PAVE Global Opens Applications for the 2026 Inspired by Design: PAVE Student Visionary Award

One exceptional student will receive $7,500, national recognition, and be honored at the 28^th Annual PAVE Gala in New York City.

Hollywood, Fla. (July 1, 2026)— PAVE Global is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Inspired by Design: PAVE Student Visionary Award, recognizing exceptional students whose innovative design thinking demonstrates the potential to shape the future of consumer environments.

Now in its fourth year, the award has recognized outstanding student designers from Cornell University, Yale University, Endicott College, Kean University, Illinois State University, and the New York School of Interior Design. This year, one student will join that growing list of Visionaries and be recognized at the 28^th Annual PAVE Gala in New York City.

"Inspired by Design celebrates students who are pushing creative boundaries and thinking differently about the future of design," said Dash Nagel, Executive Director of PAVE Global. "Each year, we're inspired by the ideas they bring forward, and we're excited to recognize the next Student Visionary."

The 2026 recipient will receive:

• $7,500 cash award

• $1,250 travel grant for airfare, transportation, hotel, and per diem to attend the 2026 PAVE Gala in New York City

• Recognition before industry leaders at the Gala

• A $1,250 award for their school, department, or educator

Open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying design, architecture, visual merchandising, and related disciplines throughout North America, applicants are invited to submit one existing design project that demonstrates innovative thinking in one or more of five design themes: Human-Centered Design, Inclusive Design, Cultural Awareness & DEI, Contemporary Design, or Sustainability & Adaptive Reuse.

Submissions are reviewed through PAVE's blind judging process by a panel of industry professionals. The application window closes on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET/8:59 PM PT.

Complete eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at paveglobal.org/studentaward. 

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About PAVE Global

Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to connecting design students, educators, and industry professionals worldwide. Through financial assistance, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences, PAVE Global helps students build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Learn more at www.paveglobal.org

About the Inspired by Design: PAVE Student Visionary Award

Introduced in 2023 as part of PAVE Global's 30th Anniversary celebration, the Inspired by Design: PAVE Student Visionary Award recognizes exceptional students whose work demonstrates innovative design thinking and the potential to shape the future of consumer environments. Each year, the recipient receives a $7,500 cash award and is recognized during the PAVE Gala in New York City alongside leaders from across the design industry.