June 1, 2018 Alumna Wins Textile Design Competition, Sparked by Industry Partner

Alumna Shelby Ferriter (B.IARCH, ’18) was named the winner of the Common Thread for the Cure Scarf design competition hosted by Crossville Inc.

Crossville Inc., one of the college’s industry partners and a world premiere tile manufacturer, hosts the biennial competition to benefit the Common Thread for the Cure Foundation.

Ferriter’s design, titled “Climb for a Cure,” aims to empower those battling breast cancer. Her design features mountains wrapped in a pink ribbon, the international symbol for breast cancer awareness.

“The mountains are not only Crossville’s logo; it’s also a symbol of the climb that those suffering from breast cancer are going to face,” explained Ferriter. “With each step, each day and each dollar raised, we get closer to the top of the mountain and closer to finding a cure.”

Later this year, Ferriter’s design will be used to produce scarves to benefit the Helping Hands grants through Common Thread for the Cure Foundation. “My hope is that when those battling breast cancer wear this scarf, they are reminded of the strength they hold and are encouraged to keep fighting. Slowly but surely, we will climb to a cure,” stated Ferriter.

Ferriter commends the college’s partnership with Crossville Inc. In her third year in the School of Interior Architecture, her studio was partnered with the manufacturer.

“The partnership we had with Crossville as 3rd-year students has helped me with connections in job seeking and in this competition,” said Ferriter. “I am grateful for the opportunities UT continues to give me, even though my time [at the university] has ended,” she said.

Ferriter now is moving to Memphis, Tenn. to begin working at Looney Ricks Kiss, an architecture and interior design firm. Originally from Maryland, she learned of the Memphis firm during the college’s Career Day.