Meet a former Student Design Challenge winner who is now a curator for the White House Historical Association.

By Molly Burke

The road to becoming a curator for the White House Historical Association has nothing to do with politics — and everything to do with having an eye for design. Sometimes the career route is unconventional — a fact John Botello is well aware of.

After taking second place in the 2011 Sherwin-Williams Student Design Challenge, and finishing out his design degree and architecture minor from Texas Tech University, Botello received an M.A. in the history of decorative arts and worked at the State Department and Smithsonian museums. These experiences propelled him in his path to the historical organization that supports the United States' most famous residence: Botello is now the Curator of Exhibitions and Collections Manager at the White House Historical Association in Washington, D.C.

STIR sat down with John to learn about his experience with the Sherwin-Williams Student Design Challenge and how it helped shape his future and land him his current coveted role.

STIR: Decribe the role of the White House Historical Association in United States history. What is its current mission?
John Botello: The White House Historical Association is a nonprofit educational association founded in 1961 for the purpose of enhancing the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. It was created at the recommendation of the National Park Service and with the support of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

All proceeds from the sale of the Association’s books and products are used to fund the acquisition of historic furnishings and artwork for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of public rooms and further its educational mission. We also sponsor lectures, exhibits, and other outreach programs. Thousands of schools, universities, and libraries have received free educational materials about the White House.

STIR: Describe your role as Curator of Exhibitions and Collections Manager at the White House Historical Association.
JB: My job is to maintain the White House Historical Association’s holdings of fine art and artifacts and creates temporary exhibitions. My duties include exhibition development, as well as internal design, staging, décor, artwork and other visual components.

My education and background really helped me in designing multiple White House history exhibitions for the public.

STIR: What inspired you to participate in the challenge?
JB: During my time as a design student at Texas Tech University, a professor informed me about the challenge. My professor’s idea was to create a space inspired by one of our class trips to San Francisco and Giacomo Puccini’s opera, Madama Butterfly, so I submitted a design.

STIR: How has the STIR^® Student Design Challenge helped you in your career?
JB: As a student, the design challenge helped me better understand the importance of color and how it creates the mood and tone for a project. The application of color in design is not something to take lightly or make hasty decisions on. First, you must create a story, a concept and a purpose for color.

STIR: Do you have any advice for current students relating to this design challenge or to pursuing a career related to design?
JB: You have to look for opportunities to actively exercise your creative abilities. By participating in national competitions such as the STIR Student Design Challenge, students are able to develop skills that help them generate creative and functional solutions in a timely manner. This is a skill that is vital in the work force.

For individuals looking to pursue a career in design, I would encourage them to sketch. Whether you are pursuing a digital design degree or not, you must use your hands to help you solve problems and generate new ideas. Having the ability to quickly hand-render and sketch for a client will take you far in life. Also, be willing to listen and make design compromises.

STIR: What is your favorite Sherwin-Williams color?
JB: One of my favorites is Naval (SW 6244). Since living in Washington, D.C., I have found much inspiration from the timeless color traditions of the U.S. Military and Federal-style interiors.

The 2017 Sherwin-Williams Student Design Challenge
The design challenge is back for 2017! If you know a talented design or architecture student, forward this article on to them — they could win big, just like John.

For this year’s judges, our own Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing, will be joined by two tremendously talented and renowned designers: Cynthia Rowley and Vern Yip.

Entries accepted: March 1– April 15, 2017
Categories: Residential design and commercial design
First prize: $2,500 and a feature in STIR magazine!
New for 2017: $1,000 awarded to the design schools our first place winners attend!

Learn more at swstudentdesign.com.