PAVE Global and Shop! Association Name Kelly Garoutte as Recipient of 2025 Shop! Scholarship + Experience

(PRESS RELEASE) After a rigorous blind review process, Kelly Garoutte, an interior design student from Appalachian State University, was selected from a competitive field of applicants representing design programs across the United States. Her winning submission demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical skill, and forward-thinking approach to retail, restaurant, and hospitality environments.

In her scholarship essay, Garoutte articulated her passion for creating spaces that positively impact both people and the environment:

“Looking ahead, one of my biggest aspirations is to see sustainable building technologies become a predominant standard in all spaces, not just in high-budget projects. Sustainability should not be a luxury; it should be an expectation. Too often, the most innovative eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reducing strategies are reserved for flagship developments or elite establishments.”

As the recipient of the Shop! Scholarship + Experience, Garoutte will attend Shop! MarketPlace 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 8-10, with all expenses covered including airfare, accommodations, and daily per diem. Additionally, she will receive a $600 cash award as part of the scholarship package valued at $1,800.

“On behalf of the Shop! Association, we are thrilled to announce that Kelly Garoutte, an interior design student from Appalachian State University, has been selected as our 2025 PAVE x Shop! Scholarship + Experience,” says Murray Kasmenn, Executive Director, Shop! Association. “Kelly’s interest in sustainability, community and inclusivity in design was evident through her innovative portfolio, making her submission a standout. We thank all of the student entrants and congratulations to Kelly.”

After a rigorous blind review process, Kelly Garoutte, an interior design student from Appalachian State University, was selected from a competitive field of applicants representing design programs across the United States. Her winning submission demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical skill, and forward-thinking approach to retail, restaurant, and hospitality environments.

In her scholarship essay, Garoutte articulated her passion for creating spaces that positively impact both people and the environment:

“Looking ahead, one of my biggest aspirations is to see sustainable building technologies become a predominant standard in all spaces, not just in high-budget projects. Sustainability should not be a luxury; it should be an expectation. Too often, the most innovative eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reducing strategies are reserved for flagship developments or elite establishments.”

Excerpt from the portfolio of Kelly Garoutte

As the recipient of the Shop! Scholarship + Experience, Garoutte will attend Shop! MarketPlace 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 8-10, with all expenses covered including airfare, accommodations, and daily per diem. Additionally, she will receive a $600 cash award as part of the scholarship package valued at $1,800.

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“On behalf of the Shop! Association, we are thrilled to announce that Kelly Garoutte, an interior design student from Appalachian State University, has been selected as our 2025 PAVE x Shop! Scholarship + Experience,” says Murray Kasmenn, Executive Director, Shop! Association. “Kelly’s interest in sustainability, community and inclusivity in design was evident through her innovative portfolio, making her submission a standout. We thank all of the student entrants and congratulations to Kelly.”

Excerpt from the portfolio of Kelly Garoutte

The Shop! MarketPlace 2025 will offer Garoutte an invaluable opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend educational sessions, and experience firsthand the latest innovations in consumer environment design. This three-day premier boutique trade fair, presented by Shop! Association in partnership with VMSD and SmartWork Media, brings together retailers, brand owners, and design professionals from across the globe.

The PAVE Scholarship Program, now in its fifteenth year, provides financial assistance to students in educational programs preparing them for careers related to the design and creation of consumer environments. PAVE has awarded students over $251,600 in financial aid grants and scholarships in the past five years.

For more information about PAVE Global and the Shop! Scholarship + Experience, please visit www.paveglobal.org.