Kansas State Interior Design Student Named Finalist in National ASID Student Portfolio Competition

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University interior design student Sammie Skinner has been named a finalist in the 2025 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Student Portfolio Competition, one of the most prestigious design contests for emerging professionals in the field.

A senior in the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design (IAID) in K-State’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign), Skinner’s recognition places her among the top interior design students in the nation. The ASID competition celebrates innovation and excellence, selecting finalists whose portfolios demonstrate exceptional design thinking, creativity, and visual communication skills.

Submissions are evaluated on four core criteria—concept, content, context, and execution—each measuring the designer’s ability to integrate aesthetics, functionality, and purpose into their work. Skinner’s portfolio was selected from among hundreds of entries submitted by students representing universities across the United States.

“This recognition is a testament to Sammie’s talent, dedication, and the strength of our interior design program,” said Hyungchan Kim, IDEC, Associate Professor of Interior Design. “Being named a finalist in such a competitive national field is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects the creativity and rigor we encourage at APDesign.”

Skinner’s portfolio highlights her ability to design human-centered interior environments that respond to context, support well-being, and celebrate materiality and craft. Her work embodies APDesign’s commitment to producing graduates who combine design excellence with empathy, sustainability, and real-world engagement.

APDesign’s continued encouragement of faculty, staff, and student participation in national design competitions reflects its alignment with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, emphasizing impactful, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to the broader professional community.

“Opportunities like this allow our students to measure their skills against national standards while building meaningful professional networks,” Kim added. “It’s exciting to see Sammie’s success represent the strength and vision of our program.”

For more information about the ASID Student Portfolio Competition, visit asid.org/resources/awards/student-portfolio-competition.