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.