The Dal-Tile Interior Design Scholarship, presented by the ASID Foundation, returns for the third year.

In this year’s design challenge, titled Operation Renovation, students studying interior design will compete for more than $25,000 in scholarships, with the grand prize winner receiving a $10,000 scholarship. This year’s new format, design challenge and criteria ensure that the rising stars of interior design will truly shine.

Operation Renovation challenges students to create a high-functioning environment for an existing space, solving design problems and providing creative solutions to address the needs of the current occupants. Through this challenge, students are asked to maximize the possibilities in an existing structure, exploring the true purpose of the space as well as the needs of all who use it. The competition requires student participants to find a residential or commercial space in need of renovation and then create a redesign to meet the needs of its users. Once students have selected a space, they must identify the current issues in the space and explore what changes are needed to make the space both beautiful and high functioning. Entries will be judged on the space’s functional design, aesthetic design and creative use of Dal-Tile’s newest product offerings.

“Renovations and remodels are the reality in today’s marketplace, and this year’s competition raises the bar by asking students to provide a design solution for the real-world they’ll be working in,” said Lori Kirk-Rolley, vice president, brand marketing, Dal-Tile.

As in years past, students are required to use at least one of Dal-Tile’s newest product lines to bring their creative visions to life. Aside from this requirement, students are encouraged to incorporate multiple lines from Dal-Tile’s expansive product portfolio.

"This year's renovation challenge offers interior design students a unique opportunity to interact with real-world clients, demonstrate design acumen and gain invaluable, practical experience beyond the classroom," said ASID Foundation Chair Suzan Globus, FASID. "We are proud to present the Dal-Tile scholarship competition because it encourages and rewards the next generation of interior designers."

The Dal-Tile Interior Design Scholarship, presented by the ASID Foundation, begins on Jan. 1, 2014, and will run through March 15, 2014. The grand-prize winner of the competition will receive a $10,000 scholarship, and will be announced at NeoCon 2014. Winners of the first, second and third prizes each will receive a $2,500 scholarship, and 10 Merit Winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

For competition details, submission requirements, official rules and inspiration, visit Daltile.com/Scholarship.