The ASID Student Portfolio Competition (SPC) generates the best collection of student design projects in the nation, showcasing exceptional thought, innovation, and creativity. Submissions are evaluated on concept, content, context, and execution. Make your mark on the interior design industry by applying to the SPC today!
Supported by:
The ASID Student Portfolio Competition (SPC) is open to both ASID student members and non-members.
- Free for members: ASID and IDC student members may apply at no cost.
- Non-member fee: Non-members may apply for a $49 fee, which includes one year of ASID student membership (if eligible).
Jury Process
Submissions are evaluated across three key criteria:
- Concept: How does it reflect the student’s thought process and design philosophy?
- Content: How does it demonstrate the student’s skills and abilities?
- Context: How does it represent who the student is and what they have accomplished?
Overall execution is also considered, including how effectively the submission communicates the quality and value of the student’s work.
The competition includes three rounds of review, judged by nationally recognized design leaders and sponsor representatives.
- Round 1: Online review of all complete submissions. The highest-scoring entries advance as semi-finalists.
- Round 2: The 2026 jury reviews all semi-finalist submissions in detail.
- Round 3: All finalists participate in virtual interviews with the 2026 jury.
After the interviews, the jury will select up to three winners of the 2026 Student Portfolio Competition.
2025-2026 Timeline
December 3, 2025 – Submissions Open
January 23, 2026 – Portfolio Review Event
February 4, 2026 – All Submissions Due
Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on February 4
March 4, 2026 – Semi-Finalists Informed
March 31, 2026 – Finalists Informed
April 6 – 8, 2026 – Mandatory Virtual Interviews for Finalists
Week of April 13, 2026 – Winners Notified
National Media Exposure
Enjoy the spotlight! Competition winners gain broad visibility across the design community. Through strategic outreach and social media engagement, ASID highlights and promotes winner accomplishments to members and the wider industry.
Finalists and winners receive social media graphics to share their achievements within their own networks. Their work is also featured on the ASID website until the next competition opens for submissions, providing exposure to a wide audience of interior design professionals and leaders.
Scholarship Funds & GATHER Access
Each competition winner receives a $6,000 scholarship to support their educational and professional goals and an invitation to attend GATHER: Catalyst 2026 in Dallas, TX with complimentary registration and a travel stipend. These scholarships and travel stipends are generously supported by the ASID Foundation and the Polsky Family Supporting Foundation (PFSF) Endowment.
Access to Industry Giants
Competition judges are selected from top firms across the nation, offering finalists an unparalleled level of exposure to leading organizations (and possibly your future colleagues!) The 2025 jury included outstanding leaders from Benjamin Moore, CannonDesign, Corgan, Gensler, HDR, HGA, HKS, Journey (ICRAVE), Perkins&Will, and Rottet Studio.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled as an interior design student attending an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada as of September 1, 2025.
Cost to Enter
- $0 for ASID members. One submission per student.
- $49 per non-member submission (*includes one year of ASID student membership).
*Application fee is not a guarantee for membership. Student membership will be granted if the applicant meets membership requirements.
Portfolio Review Event
Prepare your portfolio for the 2026 Student Portfolio Competition with personalized feedback from industry professionals.
Join us on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, from 1 – 3 p.m. ET for a 15-minute, one-on-one review session. This is your chance to receive candid, actionable advice to strengthen your portfolio and assess your readiness for the competition. Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your review now.