Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship

Name: Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship

Award Amount: Academic scholarships awarded annually (recent awardees have received approximately $5,000 each)

Information And Eligibility:
The Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship is a distinguished design award established to honor the legacy of **Don Brinkmann, an influential interior designer and visionary leader celebrated for his contributions to the profession. Administered by Gensler, one of the world’s largest and most respected architecture and design firms, this scholarship supports exceptional students in interior design programs who demonstrate creative excellence, conceptual strength, and a high level of professional potential. Open to students enrolled in accredited undergraduate interior design programs in the United States, the Brinkmann Scholarship is especially targeted at those entering their final year of study, offering tangible financial support as they transition into professional practice while celebrating outstanding design thinking and leadership.

Each application cycle brings a thoughtfully crafted design challenge that invites students to explore contemporary issues through spatial problem-solving. Entrants submit a comprehensive package including a resume, a portfolio or advanced studio project, and responses to design prompts that emphasize innovation, social impact, inclusivity, and the future role of designers in shaping human experience. In addition to monetary awards, exceptional finalists may receive recognition through internship opportunities or mentorship connections within Gensler’s global practice, fostering early professional experience and engagement with seasoned designers. The scholarship has a strong track record of highlighting young talent whose work bridges academic achievement with concepts that push the boundaries of built environment thinking.

The Brinkmann Scholarship is not solely merit-based; it also reflects a desire to support diversity of thought, encouraging students who bring unique perspectives and a commitment to equitable, responsive design to participate. Winners are publicly celebrated, often showcased in Gensler press announcements and research highlights, and alumni of the program frequently progress into influential roles within design studios, firms, and educational institutions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution in an accredited interior design or interior architecture program.
• Must be planning to begin the final year of the program in the upcoming academic cycle.
• Work submitted must be original, student-produced design content responding to the scholarship’s annual design brief.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong graphic and presentation skills through completed projects or portfolio entries.
• Conflict-of-interest exclusions apply (e.g., current/recent employees or immediate family members of Gensler personnel).

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application submitted by the March 15 deadline.
• Resume outlining academic and design experience.
• Letter of recommendation from a dean, chair, or faculty member of the interior design program.
• An advanced-level interior design project with written supporting description.
• Design challenge submission responding to one of the provided prompts (sketch and explanation).
• Finalists may be invited to submit a personal video presentation for jury consideration.

Deadline: March 15

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