The Interior Architecture program at Florida International University is proud to celebrate fourth-year Master of Interior Architecture students Katia Rodriguez and Alexa Jaspan, who have been named winners of the 2025 NEWH Green Voice Design Competition. This national competition honors innovative, sustainability-driven design work by students across interior design and architecture programs throughout the U.S.
Selected for the strength of their concept and commitment to environmentally responsible design, Katia and Alexa will each receive a portion of the $7,500 scholarship and will travel to New York City in November to be recognized at BDNY, one of the largest trade fairs for the hospitality design industry.
Katia Rodriguez, born and raised in Miami, discovered a natural alignment between her interests in art, design, and math through the study of architecture. “Every project reminds me how much there is to learn and how impactful design can be,” she shared. Katia has also been awarded two Festival of the Trees scholarships during her time in the program, underscoring her dedication to academic and design excellence.
Alexa Jaspan, a first-generation American with roots in Israel and Brazil, brings a globally informed perspective to her work. She was introduced to interior design at a young age through her mother’s practice and has since built a strong academic and professional foundation, earning the Festival of the Trees scholarship three times. “Design is my creative outlet and my way of making meaningful contributions,” Alexa said. “I’m proud to represent FIU and excited to keep pushing the boundaries of interior architecture.”
The NEWH Green Voice Design Competition challenges students to integrate sustainability into the hospitality design industry, a mission that aligns closely with the values and pedagogical goals of FIU’s Interior Architecture program. This recognition reflects the quality of the student body, the rigor of the curriculum, and the program’s ongoing commitment to socially and environmentally responsible design.
We congratulate Katia and Alexa on this outstanding achievement and look forward to celebrating their continued success.
Click here to see the latest update in their journey to New York
