By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Challenge will bring home design ideas to life

Jan 18, 2018 | 10:34 AM

LETHBRIDGE – For interior design students at Lethbridge College, the idea of putting their work to practical use in a dramatic way excited some to the point of tears.

The college’s Interior Design Technology program has teamed up with Ashcroft Master Builders to put what the students are learning to the test. During the Ashcroft Design Challenge, first-year students will create original home designs, which will then be created in virtual reality, as they team up with second-year students.

The clincher is that the winning design, to be chosen by Ashcroft, will be built by the company. Proceeds will be donated back to the college.

“It’s always known that younger people, especially people that are into design, they have new ideas, they are creative, and they are not fearful of trying new things,” Ashcroft general manager and partner Rodrigo Esparza said, “and we thought that it was a good idea just to join forces and try something unique in the marketplace.”

Esparza said for the company, it creates relationships in the community that also leads to more interest and sales. He added that Ashcroft has also been able to provide input into courses, leading to more creative graduates better able to enter the marketplace.

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For first-year student Raegen Post, being part of the first group to participate in such a class is not only exciting, but also has them interested to see how their ideas play out.

“It’s one thing to learn something in class, and be, maybe one day I’ll use this. But now we’re seeing, hey, the next day, we might actually use this,” Post said. She said her ideas are influenced by modern technology, and the use of virtual reality is a big help.

“To be able to not only see it on paper in 2D, but then to also be, hey, I can actually walk through this space. I can see how far the walls are apart. I can see where the couches are.”

Instructor Cherie Reitzel said this contest takes that concept one step farther, and “there’s nothing greater in our industry.” She explained the program has been working with the city to discuss matters like setbacks and architectural controls. The city will double-check the finished design to ensure it conforms to all the necessary bylaws.

Post will be among the eager students awaiting the choice of the winning design, at the college’s surrender event April 25.

“I think it’ll be awesome to see your design, that you started from the beginning, to see that come to life would be just crazy.”