Bergmeyer Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by PAVE
SCHOLARSHIP + MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Overview
Now celebrating its 11th year, the Bergmeyer Scholarship supports emerging leaders in interior design, industrial design, architecture, and graphic design. The program awards a $6,000 scholarship and provides the winner with a fully supported, in-person mentorship and learning experience at Bergmeyer’s offices in Boston, MA, working alongside seasoned designers.
Key deadline
Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 16, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern / 8:59 PM Pacific.
About Bergmeyer
Bergmeyer is a collaborative design firm known for creative, client-centered work driven by curiosity and partnership. The studio focuses on human-centered solutions that serve clients’ goals while enhancing end-user experiences. Services include architecture, interior design, branding, graphic design, strategy, visual merchandising, program management, sustainability consulting, placemaking, and event design/activation. Bergmeyer serves markets such as retail, restaurant, workplace, commercial, multi-family residential, academic, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, and pop-up/temporary experiences. (www.bergmeyer.com)
The Award
- One student recipient will be chosen via a blind review by an expert panel of industry professionals.
- Prize: $6,000, issued directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward tuition or other qualifying educational costs.
- The scholarship covers travel, lodging, and a per diem (expenses reimbursed according to gsa.gov rates) for the in-person mentorship experience in Boston, MA.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be enrolled in a 2- to 4-year program pursuing a degree in interior design, industrial design, graphic design, or architecture.
- Demonstrate an interest in a career focused on design for retail, restaurant, or hospitality environments.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Be a full-time student (minimum 12 credit hours or program-equivalent).
- Be studying and located in the United States or Canada.
Application requirements (items required for a complete submission)
- Letter of Explanation (maximum 600 words): Address the question below for the review committee.
Prompt: Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing tools and workflows in design. As AI becomes integrated into practical applications and creative ideation, how can designers preserve and even strengthen human empathy in projects within the built environment?
- Project folio (minimum 6 pages): Present 1–3 student projects related to retail, restaurant, or hospitality design. Include process documentation, supporting text, visuals, and finished work. Projects should reflect community connection and impact.
- One written letter of reference: From a professor, faculty member, employer, or internship supervisor (friends and family are not acceptable).
- Current transcript: Official or unofficial copy.
- Submission platform: All materials must be uploaded via Submittable.
AI use and disclosure
If any portion of your application (text or imagery) was assisted by or created using AI tools, you must disclose the tools and describe how they were used. Bergmeyer expects the application and portfolio to primarily showcase your original ideas and design skills. Fully generative AI essays or portfolio images are strongly discouraged. Bergmeyer may request additional documentation for submissions that include AI-generated content. For collaborative work, state your role clearly.
Final notes
All application materials must be received by March 16, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern / 8:59 PM Pacific. Submissions that arrive after this deadline will not be considered.