2026 Bergmeyer Scholarship + Mentorship Experience
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026
Now in its 11th year, the Bergmeyer Scholarship recognizes and supports leadership potential in interior design, industrial design, architecture, and graphic design through a $6,000* scholarship and an opportunity to take part in an immersive in-person learning and mentorship experience with some of the industry’s top designers at Bergmeyer.
Creative. Connected. Curious. Bergmeyer is a Design Collaborative, inspired through partnership, thoughtfully creative, inherently curious, and driven to fulfill their clients’ needs. They design for their clients’ clients, the people whose lives and experiences are enhanced by their work, by focusing on understanding the end user while delivering on each clients’ vision and return on investment.
Services include Architecture, Interior Design, Branding, Graphic Design, Strategy, Visual Merchandising, Program Management, Sustainability Consulting, Placemaking, and Event Design + Activation. Markets include Retail, Restaurant, Workplace, Commercial, Multi-Family Residential, Academic, Cultural, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Pop-Up + Temporary Experiences. (www.bergmeyer.com)
Guidelines:
1. Student must be enrolled in a program working toward a degree in interior design, industrial design, graphic design, or architecture with an interest in pursuing a career in the design of retail, restaurant, or hospitality environments.
2. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
3. Student must be a full-time student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
4. Student must be a citizen of the United States or Canada
Application Requirements:
The following items must be included in your application for your request to be considered:
1. Letter of Explanation (Max. 600 words):
Artificial intelligence is evolving quickly, improving our efficiency and expanding design possibilities. However, as we integrate it into everything from practical tools to creative ideation, setting thoughtful boundaries becomes essential. Without them, we risk losing the human empathy that gives design its meaning and turns user experiences into tangible moments that spark real emotional connection. With AI becoming part of the design process, how do you think designers can protect and enhance human empathy in their work in the built environment?
(Essays should address the above topics for consideration by the PAVE Scholarship Committee)
2. Project Folio of 6 pages minimum:
Describe 1-3 projects maximum, in the retail, restaurant, or hospitality-related markets (student-based) that you’ve worked on and that you are proud of (include supporting text and visuals and process work in addition to the finished product). Include project examples that reflect the values of community connection and impact.
3. One written letter of reference:
Can be a professor, faculty member, or an employer (including internship supervisors). References CANNOT be friends or family members.
4. Must include a copy of your transcript (official or unofficial).
5. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted online. All applications must be received by March 16, 2026.
6. If any part of your submission requirements (i.e. portfolio, letter of explanation, etc.) is supported or was created by AI, you must describe the process and the machine learning tools used. Although we understand that AI can be invaluable, we ask you to remember that the application and visual portfolio should showcase your original ideas, skills, and art and design work. Bergmeyer strongly recommends that you do not submit fully generative AI–created images in your portfolio or fully generative AI–created essays in your application. Bergmeyer reserves the right to request additional materials from students whose portfolios include AI-generated work. In addition, please note that if you are submitting work that involved collaboration, you must explain your role in creating that work.
*Award sent directly to the recipient’s institution (to be applied directly towards tuition or other applicable costs of schooling).