Peter A. Peyser, Principal of Peyser Associates LLC and Chairman of the RSA-US  (http://www.blog.rsa-us.org)  on April 26 opened the festivities surrounding the first annual RSA-US Student Design Awards ( https://www.facebook.com/RSAUS.StudentDesignAwards ).  The RSA-US Student Design Awards is the American version of an awards competition run annually for more than 80 years by the RSA in the UK ( http://www.thersa.org ). Groups of students from the US and the UK have developed submittals in three areas of design — Textiles, Fashion and Transit. The winners will be announced on April 27.

The RSA-US teamed with Cooper Union in New York City on this initiative.  Cooper Union Faculty Member David Turnbull, also an RSA Fellow, chaired the effort for the RSA under the supervision of RSA-US President David Turner and in close cooperation with RSA-US Fellowship Director Lynn Broadbent. Assisting in the development of briefs for each area of competition, judging and providing prizes and internships for the winners are partners  Billings Jackson Design, Grimshaw Architects, Pointcarre USA North America, Target and Techmer.