When Tianna Harms, recent graduate of the Lakeland College interior design technology (IDT) program received the call informing her that she’d scored the top grade point average (GPA) out of all of the Lakeland College students at the Vermilion campus and won the Governor General’s Academic Medal, it was an awkward time. She was busy at her new job, under a bed she was assembling in a show home.

“It was so shocking to hear! I quickly found a way to bring down the bed from above my head to digest the exciting news,” Harms says. “I think the support from faculty as well as my friends and family contributed to my success. Whenever I had doubts or needed guidance, they were always there.”

The Governor General medal wasn’t the first time Harms’ efforts received recognition. In her first year in the IDT program, she and her classmates submitted playhouse designs for a public vote and hers was the one selected. She and her classmates brought her design to life, constructing the playhouse and raffling it off. The proceeds were used to fund her class field trip to Toronto.

She also submitted a kitchen design to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) student design competition and placed third.

“I was surprised and speechless. There were so many great entries from our class alone,” she says. “With this competition open internationally, having my design selected for third place meant a lot to me.”

Harms explains that her design was inspired by natural elements, the colours and local environment in Dallas, Texas, where the fictional clients lived.

“I wanted to create a design that was personal yet timeless, one that wouldn’t feel dated in a couple years. The end-product created a space that could handle even the most unexpected moments for the family.”

Harms won a trip to Las Vegas in 2027 for the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) as part of her prize package. She’ll be joined there by her classmate Adrie Nash, who placed first in the competition.

“Having my playhouse design chosen in the past, along with my NKBA kitchen placing third is really rewarding,” Harms says. “Both projects challenged me in different ways. From the technical side such as drafting, construction and material fundamentals to even the personal creative side, I always strived for not the easiest and quickest route, but the one that resulted in a unique and eye-catching design. I think that these competitions taught me to trust my design process and push ideas further than expected. I think that having the confidence to push my ideas and not be afraid will be really valuable as my career starts in the industry.”

Harms is now working as a junior designer with Rochelle Cote Interior Design in Calgary, where she was hired permanently after completing her practicum placement. She works on high end residential spec and show homes as well as client projects, which involves finishing selections and furniture sourcing.

 

Photos: Top - Tianna Harms with her Governor General's Academic Medal. Bottom - Tianna's award-winning kitchen design.