Waiariki School of Forestry head and judge John Kelly said Jake impressed judges with his simple, yet effective, silver fern representation and his ability to consider his design as part of a broader street composition.
"His flexible concept and passion to see his design through to completion placed him clearly as the winner."
Jake was awarded a mini iPad courtesy of Waiariki and will have the opportunity to work alongside competition partners to take his design from concept through to development and installation stage.
Council economic projects manager Nick Dallimore, who is driving the CBD Revitalisation Strategy - Urban Design Framework, said he is looking forward to working with Jake and all the sponsors to make Jake's concept come to fruition.
"Inviting our youth to be part of key developments within Rotorua has been invaluable and is something that we and other partners will continue to support and encourage.
"The first CBD intersection trial is Pukuatua and Tutanekai St and we should see the new wooden designed seats installed later this year."