Standing outside of a graffiti-covered building, host Tanika Ray reminds the finalists that they must always think creatively. Inside, the finalists discover that this is HGTV Design Star's famous white box challenge in which they must create an over-the-top, customized room that represents their style as a designer. The finalists, who must express their design ingenuity with materials found at a restaurant supply story, also must complete a creative how-to tip or technique used in their white box design. Judges Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip and popular designer Thom Filicia will visit each space and select which finalist executed the most creative design and who will be sent home.