Meher Pithawalla of Gurnee received a $500 cash prize from Oscar Isberian Rugs for her first place design in a Nepalese rug design competition. "Lhasa," the winning design, is an abstraction of a windswept maze of narrow streets criss-crossing in an old city.

The competition, sponsored by Oscar Isberian Rugs and the Harrington College of Design, called for students to design a 6’ x 9’ contemporary or traditional Nepalese rug.

Also honored were second place winner Tom Hurd, of Chicago, and third place winner, R.J. Reynertson, of Chicago. Each received $250.

Nepalese rugs are differentiated from other oriental rugs by their unique knotting system, stylized patterns and vibrant colors. Known for their soft, irregular texture, flexibility and strength, Nepalese rugs are made from Tibetan and New Zealand wool.

The 10 best designs will be hand woven in Nepal and auctioned off during the fall semester. All profits above $500 will go toward student tuition wavers. In addition, a portion of the profits will be donated to charity.

"This competition was a unique opportunity for our students to see their concepts come to life," says Peter Klick, Harrington faculty member. "It will be wonderful to see the finished rugs next semester."

Entries were judged on salability, overall appearance and creativity.

The judges were: Oscar Tatosian, Sevak Alaverdyan and Haig Pedian all of Oscar Isberian Rugs; Lisa Skolnik, Metropolitan Home, Constantine Vasinos, Alice Rudolph, Elizabeth Wersells, Jane Redmond and Stephany Rimland, faculty members at Harrington; and Tom Segal, Kaufman Segal Design.

Founded in 1920, Oscar Isberian Rugs is the Midwest’s largest importer of hand woven oriental rugs, with locations in Chicago, Evanston and Highland Park.

Located at 200 West Madison St., Harrington is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design, an associate of applied science degree in interior design or digital photography, a professional interior design diploma and a kitchen and bath certificate program.

Founded in Chicago in 1931, the school seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students’ intellectual and artistic potential. The majority of the faculty are practicing interior designers, architects and fine arts professionals. Harrington is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and the Foundation for Interior Designer Education Research (FIDER). Harrington is also recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. For more information call 312.939.4975 or visit www.interiordesign.edu