The Shaw Hospitality Group is teaming with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York to find unique hospitality carpet designs from some of the school's brightest, up-and-coming design students. The winners of the inaugural "The Language of Design Challenge" will be awarded cash prizes, as well as the opportunity to have their winning carpet design displayed at hospitality industry tradeshows.

"At Shaw Hospitality Group we focus on an ongoing infusion of fresh, creative thinking and unique perspectives in flooring design," says Desiree Worsley, Shaw Hospitality Group vice president of marketing. "This design contest with such a well-respected school is a unique opportunity to discover talented new artists and to raise awareness of the potential careers in pattern design for the floor covering industry."

The students were given six 2009 color forecasts from LA Colors From Amsterdam and asked to design a signature rug, three broadloom designs and an optional border design, based on one of these color pallets. The designs must be original works suitable for the hospitality market for public spaces such as ballrooms, guest corridors and meeting rooms. Students are also required to complete a brief design concept explaining their inspiration for their submittal.

Competition judges include: Hospitality Design Magazine Editor-in-Chief Michael Adams; Catherine Stein of The Color Council; Teresa Viserious, principal of Viserious Design; Thom Filicia, renowned interior designer and design expert on the hit television show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"; and Deborah Hernandez, adjunct professor at FIT.

The competition, which began in April, allows students to research trade shows, hotels, Web sites and retail stores throughout the spring and summer to spot design and color trends. Entries will be submitted and judged in December. Judging will be based on creativity, color, pattern and scale related to floor covering in the hospitality industry.