Skip to main content

This is your Donation message.

Home » News » Recent IA+D Graduate, Johnston Roberts, Recieves John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund

Recent IA+D Graduate, Johnston Roberts, Recieves John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund

Published May 23, 2019
IIDA Foundation 2019 Nelson Scholarship recipients (L-R): Christina Bingham, Carl’Drail Cannon, Johnston Roberts

IIDA Foundation 2019 Nelson Scholarship recipients (L-R): Christina Bingham, Carl’Drail Cannon, Johnston Roberts

Excerpts courtesy of OfficeInsight

The Florida State University College of Fine Arts would like to congratulate Johnston Roberts, a recent graduate of the Department of Interior Architecture and Design, on being one of the first recipients of the IIDA Foundation‘s John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund. John J. Nelson Sr., IIDA, founder, principal of design, NELSON, is known for his support of design education, diversity, and unfettered access to education, and the Foundation exemplifies his values by championing students from all backgrounds. They advocate for increased diversity in architecture and design. John J. Nelson Sr. said,

One of my greatest personal missions is furthering educational and professional opportunities for diverse groups of students who are committed to design as a viable career option. The recipients of this inaugural scholarship fund all demonstrate a palpable desire to shape the future of design at large and within their own communities. They are all exceptionally worthy and strong candidates.

Johnston Roberts Headshot

This fund was established to support diversity and benefit African-American students who wish to or are currently enrolled in a design or architecture program. Scholarship applicants were required to submit a three-to-five minute video articulating how the power of design has already impacted their life, and how they will proactively leverage their career in design to positively impact their future clients and community. This year’s recipients, Christina Bingham, Student IIDA, of Seminole State College; Carl’Drail Cannon of Kent State University; and Johnston Roberts of Florida State University, are the first three recipients of the scholarship. Each will receive $10,000 in scholarship funds and be celebrated at the 2019 IIDA Annual Meeting at Venue SIX10 in Chicago on Sunday, June 9. IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. said

IIDA is pleased and humbled to be upholding diversity within the industry and assisting in the design journey of a deserving student through this fund. We wish the recipients the best of luck and know each of them has a bright future ahead.

Since graduating in May of 2019, Johnston Roberts has been working on expanding his portfolio and making rendering tutorials. When asked how he felt when notified of being one of the first three recipients of this scholarship he said,

I am ecstatic to receive this award and feel honored for the opportunities it will provide!

The Florida State University College of Fine Arts is very proud of this alumnus. Dr. Lisa Waxman, Department of Interior Architecture + Design Chair at Florida State University said,

Not only was Johnston a talented and dedicated student, but he was an integral part of our student leadership and a valued member of the department community. We look forward to watching his career!

To see more of Roberts’ work, look through his projects page or portfolio.

For more information about the IIDA Foundation’s John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund, contact Aisha Williams, senior director of industry relations and special events, at awilliams@iida.org.


All applications were reviewed by the Scholarship Fund Evaluation Committee and the IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees. The distinguished evaluation committee included: Gabrielle Bullock, IIDA, FAIA, NOMA2018-2019 IIDA International Board President, senior director of global diversity, Perkins+Will; Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, executive vice president and CEO, IIDA; John J. Nelson Sr., IIDA, founder, principal of design, NELSON; Dina Griffin, IIDA, FAIA, NOMA, president, architect, Interactive Design Architects; Jack Travis, FAIA, NOMA, president, architect, Afri Culture/Design Culture.