Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- A recent Kansas State University master's graduate in interior architecture and product design is a winner in a national woodworking competition.

Alexis Kiel, Bellevue, Neb., took first place at the AWFS Fresh Wood Competition in the production/contract section for her wood chair project called "Leaf2." The competition judging was July 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nev. Kiel earned her degree from the university's College of Architecture, Planning and Design in May.

Originally designed for a competition in New York for a local park, Kiel's chairs are an outdoor furniture design. She sealed the wood and had it powder coated to protect it from the elements while still maintaining good ergonomics, craftsmanship and the capability for the chairs to be stacked for transport.

"Alexis was a delight to have in class, and I couldn't be happier with how well she did," said Dave Brown, associate professor of interior architecture and product design. "I was very impressed. It's so satisfying to see a student excel with their project; it's a great feeling to see your students succeed."

Fresh Wood is a student woodworking competition open to full-time students in an accredited high school or postsecondary woodworking or related program and part-time students in an accredited postsecondary woodworking or related program who are transitioning into a career in woodworking or design within North America. The competition has six categories at both school levels: case goods, chairs, open, production/contract, reproduction and tables.