CONESTOGA COLLEGE
One Young recognized with national award for design excellence

Conestoga's 1 Young location in downtown Kitchener was recognized again for design excellence.

The building was honoured with the 2025 Fokal Point Interior Design Award, describing it as "a dynamic, design-forward space that blends education, hospitality, and culture into a seamless, inspiring whole."

Earlier this spring, it was nominated for a Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) Building Excellence Award in the $5-milion to $10-million category.  

One Young was the first new mass timber building in Waterloo Region, showcasing the unique features of the century brick and beam building while incorporating modern amenities. The interior design was completed by Dfy Studio alongside architectural firm NEO Architecture, both Kitchener based.

"We are very proud that the design of Conestoga's space at 1 Young was recognized for its design excellence," said Peter Thomson, director of Capital Development. "We had a great team working together to make this vision come to life in a very tight timeline. 1 Young Street is yet another example of Conestoga investing in facilities to provide the very best learning environment for our students. The building is bright, wonderfully designed and the wood structure brings a warmth to the space."

The project, started in 2023 and opened in phases in January and May 2024, created a lobby, classrooms, spaces for students to study and socialize, employee areas and a gathering space featuring the building's exposed wood ceilings, columns and beams in the design.

Fokal Point, a newsletter showcasing Canadian architecture, interiors and construction, said the project stood out for excelling in all four of its interior design evaluation categories: creativity and concept; functionality; aesthetic execution; and use of materials and detailing.

"Located in the heart of Kitchener, this thoughtfully designed institutional space was created to welcome students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Housed in a five-storey mass timber building, the design celebrates the natural beauty and architectural character of the original structure while integrating modern learning, collaboration and social spaces."

The post says each floor balances classrooms with areas for group work, quiet study and community engagement. The major challenge of meeting strict mass timber code requirements while maintaining aesthetic integrity was deftly handled through creative planning and collaboration. The fifth-floor social hub brings the outdoors in with integrated trees, nature-inspired design elements and dynamic lighting.

"This project stands as a vibrant, inclusive hub where architecture, community, and innovation intersect an educational space designed to inspire for generations to come."

Interior designer and principal at Dfy Studio Adah Noelting said location and use influenced the design, which blends the colours of urban life with the elegance of the era of the historic Mayfair Hotel previously on the site.

"We used bold palettes with refined, timeless details. We also wanted to highlight the natural characteristics of the mass timber structure, exposed wood and natural light. We brought warmth and texture to the forefront, allowing the building's beauty to shine within a modern, inspiring student-focused environment," Noelting said.

"We're incredibly pleased with the final result and hope it shows the students just how valued and respected they are. This space was designed to reflect their dedication and hard work, and a place that inspires, supports and celebrates their educational journey."

Over the past five years, Conestoga has invested more than $500 million in the communities it serves to ensure students have affordable housing and state-of-the-art facilities where they can develop the skills and knowledge today's employers demand.   

In addition to key investments in the skilled trades campus and health-care learning facilities, the college completed major facilities upgrades in Guelph, Waterloo and Kitchener and opened two new campuses in Milton last year.