The Annual BWBR Prize

In the mid-1990s, BWBR launched the BWBR Prize as a commitment to both the profession and students in the region to prepare future professionals for careers beyond the classroom. The BWBR Prize provides students in the third year of undergraduate studies the chance to compete for a financial prize by demonstrating not only their work, but also their presentation skills and personalities in front of a jury.

The BWBR Prize is a gift that gives both ways: Students gain the opportunity to taste what life will be like after school and we have the opportunity to remind ourselves why we chose this profession.

A student presents an architectural model to a group of BWBR employees during the BWBR Prize competition.

The Process

The BWBR Prize involves a two-step process that parallels the process we as professionals face when potential clients consider engaging us as business partners.

The Proposal

Faculty at partnering university schools and departments invite selected students to display their work. Students who demonstrate the highest degree of design merit, thoroughness, organization and communication potential are shortlisted as finalists and invited to compete in the annual BWBR Prize.

Current participating schools include:

  • Dunwoody College of Technology
  • North Dakota State University
  • University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
  • University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Iowa State University (will return in 2023)

The Interview

Finalists travel to BWBR’s downtown Saint Paul office and present their work in front of a panel of jurors who evaluate each student using the same criteria for which they were selected as finalists. These interviews challenge students to communicate professionally and effectively, much as design professionals do in order to win work. The jurors seek to understand the students’ work and offer feedback as professionals.

2022 BWBR PRIZE WINNERS

NORTH DAKOTA
STATE UNIVERSITY
WINNER:

 

Samuel Nelson

An aerial rendering designed by Samuel Nelson

Finalists

– Sofia Naranjo Mata
– Micah Swedeen
– Madeline Hursey
– Matt Peikert

UNIVERSITY OF
WISCONSIN-STOUT
WINNER:

 

Ariel Kuchta

A rendering of the dining area of a cafe with honey tone walls

Finalists

– Jesalyn Dahlstrom
– Jess Maedke
– Halle Weinmann

UNIVERISTY OF
MINNESOTA
WINNER:

 

Julia  Friedrichsen

A sepia tone rendering of a Maker Residential village

Finalists

– Kayla Boogren
– Wes Grunke
– Julia Maurus
– Isaiah Scharen

DUNWOODY COLLEGE
OF TECHNOLOGY
WINNER:

 

Latoya Dennis

Finalists

– Kathryn Hinz
– Cole Tveit
– Cail Tomlin
– Samuel Cooperman

Learn more about BWBR’s two annual equity scholarships.