An outstanding student has scooped top honours in a prestigious international design competition for students.

Jaime Scholz, who entered the competition as an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design student in the Department of Architectural Technology and Interior Design, was announced the first prize winner of the Accor Design Awards 2023 during the recent awards ceremony, held in Paris, France.

Jaime said she was incredibly grateful to have been named the winner of the competition.

“Hearing the news felt like a dream turned into reality and I'm deeply honoured to be recognised alongside such talented designers and their incredible projects.
The journey to Paris was an invaluable experience that I can't thank the Accor Team and sponsors enough for making possible. Getting to know the Accor Team, the judges, and the other finalists, as well as their remarkable projects, was an absolute pleasure.”

She said the entire experience had not only been a boost to her personal growth but also a significant steppingstone in her career.

“The sky is the limit and I'm eagerly looking forward to what lies ahead. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to my mentor, Colleen Cocotos, for her unwavering guidance and support. To Colleen, the department, my family, and friends, I'm incredibly thankful for all the support they've provided. For any fellow students who are considering entering similar competitions, I hope my achievement can serve as inspiration for you to take that leap of faith. Success might be closer than you think.”

This year’s theme was: "Imagining Mercure hotels social hub, placing local food and beverage and sustainability at the heart" and Jaime’s entry was titled Mercure Africa Safari Edition.

The win marks the third international award for Jaime. She was among the winners in the renowned International BLT Awards for her Clinic Design and secured another victory in the International LIT Awards.

Head of Department, Rayner Moodley, commended the exceptional achievement, which he said highlighted the dedication and hard work displayed by both the student and staff involved.

For more information, please visit:

• https://www.instagram.com/accor_design/
• https://www.instagram.com/accor/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/accor/

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An exceptionally talented student, who has already won two international awards, has been selected as one of the top three winners in a prestigious international design competition for students.

Jaime Scholz will be jetting off to Paris later this year for the awards ceremony of the Accor Design Awards 2023.

“Being selected as one of the top 10 worldwide filled me with immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. But becoming a top three finalist left me speechless. It's an honour to be acknowledged among such talented participants. I am beyond excited to be taken to the Maison&Objet fair in Paris for the awards and exhibition of the top three projects in September. Grateful for this incredible recognition, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming event and the exciting journey it will bring.”

The theme this year is "Imagining Mercure hotels social hub, placing local food and beverage and sustainability at the heart" and Jaime’s entry is titled Mercure Africa Safari Edition.

“The Mercure Safari Edition Hotel in Kruger National Park embraces the modernity of the Mercure brand while incorporating traditional African safari design, using locally sourced and sustainable materials to complement the natural beauty of the wildlife sanctuary,” she said about her entry.

“The hotel's concept revolves around honoring local South African food and drink, offering cooking classes taught by local chefs, workshops on traditional African crafts, and showcasing local talent through exhibitions and music performances. The hotel also prioritizes sustainability by using recyclable materials, implementing passive cooling and heating design strategies, and utilizing renewable energy resources.”

Jaime, who hails from Melkbosstrand, entered the competition while she was completing an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design.

She expressed her gratitude to the Architectural Technology and Interior Design Department and senior lecturer, Colleen Cocotos.

“I am deeply grateful to Colleen for consistently offering unwavering guidance and assistance. To Colleen, the department, my family and friends, I am incredibly thankful for all the support

Cocotos said Jaime’s exceptional talent and unwavering dedication warrant every accolade she receives.

“With remarkable skill and deep-rooted passion, she consistently delivers outstanding results across her projects. Throughout her Advanced Diploma studies, Jaime’s accomplishments have been remarkable, including being shortlisted for the prestigious Roche Bobois product design competition. Moreover, she emerged as a winner in the renowned International BLT Awards for her Clinic Design and secured another victory in the International LIT Awards with her ‘Klok’ luminaire.”

The CPUT community and members of the public can vote for Jaime in the public vote platform and improve the chances of the Mecure Safari Edition walking away with the first prize. Voting remains open until 30 June.

Click here to vote.

To watch Jaime’s video, click here.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.