Lindsey Roles receives nationally-competitive Richard Frinier Design Scholarship

Lindsey Roles, a master's student in industrial design, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Richard Frinier Design Scholarship, a national honor recognizing exceptional emerging talent in furniture and product design.

Named for internationally acclaimed designer Richard Frinier, the scholarship recognizes students whose work demonstrates creativity, innovation and excellence in design. Roles' work distinguished itself among a competitive field of applicants, earning recognition from industry leaders and the International Casual Furnishings Association.

In addition to the national recognition, Roles will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support her continued design education, helping further her academic and professional development as she prepares for a career in the design profession.

As the scholarship recipient, Roles will participate in an exclusive professional development experience during Casual Market Atlanta, one of the premier events in the outdoor and casual furnishings industry. The scholarship provides opportunities to meet nationally recognized designers, manufacturers and industry executives while exploring the latest innovations, products and market trends shaping the future of furniture design.

During the multi-day experience, Roles will receive a professional headshot, tour leading showrooms with Richard and Catherine Frinier, participate in meetings with industry professionals, and attend the prestigious ICFA Awards Gala. The experience is designed to provide meaningful networking opportunities while offering firsthand insight into one of the design industry's most influential marketplaces.

"It's great to see our students' work recognized at the national level," said Richard Thompson, instructor in the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design. "Lindsey's project started with the simple idea of enjoying a morning cup of coffee and through her iteration and persistent dedication to detail she produced more than just a good design, but a great story. On top of the competition requirements, our students produce fully functional prototypes which allow them to refine the comfort and test the feasibility of their designs."

Roles' selection for the scholarship reflects the caliber of work and dedication of K‑State design students, said Nathan Howe, professor and head of the Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design.

"This recognition places Lindsey alongside some of the nation's most promising emerging designers and provides an extraordinary opportunity to engage directly with leaders who are shaping the future of the furnishings industry," Howe said. "We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and look forward to seeing how this experience influences Lindsey's continued growth as a designer."

The Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design in K‑State's College of Architecture, Planning & Design has long emphasized experiential learning and close collaboration with industry partners, providing students with opportunities to apply their creativity to real-world design challenges. National recognitions such as the Richard Frinier Design Scholarship underscore the department's commitment to preparing graduates who are equipped to lead the future of design.