LEWISVILLE, N.C. — The Educational Foundation (EF) of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) has officially revealed the recipients of its 2026 student scholarships, marking another milestone in the organization’s nearly eight-decade history of fostering talent within the global design industry. For the 2026 academic cycle, the foundation has awarded a total of $27,500 to 10 high-achieving students who represent the next generation of leadership in interior design, architecture, furniture design, and textile development. This year’s selection process was characterized by a particularly competitive applicant pool, with submissions arriving from leading design programs across the United States.
The IFDA, a 79-year-old global alliance, remains one of the most influential professional organizations in the furnishings and design sector. Its Educational Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm, dedicated to providing financial assistance to students and professionals who demonstrate not only technical excellence but also a commitment to the evolving social and environmental responsibilities of the design profession. The 2026 awards highlight a shift in the industry toward "purpose-driven design," with winning projects focusing on sustainability, neurodivergence, and community-centric civic architecture.
The 2026 Selection Process and Institutional Vision
The judging for the 2026 scholarships was conducted by a specialized subset of the Educational Foundation’s Board of Trustees. These industry veterans evaluated applicants based on academic performance, portfolio quality, and the potential impact of their work on the broader design landscape. Karen Dzendolet, Chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA, emphasized that the 2026 cohort reflects a deep-seated desire to utilize design as a tool for global improvement.
"We are very pleased to present these scholarships to such exceptional students," Dzendolet stated during the announcement. "Their shared commitment to improving the world through design is commendable, whether the focus is on sustainability, biophilic design, neurodivergent design, health and well-being or community engagement and giving back."
Earline Feldman, FIFDA, who serves as the Director of Scholarships & Grants, noted that the geographical and thematic diversity of the applications made the 2026 selection process one of the most challenging in recent years. "True to our mission, we awarded 10 scholarships to outstanding students whose talent, creativity and dedication distinguished them among an exceptionally competitive field," Feldman said. "With applications from across the country, selecting the winners was no easy task for our judges."
Profiles of Excellence: The 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The 10 winners selected for the 2026 academic year come from a variety of educational backgrounds, ranging from traditional undergraduate programs to specialized graduate-level research.
Sophia Royale: Avalon Flooring Scholarship ($2,000)
Sophia Royale was named the recipient of the inaugural Avalon Flooring Scholarship. A graduate of the University of Arizona (2023), Royale represents the growing trend of professionals transitioning into design from other sectors. Currently balancing a full-time role at Amanda Stefanski Interiors in Wayne, Pennsylvania, she is pursuing an Interior Design Certificate at the Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. Her work focuses on the intersection of residential functionality and purposeful aesthetics, leveraging her background in sales and client relations to enhance the designer-client collaborative process.
Troy Rudolph: Tony Fusco Scholarship ($6,000)
The Tony Fusco Scholarship, a new high-value award reserved for New England residents, was granted to Troy Rudolph. Currently a Master of Architecture candidate at the Boston Architectural College, Rudolph previously earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Visual Arts from Fordham University. His academic trajectory is marked by significant early-career recognition; in 2025, he secured both the Best Student Architecture Residential and Commercial Project awards at the IFDA New England Awards Gala. Rudolph’s professional focus is civic architecture, aiming to design meaningful public spaces that support community engagement and social equity.
Gabriella Sutherland: FBN Leaders Commemorative Scholarship ($3,000)
Gabriella Sutherland, a dual-degree student at Mississippi State University, received this scholarship for her interdisciplinary approach to the built environment. Studying Interior Design and Psychology with minors in Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Sustainability, Sutherland’s research investigates how physical spaces influence human cognition and behavior. Her work is particularly focused on neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities, advocating for universal accessibility in hospitality, institutional, and educational settings.
Chelsea Brown: Part-Time Student Scholarship ($1,500)
Chelsea Brown, a third-year student at Indiana University, exemplifies the "career pivot" demographic within the design industry. After a decade in sales, Brown returned to academia to focus on sustainable design and occupant well-being. Recognized for her skill in crafting succinct, effective floor plans, she will serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant for Indiana University’s Design Methods course in the fall of 2026.
