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Tyson Baker, a senior in Maryville University’s interior design program, hopes to land a job following graduation with a firm that inspires his passion and dedication for design. No doubt, design firms will take more notice now that Baker has added the prestigious 2016 ICON of Industry Scholarship Award to his resume. The award is presented by NEWH, the Hospitality Industry Network.

“I feel lucky to have uncovered my passion for design,” Baker wrote in his award submission. “I look forward to graduating, and starting my career designing interior spaces that tell stories and create experiences that reflect my passion for great design.”

The ICON of Industry Scholarship Award grants a $7,500 annual scholarship to an exemplary student wanting to pursue a career in the hospitality field with an emphasis towards interior or textile design.

“Being awarded the ICON of Industry Scholarship was exciting and rewarding as it eased the financial burdens of finishing design school as well as offering me the chance to network with industry leaders and create more exposure for me as a graduating interior design student,” Baker said.

He received this honor at the Gold Key Awards, part of BDNY: The Hotel Experience and Boutique Design trade fair and conference in New York City last November. Darlene Davison, director of Maryville’s interior design program, joined Baker in New York to receive the award.

“Great design is never a singular effort. The best design solutions are always a collaboration between people, ideas, talents, and strengths that span every sector and industry.”

The panel of judges recognized Baker’s drive and ability, traits that will make him a valued interior designer and leader, Davison said.

“Tyson’s work is empowered by aptitude, talent and hard-working independence,” said Davison. “He experiments and explores multiple avenues to innovative resolutions. He doesn’t just stop at ‘good enough’ but goes above and beyond the required deliverables.”

“Great design is never a singular effort. The best design solutions are always a collaboration between people, ideas, talents, and strengths that span every sector and industry,” Baker said during his acceptance speech.

Baker is completing an internship at HOK, one of the leading architectural firms in St. Louis. While the ICON is his latest recognition, Baker has won other awards, including a Planning and Visual Education Grant, the Irene Geer Award, the ASID Missouri East Design Excellence Award and was awarded first place in the national Sherwin Williams STIR design challenge in the residential design category. He credits Maryville’s interior design program as having prepared him well for a career in the design industry.

“Maryville has been one of the best choices I have made in my life,” said Baker. “Having professors that truly care about each individual and their needs, as well as having access to a professional level design studio has allowed me to grow as an emerging designer and provided me with countless opportunities to succeed.”

Baker looks forward to beginning a career in hospitality design following his graduation in May.

“I am focused on finding an opportunity that allows me to design spaces that tell engaging stories and create unique guest experiences,” said Baker.