Kristina Tribell is the winner of the fifth-annual Daltile Interior Design Scholarship.

As the winner of the scholarship, which is presented in partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation, Tribell received $10,000 to continue her education in the field of interior design.

“This year, we had more than 120 entries from some of the most talented students across the country, showcasing the exemplary work created by the next generation of interior designers," said Kim Albrecht, senior brand marketing manager for Dal-Tile. "Dal-tile is honored to be part of the scholarship program, investing in the future of the design profession.”

This year's design challenge, titled “Design Inspired by Nature,” was to redesign a hotel lobby using key biophilic design principles, demonstrating how thoughtful design, creativity and Daltile [brand] products can come together to create a beautiful, welcoming and impactful space.

With plans to graduate in spring 2017 from the Art Institute of Houston, Tribell has always been passionate about art and design. She first learned about the scholarship contest during an interior design association event and a few weeks later, after visiting a Dal-Tile expo in Houston, became inspired by the products and immediately started working on her submission. Tribell chose the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Houston as her project location, redesigning the lobby to incorporate biophilic influences. Using Daltile [brand] collections, including Marble Attaché and Saddle Brook Glazed Porcelain, Tribell reinvented the space to be more calming, a stark contrast from the bustling city outside of the hotel lobby doors.

“The ASID Foundation is excited to partner with Dal-Tile to honor students, like Kristina Tribell, with scholarships to help them pursue their goals in the field of interior design,” said Susan Wiggins, senior strategic advisor, ASID Foundation. “The ASID Foundation believes in the future of the interior design industry and supports scholarships and educational opportunities that will prepare and propel the next generation of interior designers to reach their full potential. The Daltile Interior Design Scholarship enables us to encourage young designers to further hone their design skills and aesthetic."

The grand prize winner and three finalists were selected by Dal-Tile and the ASID Foundation with the help of a panel of industry experts, including Deborah Lloyd Forrest, FASID, Krista Ninivaggi, Allied ASID and Catie Ryan, senior project manager at Terrapin Bright Green. This year's top scholarship recipients are:

  • Grand Prize: $10,000 Scholarship Winner: Kristina Tribell, The Art Institute of Houston
  • First Prize: $2,500 Scholarship Winner: Ali Guymon, Utah State University
  • Second Prize: $2,500 Scholarship Winner: Ben Roghaar, Utah State University
  • Third Prize: $2,500 Scholarship Winner: Charlotte Jolly, Indiana University

New for 2016, Dal-Tile and the ASID Foundation awarded the school or university with the highest number of completed entries with a $10,000 grant for their interior design program. This year, Utah State University was presented with the grant and had 37 students from the university submit projects for consideration.

For more information, visit daltile.com and asidfoundation.org.