Commencement 2018

On May 24, acclaimed interior designer Juan Montoya, Principal of his eponymous design firm, addressed the graduating class at the New York School of Interior Design’s 2018 Commencement Ceremony.

Montoya, a member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame and a prolific residential and contract designer known for his originality and adaptability, said, “The best advice I can give you is to listen; listen to what your clients say about the function of the space.” He urged the graduates to hold fast to their personal aesthetics and values. “Be true to yourself in everything you say and do. . .” he said. “Don’t design with intent to appeal to advertising. Design because you want your contributions to the design community to be significant and important.”

Ellen Kravet, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at New York School of Interior Design, welcomed friends and families of graduates, followed by NYSID President David Sprouls and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Ellen Fisher. After working hard through their college careers, our students took a victory march across the stage of the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts to receive their diplomas. NYSID awarded degrees to 119 graduates in 2018: 59 Masters of Fine Arts, 14 Masters of Professional Studies, 27 Bachelors of Fine Arts, and 27 Associates of Applied Science.

As part of the ceremony, President Sprouls presented Juan Montoya and Gil Schafer, Principal of G. P. Schafer Architects, with Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degrees from the New York School of Interior Design.

Other Articles in Atelier

Welcome From David Sprouls

David Sprouls, president of the New York School of Interior Design, welcomes readers to the Summer 2024 issue of Atelier.

Visual Thinker: Nandar Godoy-Dinneen

NYSID alumna Nandar Godoy-Dinneen ’11 (MPSS)) designed this 700 sq. ft. retreat outside the city of Quito, Ecuador. The client asked for a tiny house that contained a bedroom, bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, office, and yoga space.

Behind the Rise of a Consummately American Designer

NYSID alumnus Erick Espinoza ’13 (BFA) became creative director of the prestigious interior design firm Anthony Baratta, Inc., at the age of 24. He has been named a House Beautiful Next Wave Designer, and his first house’s interior, which he designed, was featured in The New York Times, Country Living Magazine, and Connecticut Cottage and Gardens. NYSID honored him with its Rising Star Award at Gala 2024.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Begin with Listening

Mackenzie Carr began as NYSID’s first director of DEIB in the summer of 2023. He views his work as “building culture,” a practice that requires patience, empathy, and strategic thinking. As he approaches his first-year anniversary at NYSID, we chat with him about what drew him to DEIB work, his methods, and the emerging priorities for NYSID.

What Designers Should Ask About Sustainable Materials

NYSID alumna and instructor Michelle Jacobson ’18 (MPSS) says designers drive the development of more sustainable products, so knowing what questions to ask about materials can have a huge impact on the health of clients and what gets manufactured.

Notable at NYSID: Summer 2024

The New York School of Interior Design’s curricula and offerings are constantly evolving, pushing the standards of design education further. Hear about NYSID’s exciting new hires, projects, and directions here.

Why I Give: The Duffy Family

“Our children are well taken care of. I wanted to share some of our resources with other people who might have less. When Anne and I were young, neither of us could afford to travel to far-flung places. Later in our lives, Anne and I visited India, China, Burma, Vietnam, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and many parts of Latin America. Morocco was a highlight of our life. Exploring these roads less traveled ripped me out of my own experience and deepened and broadened my understanding of the world. This kind of educational experience, through a school like NYSID, seemed to be the greatest gift we could give.”

Portfolio: Vincenza Lampon '23 (BFA)

Vincenza Lampon ’23 (BFA) resolved to use her thesis to radically rethink the way shelter design serves the unhoused. She collected empirical data, learning that “shelters rarely have design practices built into them.”

Portfolio: Motomu “Lucia” Sakakibara '23 (BFA)

As Motomu “Lucia” Sakakibara ’23 (BFA) embarked on her thesis research, she envisioned a destination where people in metropolitan areas could go for decompression and self-reflection. Her models were Storm King, Dia Beacon, and Grace Farms, non-profit cultural organizations that brought her quietude and inspiration when she needed space from the city. For her cultural organization’s location, she chose a 1930s building, originally a stable, in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, on a plot of land ringed by woods.

Portfolio: Charlotte Doody '23 (MFA1)

Chairman’s Award winner Charlotte Doody '23 (MFA1) researched many spas and wellness centers in preparation for her thesis. Her inquiry resulted in this revelation: “In modern day America, taking care of one’s health has become a sacred practice—a pilgrimage towards balance and well-being.” So she designed Aether Wellness Center around the idea that, “health is a new religion.”

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Commencement 2018

New York School
of Interior Design

Future Students

Current Students

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Community

Commencement 2018

New York Schoolof Interior Design

Future Students

Current Students

Alumni

New York School
of Interior Design