Rising Stars

STARK RISING STARS DESIGN GRANT

APPLY NOW

STARK invites the next generation of interior designers to apply for our prestigious Rising Stars Program. This transformative initiative offers emerging designers the opportunity to accelerate their careers through substantial grants, industry recognition, and community building.

AWARDS

(1) National Recipient: $20,000 & $5,000 STARK Product Credit

(6) Regional Recipients: $5,000 each & $2,500 STARK Product Credit

(1) Community Choice Winner: $2,500 & $2,500 STARK Product Credit (selected via Instagram Community Vote)

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

Principal & Business Owner of Interior Design Business Founded after 2018
Located in the United States or UK
Project portfolio with minimum of 3 completed projects
A STARK Trade Account

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Completed Stark Rising Stars Application
Professional Portfolio Photography  (3 project minimum, 6 projects maximum)
STARK Trade Account (if you do not have a registered Trade Account with STARK,  apply for one here: APPLY FOR TRADE
Professional headshot

KEY DATES

Applications Open: April 30, 2025
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2025
Award Recipients Announced &  Award Events: Fall 2025

STARK RISING STARS DESIGN GRANT

judging criteria

1. DESIGN VISION & PHILOSOPHY

Clarity, originality, and depth of the designer's creative identity.  Judges should evaluate how well applicants articulate their design philosophy, what inspires their work, and how they approach each project with intentionality and purpose.

2. INNOVATION & FUTURE READINESS

Demonstrated ability to embrace innovation and anticipate future trends in interior design.  Judges should assess how applicants integrate technology, sustainability, or evolving cultural aesthetics into their designs—and how they plan to stay ahead of industry changes.

3. ALIGNMENT WITH STARK CORE VALUES

Embodiment of “Figure It Out,” “Next Level,” and “Measure Twice, Cut Once.”  Judges should look for stories or examples of resilience, continuous improvement, thoughtful execution, and a growth mindset in the applicant’s process and projects.

4. BUSINESS STRATEGY & GROWTH POTENTIAL 

Clarity of business goals and how the grant would catalyse meaningful progress.  Applicants should clearly outline how they would invest the funds in themselves and their business, with a strategic plan for sustainability, expansion, or client impact.

5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & BRAND ELEVATION POTENTIAL

Potential to contribute to and benefit from the STARK community and brand ecosystem.  Judges should consider the applicant’s ability to represent STARK as a Rising Star through collaboration, thought leadership, and participation in events or marketing opportunities

STARK CORE VALUES

STARK has been a trusted partner to the interior design community for over 85 years. Founded in 1938, the company was built on the desire to provide carpet & rugs of unparalleled craftsmanship, quality, and design while providing world-class service. Our mission for the Rising Stars Program is to support emerging designers who embody STARK's legacy of excellence & innovation & that align with STARK's Core Values.

WE FIGURE IT OUT

Nothing like incomplete information, impossible timelines, inadequate systems, or the word “no” stops STARK from finding creative solutions to complex problems. We 'Figure It Out' constantly on behalf of our teams and our clients.

NEXT LEVEL

At STARK, we work tirelessly every day to provide Next Level service, design, product, and technology for our partners. As individuals and team members, we are never satisfied with status quo, and we always ask ourselves, “How can I do better? How can we go above and beyond?”

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE

Our meticulous, conscientious, and detail-oriented behaviors help make STARK great because we know that one small error or miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes that impact the reputation of our teams and our firm as a whole. Our clients and peers expect near perfection so we always Measure Twice, Cut Once.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of STARK executives, industry leaders, and design professionals. Each submission receives careful consideration through multiple rounds of evaluation to ensure fairness and thoroughness in our selection process.