For immediate release

Kwantlen Interior Design students take first place in North America design competition

Metro Vancouver, BC – (May 3, 2012) – It takes creativity and a keen eye for detail to stand out in a design competition open to students across North America. Kwantlen students Lorin Bordeville and Josie Smith have both. The Kwantlen Polytechnic University third year Interior Design students clinched first place in the Durkan D*scover 2012 Student Carpet Design Competition.

Now in its third year, the competition, held by Durkan – a leading manufacturer of printed carpet for the hospitality industry – and NEWH – the Network of the Hospitality Industry – encourages students to design a carpet specific to the hospitality industry. Students were asked to think outside the box and make the typical carpet design for hotels something different.

Bordeville and Smith's win wasn't the only for Kwantlen; Interior Design students Erin Saucier, Cara Seeton and Blair Thomson, also in their third-year, received honourable mention.

"The D*scover contest was a unique opportunity to explore carpet design, computer software, colour theory, concept development and presentation but more importantly, to apply those skills in a practical application," commented Erika Balcombe, an instructor in Kwantlen's Interior Design Program. "To hear that our students did so well was not only a proud moment for me but for the class a whole. The entire process was a great learning opportunity on many levels."

The two winning students receive a $2,000 scholarship and a trip to Las Vegas where they'll be recognized at the HD Expo in May. For more information about the competition, visit http://www.durkan.com/site/dscover/about_contest.asp

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca