Create For Kipp - COVID Design Challenge

Via the Rappahannock Record on May 7, 2020

Randall Kipp of Randall Kipp Architecture in Irvington recently announced the winners of the Create for Kipp design challenge.

'We asked kids ages 4-18 to put their architect’s hat on and create a structure and we were so impressed with the entries,' said administration and marketing coordinator Whitney Lang. 'We received wonderful creative entries that ranged from Disney boats to tiny bathrooms, tree houses to skyscrapers.'

As Virginia parents on March 23 got the news that schools would be shut down for the remainder of the academic year, the Kipp Architecture staff was in the middle of a meeting and the parents present let out a collective sigh, said Lang. Conversation shifted to keeping kids entertained and educated for the following few months.

'One thing led to another and the Create for Kipp design challenge was born,' she said. 'We knew we had to do something to inspire art and creativity for the kids while at home and we also hoped it would give parents a little relief, too.'

They received fantastic entries made from LEGOs, Lincoln Logs, MineCraft, Roblox and other building blocks and digital programs, continued Lang. A lot of the brilliant entries were made from random household items like egg cartons, straws, cereal boxes and cardboard boxes. Kids brought out the paint, glue, tape and markers to craft the details. Some kids used bark, sticks, moss and other outdoor materials to bring their designs to life.

'Randall wanted to give each child a personalized response and since we can’t invite them in for a visit at this time, we figured the next best thing would be a video. Randall and I sat down and (from a distance) reviewed all of the entries in the form of a slideshow,' she said.

This allowed Kipp time to provide feedback and praise in a way that would connect best with the kids. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the fabulous entries.

View the video and photographs at kipparchitecture.com/create. Team Kipp also sent all of the participants a bag of Northern Neck Popcorn Bag’s rainbow popcorn.

'We are so happy to have been able to provide an opportunity for kids to put on their thinking caps and immerse themselves in a project,' said Kipp. 'We were so impressed with the designs we received and can’t wait to do it again next year. There are lots of future architects and designers in our area.'

The winners are:

• Matthew Bryant, 10, Lancaster, Dream Tree House.

• Eliza Payne, 10, Roanoke, Roblox Dream Home.

• Lexi, 7, and Capri, 4, Thomas, Kilmarnock, Disney Boat.

Although the challenge is technically over, if children need a project then ask them to design a building for Mr. Kipp. 'We will be happy to receive it and send them a special note of praise and encouragement,' said Lang.

Send projects to whitney@kipparchitecture. com or tag on Facebook (@randallkipparchitecture).