University of Minnesota Student Jayden Moffat Named 2026 VMSD Scholarship + Experience Recipient
PAVE Global and VMSD recognize emerging interior designer with $1,500 scholarship and trip to IRDC in Las Vegas
PAVE Global, in partnership with VMSD, is proud to announce Jayden Moffat, a senior Interior Design student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, as the recipient of the 2026 VMSD Scholarship + Experience.
Jayden will receive a $1,500 scholarship and travel to Las Vegas to attend the 2026 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), October 7–8, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and a daily per diem.
“Jayden’s portfolio stood out among an impressive field of student entrants this year, each demonstrating exceptional design talent, creativity, and strategic thinking,” says Murray Kasmenn, VP Group Publisher, VMSD magazine. “From traditional apparel stores to unexpected pop-ups, these students bring fresh perspectives to retail design and offer an exciting glimpse at the industry’s next generation of talent. Congratulations again to Jayden!”
Designing With People in Mind
Jayden’s interest in interior design began during a visit to a children’s hospital, where she saw how color, imagery, and natural light could completely change the feeling of a space. That experience shaped the way she thinks about design today: not simply as something visual, but as a tool that can influence how people feel, interact, and experience an environment.
Her portfolio reflects that approach across hospitality, retail, and workplace projects. Stellar North, a restaurant concept rooted in Minnesota identity, explores how lighting, spatial planning, materials, and atmosphere can create an elevated dining experience. Her Christopher John Rogers pop-up shop uses bold color and expressive forms to translate the fashion designer’s brand into a physical retail environment.
Excerpts from the portfolio of Jayden Moffat
“We are so excited to have Jayden Grace Moffat join us at the 2026 International Retail Design Conference as our PAVE x VMSD scholarship winner of 2026,” says Carly Hagedon, Editor-in-Chief, VMSD magazine, and Co-Chair, IRDC. “Jayden’s portfolio showcased a range of projects from hospitality to retail design, including an engaging, color-driven retail pop-up. As usual, all our student entrants shared with us their amazing portfolios for review, and we have no doubt the future of the retail industry is in safe hands with these creative designers on the horizon. Congratulations to Jayden!”
Jayden plans to graduate in 2027 and begin a career in interior design, with a focus on creating spaces that respond thoughtfully to the people who use them.
“I am pursuing a career in Interior Design so that I can be in a position to positively impact the environments that lots of people will experience,” Jayden shared in her application. “Through my work, I hope to create spaces that not only meet the needs of the people who use them but also leave a lasting positive impact.”
Excerpts from the portfolio of Jayden Moffat
The annual VMSD Scholarship + Experience recognizes students preparing for careers in retail and consumer environment design while providing both financial support and an opportunity to connect directly with the industry through IRDC.
For more information about the VMSD Scholarship + Experience, visit www.paveglobal.org/vmsd.
About VMSD
Since 1897, VMSD (Visual Merchandising Store Design) has been committed to providing retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news — and to doing so in a way that inspires, challenges, and motivates. Learn more at www.vmsd.com.
About the International Retail Design Conference (IRDC)
Presented annually by VMSD magazine, the International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) delivers two full days of education and design dialogue centered on the newest best practices, emerging opportunities, and fresh strategies for engaging shoppers, maximizing resources, and rethinking the retail experience. Learn more at www.vmsd.com/irdc.
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 students, educators, and the design industry through financial assistance, professional development, mentorship, and opportunities that help prepare emerging talent for careers creating consumer environments. Learn more at www.paveglobal.org.
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