Interior Design students from Pikes Peak Community College went head-to-head in a competition to create the most innovative room design while focusing on sustainability through the use of environmentally friendly finishes and furnishings.

The "Design for Hope" project, inspired by HGTV's popular "Design Star" show, was conceived by Tara Gray, Chair of the PPCC Interior Design Department. Gray partnered with Matt Locke from the third season of “Design Star” to bring this unique project to the Colorado Springs community. "Our goal is to foster innovative interior design, as well as environmental conservation, community involvement and philanthropy," said Gray.

Design students were divided into ten teams. Each team was given an identical room consisting of 3 walls and a floor platform, that served as a blank canvass. In-kind gifts of furniture, lighting, finishes, accent pieces, and artwork (all with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly content) were featured. The students worked on their designs for two months, and the project concluded on June 19 with a gala event at the Promenade Shops at Briargate.

Nearly 350 people attended the gala, which included entertainment and refreshments, touring each team’s room, green vendors showcasing their products, and a silent auction featuring design items, spa and dining packages, and a two hour design consultation with Matt Locke. More than 200 more visitors toured the venue the following weekend at the public tours.

All proceeds from ticket sales and the auction - totaling an impressive $36,000 - were donated to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the Pikes Peak Region, a local advocacy group for abused and neglected children.

Winning Teams:
People’s Choice Award: Team 3, Residential Spa
Judges Award: Team 6, Tibetan Lounge
Judges Innovation Award : Team 3, Residential Spa
Judges Environmental Award : Team 7, Kids Creative Center

Thank you to the Event Sponsors:

Premier Sponsor: The Showroom at Rampart Supply

Inspiration Sponsors:
Pikes Peak Community College
Pikes Peak Community College Foundation

Room Sponsors:
The Construction Specifications Institute, Pikes Peak Chapter
Bestway Disposal
Coutura Design Inspirations
CASA’s Circle of Impact

Design Sponsors:
Denver Design District
The Gazette
Peoples Mortgage
Red Rock Realty
Elements of Interiors
Wells Fargo
Herman Miller Architecture + Design
Holladay Grace Roofing, Inc
Kathleen Ricker, Ph.D.

Design for Hope Contractor: Tola Custom Homes

Additional Sponsors: Cheers Liquor Mart, Bristol's Laughing Lab Scottish Ale, The Promenade Shops at Briargate, Heritage Wallpaper and Blinds, The Paintin’ Place.