BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Bachelor of Interior Design grad wins national award for digital wellness centre

BCIT Bachelor of Interior Design graduate Lizette Bautista has won the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) Award of Excellence for her conceptual design of Catalyst: A Digital Wellness and Learning Center. The award was part of IDC's Innovation in Design Thinking: Student Competition, which showcases how interior design can positively impact the way people experience spaces.

Catalyst was Lizette's capstone project for her Bachelor of Interior Design degree at BCIT.

Catalyst is a conceptual design and not an actual construction project.

The winning projects will be celebrated at the IDC Awards Celebration on October 30, 2025, in Toronto.

Catalyst: A space for connection and growth

Inspired by the structure and function of synapses pathways in the nervous system that transmit information Lizette's design emphasizes fluidity, interaction, and collaboration.

"Like synapse pathways, the design creates fluid connections that encourage movement, interaction, and collaboration," says Lizette.

The centre blends tech-enabled learning with tech-free zones, aiming to support healthier digital habits and foster community well-being. It features a digital learning lab, a tech-free café, and a "social stair" a flexible gathering space that encourages connection, informal interaction, and casual viewing of community discussions or educational presentations within the adjacent Discovery Lounge.

"I wanted to design a space that not only responds to the challenges of technology overuse but also helps people build healthier digital habits in a supportive environment," Lizette explains.

Her project integrates a wide range of skills developed in the BCIT Interior Design program, including research methods, space planning, sustainable design strategies, and universal design principles.

From classroom to practice

Lizette is now working as a Junior Interior Designer at Michael Green Architecture (MGA) in Vancouver, contributing to cultural and community-focused projects.

"It's been an exciting transition into practice. I've been able to contribute to meaningful projects while continuing to grow as a designer," she says.

Interested in a career in interior design?

Explore the different paths toward the Bachelor of Interior Design at Interior Design.