USU Students Take 3rd Place in National MOA Design & Build Competition

By Natalie Kae Humpherys | August 13, 2026

Sierra Murray, MLA ’26, Tyler Peterson, MLA ’26, and graduate student Sophia Riffo‑Jensen earned 3rd place in the 2026 Design and Build Competition, Soundscapes in Structure, hosted by the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA). The team was recognized for their creativity and design innovation. Along with the recognition they received a $5,000 cash prize.

This year’s challenge invited participants to design an amphitheater bandshell. Murray, Peterson, and Riffo‑Jensen submitted Soundwave Pavilion: Amplifying Nature, a concept that blends acoustic architecture with the wetland landscape of Marjorie Park. Their mission statement describes the project as aiming “to create an amphitheater that generates lasting ecological, social, and cultural value.”

To bring their vision to life, the team produced conceptual drawings, written narratives, and detailed physical scale models demonstrating both technical skill and thoughtful environmental integration.