Kwantlen Polytechnic University graduate Maria Drugoveiko was named one of the Top 5 Under 5 interior designers in Canada.
For immediate release
November 6, 2012
Kwantlen grad named one of the Top 5 Under 5 interior designers in Canada
(Metro Vancouver, BC) – Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) graduate Maria Drugoveiko was named one of the Top 5 Under 5 interior designers in Canada by the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Drugoveiko accepted her award during the IDC Annual General Meeting in Toronto this fall.
“This award means a great deal to me, it is about recognition from professionals in the industry on a national level, so that alone is big,” says Drugoveiko. “The fact that I am one of the top five young interior designers in Canada, and the only winner from BC, gives me enough confidence to succeed in my career, especially since I only graduated last year.”
Drugoveiko was selected for this award based on recommendations from Geralynne Mitschke, a registered interior designer and KPU graduate. She was also selected for her unique solution to a design concept dilemma: transforming an abandoned gas station into a workspace for today’s mobile workers.
“Maria is a lateral thinker who goes above and beyond what is expected – she was a complete joy to teach,” said Paola Gavilanez, instructor, interior design, KPU. “She demonstrated amazing leadership skills during her time as a student at Kwantlen and has continued since she graduated. Her selflessness and contributions of extensive volunteer work makes her even more deserving of this award.”
The Top 5 Under 5 Awards, created by a national committee of Provisional and Intern members (better known as EPIC), was designed to highlight the talents of designers in the first five years of their career. Submissions are judged by a national panel of interior designers and award-winning projects are displayed on the IIDEX show floor. The winners and their supervisors take part in a panel discussion to talk about their early career experiences and their inspirations behind their winning designs.
Kwantlen’s bachelor of interior design (IDSN) program provides students with practical design and technical knowledge that they can apply to a professional career as an interior designer. Students will also take part in on-site visits to firms, suppliers and manufacturers and gain an in-depth understanding of the design industry. For more information please visit: kwantlen.ca/design/interior_design.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Please visit: Kwantlen.ca.
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For more information about Kwantlen’s interior design programs, contact:
Debbie Johnstone Bjerke
Interior Design
Tel: 604.599.2755
debbie.JohnstoneBjerke@kwantlen.ca
For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Communications and Marketing Services
Tel: 604.598.6188
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca