Harrison Launches International Design Challenge for Students: The Harrison School of Design Competition

Posted in News on 18 April, 2024

360-degree global branding, interior design & architecture specialist, Birmingham-based Harrison, announces the launch of its inaugural design challenge for students to take part in this summer (2024), ‘The Harrison School of Design Competition’.

Launching across the UK and US simultaneously, the competition gives aspiring designers and architects the opportunity to create a restaurant design concept based on their ideal eating spot. Putting their knowledge to the test, the competition wants to give students creative licence to find inspiration outside the classroom and exams, showcasing their skills and ultimately their creativity. All in the hope to uncover a visionary designer, allowing the business to continue to develop innovative and captivating environments that redefine the guest experience.

Students will be competing for:

·        First place prize: £1,000 + a 2-month paid internship with the industry-leading Harrison team in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

·        Second place prize: £500

·        Third place prize: £250

Kevin Grima, Creative Director, comments: “One of the favourite parts of my role is helping to develop junior designers and watching them grow into design managers, associates, and future directors. I particularly love the passion and enthusiasm of recent graduate designers when they join the company. What’s more, supporting young designers has always been at the heart of our business. This is why we are incredibly excited to launch and invite you to take part in our Harrison School of Design Competition.

A first of its kind, this competition puts the power in the students’ hands, giving young designers the opportunity to completely create a restaurant space which appeals to them. We want them to challenge boundaries and push creativity, without the restrictions or constraints of university guidelines or exam pressures. In essence, we want students to get creative and show us unique flair. Most importantly, we want students to have fun with their design.”

Across the company’s 35-year history, support and development of young designers has been a core value for the team at Harrison, having been instilled from day one by founder Philip Harrison. Today, the business is recognised as being one of the leading hospitality design agencies for those looking to start their career, developing fresh, imaginative design concepts which stand the test of time. The team at Harrison consistently encourages young designers to make the first step into the vibrant and exciting industry.

Entrants are asked to pre-register on the Harrison website in order to receive the design brief and mood board for inspiration.

The Challenge:
The brief pushes students to create a restaurant which appeals to them. Whether that’s urban, edgy and gritty, or clean, light, bright and airy. From creating a completely new space to giving a new lease of life to an old city-centre building. With a little inspiration and flair, the brief really is an open book for students to put their mark on a design which is vibrant, attention-grabbing, and stands out from the crowd.

Applying what they have learnt throughout their studies, Harrison is looking for an out of the box concept which incorporates unique elements. Whether the designer wants to create a space which is run using AI technology, or a venue which brings live music and food together seamlessly, or a restaurant which champions local artists… the possibilities are unlimited. What is key is each design should be a celebration of each entrant’s interests and passion.

Key dates:
Pre-registration: April & May 2024

Competition deadline: 31^st July 2024

Winners announced: September 2024

To find out more about the entry requirements, eligibility, and how the competition will play out, visit: https://www.weareharrison.com/schoolofdesign/.

Terms and conditions apply, current employees’ and recent former employees’ immediate families and those Harrison deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate. For any questions, please reach out to competitionuk@weareharrison.com.

About Harrison
Harrison is a global specialist in architecture, interior design, and branding consultancy. The team creates global brands with distinctive spaces, commercially successful brand positioning, and practical and sales optimised interior design. With 35 years’ experience, Harrison has worked on over 6,000 spaces channelling storytelling, creativity, imagination, and a genuine passion for developing unique guest experiences in all they do.

Harrison’s current and previous client list includes Fogo de Chão, Hilton, Harrod’s, HMS Host, Gordon Ramsay North America, Marugame Udon and Nando’s to name just a few.

Harrison has offices in Birmingham, Dallas, and Melbourne, working exclusively in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

weareharrison.com