Student Merit Awards
Now open for entry
Each year, IDSA recognizes exceptional student design talent through our Student Merit Awards program.
The competition is one of IDSA’s longest running programs and highlights the very best creativity, problem solving and design brilliance in each of IDSA’s five North American Districts. Student finalists are selected by each participating school to represent their program at the District level. A jury panel of design leaders and educators representing a cross-section of professional practice and design academia is assembled annually to review and select District winners. Two winners are selected from each District for this prestigious distinction, one at the Undergraduate (SMA) level and one at the Graduate (GSMA) level.
Students at James Madison University prepare for SMA school finalist selection night. 2022. @JMU on Instagram
Professionals and students from Parsons gather to select school finalists. 2018. @Tarika Jain on Instagram
Angela Yeh, IDSA (left) presents trophies to the 2022 SMA District winners at IDC 2022 in Seattle, WA.
Finalists representing the Midwest District prepare to present at the 2008 Midwest District Conference.
Professionals and students gather in Cincinnati to select school finalists. 2022. @IDSA Cincinnati on Instagram
Student poster display at the 2010 Northeast District Conference at Kean University.
Celebrating our finalists and winners
Student Merit Award finalists, winners, and the schools they represent benefit from massive media exposure through IDSA’s extensive reach and high-level industry recognition. Finalists receive an online profile, a print feature in INNOVATION magazine, and are celebrated across IDSA’s social media channels. In addition to this, winners receive a commemorative trophy and special distinction at the annual International Design Conference.
IDSA is proud to witness the incredible acceleration that winning an SMA provides in the professional success of those who participate. In many cases, most SMA finalists and winners graduate with strong job prospects or have already secured employment within a design firm or corporate team.
2024 Jury Chair
Shaped by a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute positively to the world, Foster’s diverse background in architecture, environmental, and industrial design reflects his commitment to meaningful connections and contributions. Beginning as a professor at Auburn University and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, he advanced to key roles at SCAD, elevating multiple design disciplines to top rankings. Foster’s career includes transformative initiatives like SHiFT Design Camps, fostering empathetic design practitioners, and facilitating cross-disciplinary projects with Fortune 500 companies. Currently overseeing the design program at SCAD’s Atlanta campus, Foster’s impact extends globally, earning him accolades such as IDSA Educator of the Year and recognition as one of the Top 30 Most Admired Educators in Design. His dedication to lifelong learning and personal effort is evident in his philosophy, influencing his career and global recognition.
