Challenge Rules

DESIGN FOR IMPACT

The full timeline, eligibility, and judging criteria. Everything that keeps the challenge fair.

TIMELINE

REGISTRATION START

Aug 15

SUBMISSIONS DUE

Extended to Oct 21st

REGISTRATION END

Extended to Oct 16th

PEOPLE's VOTE

Oct 26 - Oct 30

DOOR SELECTION

Aug 15 – Oct 16th

AWARDS CEREMONY

Nov 4

HOW IT WORKS

1. Register
Reserve your spot by October 9.

2. Get inspired
Review Carlos' story, design brief and resources.

3. Create
Develop your moodboard + one concept elevation + short description.

4. Submit
Bring your moodboard to Cabinet Couture by October 16.

5. Celebrate
Winners announced November 4 at the Cabinet Couture Award Showcase

ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY

Who can enter: Interior designers, architects, kitchen & bath designers, design students, and design professionals.
Location: Participants must be based in the Austin area.
Entry fee: $20 per entry. Limited entries.
Deadline: Registration closes October 9.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All participants must select a Cabinet Couture cabinet door as the architectural focal point and submit:

Curated Moodboard — Include the cabinet door and complementary materials such as countertop, flooring, tile, paint, fixtures, decorative materials, and/or hardware. Limit to 10 physical articles. Sponsors will provide select materials, which you are encouraged to incorporate.

Concept Visualization — A non-dimensioned hand sketch, elevation, perspective, render, or other visualization showing how your selections come together.

Design Narrative — Up to 250 words describing your design philosophy, materials, accessibility features, and functional solutions to support Carlos’ mobility needs and independence.

See the Challenge Brief for additional details.

ORIGINALITY AND COPYRIGHT

All submissions must be original work created for this challenge.
Designers retain ownership of their work. Cabinet Couture will be allowed to display and promote submissions for event marketing and exhibition purposes.

JUDGING AND VOTING

Each submission is assigned an entry number. Boards and drawings must carry no identifying information — no names, logos, signatures, watermarks, or social handles.
Awards: Before the awards ceremony, all entries will be photographed and/or video recorded and posted anonymously on Cabinet Couture's social media only. The design with the most votes per category wins. Voting is anonymous, one vote per person.
Juried scoring: Judges score independently using the official scorecard for the following categories:
- Creativity & originality
- Response to the client's design brief
- Integration of the Cabinet Couture door
- Accessibility & functional planning
- Overall design cohesion
- Material selection & layering
- Color composition
- Sustainability
All judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

CONDUCT, CONFLICT, DISQUALIFICATION

Judges must recuse themselves from any entries where a personal or professional conflict exists.
Cabinet Couture may recuse a judge if necessary.
Participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally throughout.

MARKETING RELEASE & CHANGES

By entering, participants grant Cabinet Couture the non-exclusive right to photograph, publish, display, reproduce, and promote submitted work across print, digital, exhibitions, and social media.
Cabinet Couture reserves the right to modify dates, judging procedures, or prizes.
Cabinet Couture reserves the right to use or substitute materials for donated ones from event sponsons, in the implementation of Tosado’s kitchen.

READY TO SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN PACKAGE?

Submit your moodboard and concept design package.