This past December, I had the incredible honor of attending the PAVE Gala in New York City, celebrating the winners of the 29th Annual Student Design Competition, sponsored by Ulta Beauty. Alongside my talented partner, Payton Dooley, we stood among an inspiring group of students and professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of retail design.
The Competition
The PAVE Global Student Design Competition is a prestigious platform for emerging designers to showcase their innovation and creativity. This year’s challenge, sponsored by Ulta Beauty, invited students to reimagine the in-store experience for Gen-Z consumers. The brief called for concepts that engaged this dynamic and diverse demographic, blending technology, personalization, and a sense of community.
At Form and Function Co., our design philosophy emphasizes creating meaningful, transformative spaces, and this competition was the perfect opportunity to put that into practice. As part of a school project at Appalachian State University, Payton and I developed a concept centered on enhancing vitality. We focused on crafting a serene and immersive retail environment that complemented Ulta Beauty’s vibrant brand identity. Our design featured neutral-toned spaces accented with pops of brand colors, interactive kiosks, and unique experiences like the “Sip and Know” education sessions, influencer spaces, a Botox bar, and cutting-edge tools like the Haut AI skincare analyzer and virtual makeup try-on stations. The goal was to design a space that felt both luxurious and approachable—a perfect balance for today’s beauty consumers.
The Gala Experience
Walking into the PAVE Gala was like stepping into a world where creativity knows no bounds. The evening was filled with networking, celebration, and admiration for the innovative ideas that shape our industry. Seeing our concept showcased alongside other winning projects was a surreal and deeply rewarding moment.
The highlight of the night was hearing from industry leaders who emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives in retail design. It was a powerful reminder of why platforms like PAVE exist: to bridge the gap between education and professional practice, fostering the next generation of designers.
Looking Ahead
Winning this competition has been an incredible milestone for Form and Function Co. and my personal design journey. It has reaffirmed my passion for creating spaces that inspire and connect with people. Collaborating with Payton on this project was a joy, and I’m grateful for the support and mentorship we received along the way.
As I move forward, I’m excited to continue exploring how design can enhance experiences and tell compelling stories. The PAVE Gala was more than just an event; it was a celebration of possibility, and I’m honored to have been part of it.