Huskers score Big Ten design challenge victory

A team from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has earned top honors in the 2019 Big Ten Academic Alliance Student Design Challenge.

The annual contest, supported by the Herman Miller furniture company, allows students to develop and pitch a renovation of an existing campus space. The winning university receives funding to complete the proposed project and the team splits a $2,000 prize.

The Nebraska team, dubbed the Groundbreakers, featured seniors Weston Ellerbrake (architectural studies) and Daniel Kruger (accounting), and junior interior design majors Ariana Osten and Eliza Woodside. Their project outlined the need to renovate a little-used TV lounge in the Robert E. Knoll Residential Center.

As proposed, the space will feature multiple study spaces designed to allow for collaboration between students. The design includes a central space for studying and lounging with two side areas that offer space for individual time and a multi-use group study area.

The student design team will work to complete the award-winning project with university officials and Herman Miller.

The team’s adviser is Brad Severa, an academic technology support specialist with Information Technology Services.

Following is a list of team members by hometown, with their year in school and academic major.
Columbus: Daniel Kruger, senior, accounting
Elkhorn: Ariana Osten, junior, interior design
Hickman: Weston Ellerbrake, senior, architectural studies
Olathe, Kansas: Eliza Woodside, junior, interior design