Description
Applying leadership and 21st century skills, participants develop a color sample and material design board(s) used by interior designers to plan an overall cohesive design. Participants must demonstrate an understanding of and aptitude for interior design, the development of design boards, and presenting their design interpretation.
2026-27 Design Challenge: Tiny Living, Big Impact
A nonprofit organization is developing a Tiny Home Community for young adults transitioning into independent living.
Your firm has been selected to design the interior of one model home that maximizes comfort, storage, functionality, and affordability within a limited footprint.
The home should feel welcoming while demonstrating innovative space-saving solutions.
Required Spaces
Include:
Living area
Kitchenette
Sleeping area
Bathroom
Workspace
Storage
Design Considerations
Students should demonstrate:
Multifunctional furniture
Universal Design principles
Sustainable materials
Efficient circulation
Creative storage solutions
Residential lighting design
Budget
Material budget: $28,000
New Event
Competition Update 10/27/26
RULES AND REGULATIONS
PRECONFERENCE
A. Documentation Portfolio
Documentation materials (comprising “a portfolio”) are required and must be secured in a clear front report cover with the following single-sided, 8½" x 11" pages, in this order
Students will develop their own floor plan; a shell will not be provided. The tiny home should follow standard tiny home requirements and be under 400 square feet. Within that limit, students may determine the square footage and layout that best supports their design.
The $28,000 budget applies to the interior design only. Students may assume the exterior shell, including exterior walls, roof, exterior doors, and windows, is complete. Interior elements included in their design should be accounted for in the budget.
Students should also refer closely to the event rubric, as judging and points are based on the interior design elements identified in the rubric.
Event Deadlines
January 21, 2027
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April 2027
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Washington TSA Rules
To compete, students must:
Belong to a currently affiliated TSA chapter
Be registered (by their TSA advisor) for competition by December 18, 2026 ($35)
Compete in the January 21, 2027 virtual competition (see individual event pages for details)
Be selected as a top competitor in their event(s) and invited to participate at State
Number of competitors is dependent on specific event
Qualifying competitor lists will be published by February 7, 2027
State Conference registration week February 22-26, 2027 (see state conference page for details)
At the state level, 3 teams of 2 per chapter may compete.
