Beatriz Hernandez, a recent graduate from the Calgary Bow Valley College, has been awarded first place in the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Student Design Competition.

Hernandez’s recommendations for a kitchen remodel stood out among dozens of applicants in Canada and the United States, securing the top prize.

“I couldn’t believe it. It is an honour to be recognized for something I’m passionate about and that I put a lot of passion into,” she says. “I wanted to provide the clients with a beautiful and functional renovation that will work for them now and in the future. I put together a construction plan and design statement that offers a combination of meeting personal tastes and needs and timeless finishes that will add to the value of their home.”

Hernandez graduated from Bow Valley College in December 2022 with a Kitchen and Bath Design Post-Diploma Certificate. An international student from the Dominican Republic, she chose the program to supplement her degree in architecture, expanding her expertise in residential interior design. She gained practical experience with Krista Hermanson Design in Calgary, where she is now working full-time as a designer assistant.

“Beatriz’s award-winning achievement is an inspiration for all aspiring students in our program,” says Alison Anderson, dean of Business, Technology and the Centre for Entertainment Arts, Bow Valley College. “This post-diploma certificate is a great fit for people like Beatriz, looking for additional specialized credentials and an opportunity for experiential learning. We are thrilled to see her take top honours in this competition and look forward to her journey as an emerging professional in the design industry.”

The NKBA Prairie Provinces Chapter will honour Hernandez at a lecture at Bow Valley College on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Her award includes a $5,000 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas for the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the largest trade show of its kind in the world.