Behind the Reflection

2026 Studio Series Design Contest

Official Rules

1. Purpose of the Competition

Séura invites professional hospitality designers and architects to participate in the Studio Design Series 2026, a design competition celebrating creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship in hospitality lighting and mirror design.

Participants are asked to design a 24” x 36” vertical lighted mirror that reflects their personal journey as a hospitality designer. The competition’s goal is to honor the artistry behind the guest experience and to spotlight visionary designers shaping the future of hospitality interiors.

2. Eligibility

The competition is open to:

  • Professional interior designers, architects, and design professionals actively engaged in hospitality design.
  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.


Employees of Séura, its affiliates, and immediate family members of the judging panel are not eligible to participate.

3. Entry Requirements

Each participant must submit the following:

  1. Design File: One lighted mirror concept created using the official Séura 24” x 36” vertical template.
  2. Narrative Statement: A written statement of up to 250 words describing how the design represents your personal or professional journey. This may include sources of inspiration, design philosophies, or experiences that influenced your approach.

All entries must be submitted in digital format through the online form provided by Séura no later than December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST.

Late submissions may be accepted at Séura’s discretion.

4. Judging Panel and Evaluation

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of design and industry professionals selected by Séura.

Each submission will be judged using a 10-point scale per category, according to the following criteria:

  • Uniqueness: Originality of concept, creativity in form, and innovative integration of lighting and materials.
  • Style: Alignment with current hospitality design trends, visual harmony, and feasibility for real-world applications.
  • Narrative Connection: The strength and authenticity of the story connecting the designer’s journey to the mirror’s design intent.

The judging panel’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

5. Awards and Recognition

Grand Prize Winner

  • Custom-etched Séura lighted mirror featuring the winning design
  • Public unveiling in February 2026
  • $1,000 Visa gift card
  • Designer credit in all promotions, press materials, and digital features

Two Finalists

  • $200 Visa gift card each
  • Digital feature on Séura’s website, social channels, and promotional materials
  • Designer credit in all features

Séura reserves the right to modify award details as necessary.

6. Timeline

  • Contest Launch: November 9, 2025
  • Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025
  • Judging Period: December 16–30, 2025
  • Winner Notification: January 2026
  • Public Announcement and Reveal: February 2026

7. Ownership and Usage Rights

Entrants retain full copyright ownership of their submitted designs and narratives.

By entering, participants grant Séura a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce, distribute, and display submitted materials—including names, photos, and bios—for promotional and editorial purposes related to the competition.

If a submission is selected as the winning design:

  • The entrant grants Séura permission to produce, display, and promote the design commercially.
  • Séura agrees to provide full designer attribution in all uses of the work.
  • Séura will not alter the design concept without prior written consent from the designer.

Séura values and respects the creative authorship of all participants.

8. General Terms

  • There is no entry fee.
  • Incomplete, inaccurate, or ineligible entries may be disqualified.
  • Séura reserves the right to extend deadlines, modify contest terms, or adjust awards without prior notice.
  • All communications regarding the contest will be conducted via email.
  • Participation in the contest constitutes acceptance of these official rules.

9. Privacy

All personal data collected during this competition will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Entrants’ contact information will be used solely for contest administration and communication related to Séura and its affiliated promotions.