Challenge Brief

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​Meet our Client

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U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Carlos Tosado

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Carlos Tosado proudly served in the United States Army, earning numerous commendations for leadership, technical excellence, and distinguished service. Throughout his military career, he received:

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• Steel de Fleury Medal

• Four Army Commendation Medals

• Army Achievement Medal

• Two Army Good Conduct Medals

 

Following severe spinal injuries sustained during deployment, Carlos underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries and now lives with permanent limitations affecting his mobility.

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Despite these challenges, he continues to dedicate his life to mentoring youth and serving his community.

The goal of this competition is to imagine a kitchen that better supports Carlos' daily routine while honoring his resilience, generosity, and service.

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The Design Brief

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Participants are challenged to design a kitchen that thoughtfully balances Carlos's unique needs with the timeless beauty, luxury craftsmanship, functionality, and durability that define every Cabinet Couture project.

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Your design should prioritize accessibility by minimizing unnecessary bending, reaching, lifting, and prolonged standing while creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and refined. The goal is to demonstrate how thoughtful design can empower independence without compromising aesthetics.

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As you develop your concept, think beyond selecting beautiful finishes. Consider how cabinetry, storage solutions, lighting, appliances, ergonomics, and material selections can work together to enhance Carlos's daily life while creating a kitchen that is both highly functional and visually inspiring.

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Your concept should successfully integrate:

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• Carlos's unique accessibility needs

• Timeless, elevated design

• Everyday functionality

• Luxury craftsmanship

• Long-term durability

• Sustainable and thoughtful material selections

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Challenge Deliverables

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Using a Cabinet Couture cabinet door as the architectural focal point, participants will create a complete kitchen concept consisting of:

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1. Curated Moodboard Including:

• Cabinet Couture cabinet door

• Stone

• Flooring

• Tile

• Hardware, if needed

• Paint

• Decorative materials

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*Presentation boards for the physical mood board will be provided by Cabinet Couture and can be picked up at the showroom

*Physical mood boards must be submitted to Cabinet Couture at 5615 Burnet Road, Suite 4, Austin, TX 78756, no later than October 16.

 

2. Non-Dimensional Concept Drawing including one of the following: 

• Hand sketch

• Elevation

• Perspective

• AI visualization

• Digital rendering

The drawing should communicate how the selected materials work together within the kitchen.

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3. Design Narrative - 100–250 words describing: 

• Design philosophy

• Material selections

• Accessibility considerations

• Functional solutions

• How the design improves Carlos' daily life

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4. Product Specification List - Submit a complete list of all selected materials, finishes, fixtures, and products, including the brand, model, and vendor.

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*Please upload nos. 2, 3 &4 as a single PDF document using the submission link below.

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