GIA Excellence in Student Design Awards

The Student Design RULES Competition, sponsored by the International Housewares Association (IHA), began in 1993. It is recognized by design practitioners and professors as a valuable contribution to industrial design education.

This rigorous competition is judged by design professionals and managers at housewares companies. Each entry receives two written evaluations. Top winners come to Chicago to exhibit their product concepts at the International Home + Housewares Show.

Who Can Enter?

Undergraduate and graduate industrial design students enrolled in a degreegranting program at any university in North America or other countries may enter. Fall 2020 and spring 2021 graduates are eligible if the project was completed before graduation. A student may enter more than one project. Team projects are allowed. If a team project is selected as a winner, IHA pays for travel for one student and the team splits the cash award.

What are the Prizes?

A) Judges allocate $12,000 in cash prizes. An additional $3,000 is donated to the winners' schools.

B) Winning projects are displayed at the The Inspired Home Show, August 7 -10, McCormick Place, Chicago.

C) Winners receive travel, per diems and lodging for six nights (Thursday, August 5 – Wednesday, August 11). If a winner is from a school outside North America, IHA pays for travel from a U.S. location. Winners must be available for the exhibit and media.

D) Winners will be notified by phone by June 30, 2021.

E) Honorable Mentions receive a small cash award. They are not required to attend the Show. Honorable Mentions are included in media information and their entry booklets are on view in the student display.