Final Five

A judging panel comprised of DAHfH staff and team members from their marketing agency reviewed all entries and selected five semi-finalists who demonstrated the strongest need and appeal through their story and photos (see official rules and regulations for details).


The five finalists’ entries were posted on the ReStores section of DAHfH’s Facebook page, where consumers voted to select two finalists they felt were most deserving of a redesign.

Our Two Finalists

After a week of voting, consumers selected the Wideman family of Garland and Thomason family of Mesquite as winners of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity's first-ever Design Duel competition.

The two winners were been paired with their interior design teams – Pickard Design Studio and Wilson Associates – both internationally-recognized firms.

Jill Wideman and Pickard Design Studio
Jill and her husband are self-described “total DIYers” who have redone several rooms in their 1923-built home. With two kids under the age of six, two large dogs and a baby on the way, trying to enjoy family time together in their tight living room is a constant challenge. Their family is growing, but their home is not, and they could use the Design Duel designers help in getting the most out of their living room.

 

 

Toni Thomason Willson Associates
Toni’s husband recently lost his job of 13 years and their current focus is on job hunting and trying to start over. They have two young boys and no time or money to spend on remodeling. The Design Duel would provide this family a living area that allows them to spend more time together in a new space designed to fit their lifestyle. Toni would love the opportunity to see the ideas our designers could dream up to make her family’s living and dining areas feel like home.
 

 

 

 
Design Judging

After the two finalists were selected, they were paired with their design team partners – and then the fun began! The teams had three weeks and a budget of $3,000 to redesign their living/dining areas using only items from Dallas Habitat's ReStores.

Now that the rooms are completed, the public (via online voting) and a panel of local judges, including designers and media personalities, will select the winner, using the following rating system:


20 points – Budget (stayed within or under budget)
20 points – Creativity (use of materials, repurposing items)

20 points – Functionality (use of space, comfort)
20 points – Original Design (adhered to proposed concept/sketch)

20 points – General Public Vote (winner receives 20 points toward score)


Though both homeowners “win” with their sleek new living/dining spaces, only one designer will walk away from this first-ever competition with the “Top Designer” title and bragging rights!