Kirsten Jones: IFDA Student Member Scholarship ($2,000)
Kirsten Jones, a recent graduate of Endicott College with a BFA in Interior Architecture, was awarded this scholarship as she prepares to enter graduate school. Her focus is on the integration of design and education, seeking a master’s degree that will allow her to shape the future of interior architecture through both practice and pedagogy.
Gianna Palazzolo: Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship ($2,000)
Representing the University of Idaho, Gianna Palazzolo bridges the gap between life sciences and the arts. A LEED Green Associate, Palazzolo views design as a "nexus between creativity and human health." Her graduate research involves qualitative studies and service-learning projects aimed at understanding how the built environment can tangibly improve the quality of life for diverse communities.
Sophia Hancock: Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship ($4,000)
Sophia Hancock, an undergraduate at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, received this prestigious furniture design award. Her design philosophy is rooted in the "narrative of objects," where furniture is not merely a functional filler of space but a storyteller. Her work emphasizes movement, texture, and sustainability, often drawing inspiration from her personal interests in rock climbing and nature.
Marissa Scheid: Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship ($1,500)
Marissa Scheid, studying at Palomar College in San Marcos, California, focuses on Building Performance and Environmental Design. After eight years in marketing and operations, Scheid transitioned to design to promote biophilic principles and environmental responsibility. Her mission is to create human-centered spaces that are beautiful and functional while maintaining a minimal ecological footprint.
Nina DiCicco: Barbara Beckmann Textile Design Scholarship ($3,000)
A Junior Fibers major at SCAD, Nina DiCicco specializes in Print & Pattern Design with a minor in Business Management. Her work is a defense of artisanal craft in a digital age, beginning every collection with hand-drawn motifs. Her textiles are inspired by fine art and the "essence of childhood joy," reinterpreting everyday objects into meaningful surface designs.
Joshua Paul: IFDA Philadelphia Scholarship ($2,500)
Joshua Paul, an undergraduate graphic design student at Anderson University, was recognized for his commitment to "creative excellence" and social service. His portfolio includes bespoke typefaces and visual campaigns addressing homelessness in Anderson, South Carolina. Paul’s long-term goal is to establish a freelance studio specializing in branding for non-profits and faith-based organizations.
Analysis: The Future of Design Education and Industry Impact
The 2026 IFDA scholarship winners highlight several critical shifts in the design industry. The emphasis on "neurodivergent design" (Sutherland) and "biophilic principles" (Scheid) suggests that the industry is moving away from purely aesthetic considerations toward a more holistic, health-oriented approach to the built environment. Furthermore, the presence of several "career-pivot" students (Royale, Brown, Scheid) indicates that the design sector remains a vibrant and attractive field for professionals seeking more purposeful work after years in sales or marketing.
From an economic perspective, the $27,500 in total funding addresses the rising costs of higher education in the United States. By specifically targeting niche areas like furniture design and textile development, the IFDA ensures that these specialized crafts continue to receive a pipeline of fresh, educated talent. The inclusion of scholarships for part-time students also recognizes the changing nature of education, where many emerging designers must work full-time while completing their certifications.
About the IFDA Educational Foundation
The IFDA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the furnishings and design industry. Beyond the 10 student scholarships announced for 2026, the foundation also manages five professional grants. These grants support professional development for IFDA members and provide resources for design schools to upgrade their facilities or curricula.
The foundation’s longevity—nearly 80 years—reflects its adaptability to changing design trends and economic cycles. By supporting students who prioritize sustainability and community engagement, the IFDA is positioning itself as a leader in the movement to make design a primary driver of social and environmental solutions.
The 2026 scholarships will be paid directly to the recipients’ respective institutions for the fall 2026 semester tuition. As these 10 students continue their academic journeys, their work will likely set the tone for the industry’s standards in the coming decade. Additional information regarding the foundation’s programs and upcoming grant cycles can be found through their official social media channels and industry portals.
