A Lakeland College interior design technology student has claimed top honours on the international stage, marking 20 years of winning for Lakeland students. Emma Bunz won first place out of over 230 entries in the bathroom category of the 2025 National Kitchen and Bath Association’s prestigious student design competition.

Bunz, who entered the contest as a Lakeland student and has since graduated and begun her career at Encora Developments in Regina, Sask., says the win has helped her have confidence in her career as a designer.

“It’s amazing to learn I had won,” says Bunz, Class of 2025. “I was surprised. Now, if I have any doubts about if I’m supposed to be doing this, I’ll know that I am.”

As a first-place winner in the competition, Bunz won:

• A $5,000 USD scholarship presented at the 2026 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Florida.
• Roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodation for the show.
• Admission for herself and a guest to the Design and Industry Awards at the conference.
• Entry into the expo as well as tickets for exclusive events.
• Feature of her winning design in an NKBA newsletter.

“Design was something I always wanted to do, ever since I was younger,” says Bunz. “I knew I wanted a career where I got to create something that other people thought was beautiful. I designed the bathroom to feel really comfortable and welcoming, like a retreat for guests that was also practical for everyday use.”

“Emma’s win continues our tradition of excellence at Lakeland College,” says Rochelle Horne, interior design technology program head. “Our students are consistently rising to the top in a field that draws entries from across North America, showing that they’re not just competing. They’re winning. I’m so proud to see Emma’s hard work recognized.”

This is the latest in a string of accolades for the interior design technology program. Earlier this year, the program was honoured with its tenth Excellence in Education Award from the NKBA, while Horne was recognized with an honourable mention in the inaugural NKBA Educator of the Year award.

 

Photos: Top - Emma Bunz, an alumna of Lakeland College's interior design technology program. Middle and Bottom - Emma Bunz's award-winning bathroom design.