2024
BRINKMANN
SCHOLARSHIP
The Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship was established as a memorial to Don Brinkmann, an inspirational and gifted interior designer who personified the essence of design, vision, and leadership.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will begin their final year of an interior design program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to apply.*
Students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will begin their final year of an interior design program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to apply.*
Apply Online
Applicants for the scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on March 1, 2024.
Applicants for the scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on March 1, 2024.
*Current employees and recent former employees, as well as their immediate families and those Gensler deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate. For any questions, please reach out to .
Submission Requirements for Scholarship
Complete an online application which includes:
Resume
A Letter of Recommendation from the dean or chair of the interior design program. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and describe their professional excellence.
Complete the Design Challenge — directions below.
One advanced-level interior design project with written description (500 words and 10 pages, maximum). Work done with a single partner may be submitted, but it must include a description of the applicant’s specific contribution and a letter of support from the applicant’s collaborative partner.
Finalists for the Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship will be invited to submit a digital video that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work — directions below.
Design Challenge
Sketch
Answer one of the four prompts below with a sketch
Explain
Write a brief explanation to describe your sketch
Upload
Upload it, along with your resume, portfolio, and letter of recommendation
As Designers How Can We...
01
Reestablish trust in public safety?
We all want to get back to a more familiar life. And we want to be safe. As designers, how can we rethink everyday experiences to address our most pressing health concerns?
02
Rethink housing to address the homelessness crisis?
The housing crisis cuts at the very heart of what makes cities successful and vital. To change this course, we need to develop innovative and inclusive housing solutions.
03
Reimagine ways for designers to make a difference?
We're looking for meaningful, creative, impactful, and bold ideas that are intentional in the ways they make a difference for all people.
04
Design for racial equality
and inclusiveness in our
practice, communities,
and cities?
This is our opportunity to explore
current issues facing minority
communities and how design can be
a catalyst for change.
Finalist Video Submission
Gensler will review submissions for the scholarships and select several finalists to submit a digital video that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work. Based on these videos, we will select one or more winners to receive an academic scholarship. Winners and finalists may also be considered for a paid internship at a Gensler office, where they will be paired with a Gensler mentor who will serve as a resource during the internship and ensuing academic year. Applicants will be notified in April of their standing.
