Two Lakeland College recent graduates are in winners row from the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s student design contest.
Adrie Nash and Tianna Harms, both graduates of Lakeland’s Interior Design Technology program, earned first- and third-place finishes respectively in the 2026 National Kitchen and Bath Association student design competition. Their success continues a winning tradition that has seen Lakeland students place in the competition for 21 consecutive years.
Nash captured first place with a kitchen design inspired by a pair of leopard-print Adidas Sambas. After searching for ideas through magazines and online platforms, she found inspiration in a leopard-print mosaic tile that tied her concept together.
“I really wanted my design to be fun, so it honestly ended up being the perfect inspiration,” Nash said. Every colour from the shoes found its way into the final design.
The White City, Sask., graduate said winning the competition helped boost her confidence after spending much of the design process second-guessing herself.
“I couldn’t believe my design had won,” Nash said. “But now I know not to doubt my abilities.”
Nash received a $5,000 US scholarship, a trip to Las Vegas for the 2027 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, and will have her winning design featured in Kitchen and Bath Business magazine. She is now working as a cabinet designer with Madera Kitchen and Bath.
Third place win
Tianna Harms earned third place with a kitchen design inspired by the colours and natural landscape of Dallas, Texas, where her fictional clients were based. She said she wanted to create a timeless space that reflected the family’s lifestyle while remaining functional and visually appealing.
“I was surprised and speechless,” Harms said of learning she had placed in the international competition.
The recognition adds to a successful year for Harms, who also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal after earning the highest grade-point average among students at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus. She is now working as a junior designer with Rochelle Cote Interior Design in Calgary after being hired following her practicum placement.
The two graduates will travel to Las Vegas together in 2027 to receive their awards and attend the industry’s largest trade show.
Overall, Lakeland College notes its students have won more than $118,000 US in scholarships through the competition over the past 21 years. The college says the continued success reflects the creativity, technical skills and hands-on experience developed through its Interior Design Technology program.
