-square-foot lobby and amenity space for a business or brand of their own creation, in a city of their choosing — all within a tight six-hour design charrette.

Thomas Jefferson’s Interior Design and Interior Architecture students took the top four out of five awards, a near sweep of the awards. The winners included: Charlotte Saggers (1st place), Jaysa Even (2nd place), and Emma Hogan (3rd place), and Hayley Warnalis (honorable mention). Their innovative designs showcased their talent and depth of knowledge reflecting Jefferson’s excellence in interior design education.

This annual competition not only tests participants' design and problem-solving skills under pressure but also fosters collaboration and professional networking among budding interior designers from the greater Philadelphia area. Chair of the Interior Design and Interior Architecture Department, Lauren Baumbach, said, these students are remarkable in their design abilities and composure under pressure. We couldn’t be prouder; these awards are well deserved.” Jefferson’s strong representation in the finals highlights the university's commitment to preparing its students to excel in real-world challenges.

Congratulations to all who participated, and especially to the Jefferson students who were awarded for their designs!

Learn more about Jefferson’s BS in Interior Design and MS in Interior Architecture programs.