Why I Give: Jose Veliz of Benjamin Moore Inc.

Jose Veliz is senior manager of the Architect and Designer Segment at Benjamin Moore Inc. He’s responsible for leading the company’s architectural and design team; overseeing programs specific to the design and architect professional; and providing implementation strategies, guidance, direction, and expertise to Benjamin Moore’s architectural and design representatives. He loves his job. He says, “I truly enjoy working with the A&D community and experiencing the incredible transformation of spaces by some of the most talented professionals in the industry as they work diligently to improve their customer’s lives.” Veliz, who was behind the decision to fund the Dialogues on Design series this year, talks about his work and why Benjamin Moore Inc. supports public education and the New York School of Interior Design.

What do you want interior designers to know about how Benjamin Moore Inc. is innovating?

The interior design community is a large part of our business, and education is crucial to the continued advancement of interior design. Supporting NYSID’s program allows us to interact with established interior designers and future interior designers, who are really the people who will be driving innovations in the industry. It is designers who determine what materials become stylish, what technologies become standard, and we need to stay connected to a diverse and eclectic talent pool in order to adapt as the industry evolves.

Why has Benjamin Moore Inc. become a corporate sponsor of the New York School of Interior Design?

NYSID offers a variety of design avenues and prepares students for professional success. Our involvement and sponsorship allows the young professional to understand and learn to trust Benjamin Moore’s products, service, and the long-lasting beauty that comes with every project.

Why have you decided to sponsor the 2019 Dialogues on Design series?

The world and the demand changes day to day for designers and their clients. Companies and manufacturers like Benjamin Moore are embracing socially responsible design and construction and the development of sustainable products. This is an integral part of listening, learning, and adjusting to our designer and industry professional customer needs. Sponsoring Dialogues on Design allows us the opportunity to have exciting discussions that expand and cover industry demands, especially environmental changes and trends that are helping to inspire professionals.

What have you learned from interior designers?

Listening and adapting to our customers’ needs is our number one priority. We are constantly learning from interior designers and other industry professionals as they provide us with valuable insights on how we can better adjust our business to meet their everyday needs.

It’s Never Too Early to Plan What You’re Wearing to the Gala

The 2020 gala will be held on March 3. We will honor Brian McCarthy with the Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award, Gale and Andy Singer with the Larry Kravet Design Industry Innovation Award, and Elizabeth Lawrence with the Rising Star Award, a prize made possible by the generous support of The Shade Store. Last year’s gala was the most successful in NYSID’s history, and this year we aim to raise even more money for the NYSID scholarship fund.

VISIT NYSID.EDU/ANNUAL-GALA-2020.