Welcome From David Sprouls
David Sprouls
Here at NYSID, the summer affords us a rare moment to pause, take stock of what we’ve learned from the profession, and look forward. This is important because our thought leadership role in interior design education is at the core of the college’s mission.
To lead, we must listen. The way we anticipate where interior design and related disciplines are headed in 5 to 10 years is to be in constant conversation with practicing designers. Our faculty of designers and architects, our advisory boards composed of industry leaders, and our alumni keep us plugged in to what’s developing inside interior design and architecture. One of the reasons we offer post-professional master’s degrees in Healthcare Environments (MPSH), Sustainable Interior Environments (MPSS), and Lighting Design (MPSL) is that we anticipate these areas of expertise to be of tremendous value to the industry now, and in years to come. For the same reason, we’re now recruiting for NYSID’s new MPS in Digital Practice Management (MPSDPM), which launches in Fall 2024 and will be the first program of its kind in the country (see Layout).
This issue’s cover story, “Illuminating a Demand,” is a deep dive into the field of lighting design through the eyes of three NYSID alumni: Estefania Diaz ’15 (MPSL) / ’16 (MPSS), Iliana Filotheidi ’19 (MPSL), and Diogo Coelho ’18 (MPSL), as well as those of MPSL Program Director Shaun Fillion. The lighting industry is amid a sea change due to advancements in LED technology and controls, along with evolving energy codes. As a result, there’s a growing demand for expertise in lighting design, one reason we’ll be introducing a minor in lighting design to the BFA in 2025. Once again, it’s our alumni and faculty who are keeping us abreast of the movements in the field, driving our curricula forward.
Perhaps one of the most important ways this institution is leading is by broadening the population of people who are exposed to and educated in interior design. The Supreme Court’s ruling that affirmative action should not be considered in college admissions has not altered our commitment to expanding diversity at NYSID and in the field. Diversity, including economic diversity, is a priority for this institution. When we bring more voices to the table, the whole industry benefits, and we could not do this without your support. Thank you for helping us raise more than $600,000 for the NYSID scholarship fund at Gala 2023. Special thanks go to NYSID Board Chair Ellen Kravet and Trustees and Gala 2023 Co-chairs Chesie Breen, Ingrid Edelman, Alexa Hampton, David Kleinberg, and Betsey Ruprecht for helping make the evening a success. We’re also grateful to our Gala honorees John Edelman, Peti Lau, and Suzanne Tucker for allowing us to celebrate their accomplishments in the service of scholarship.
NYSID is always looking to the future, but we’re also rooted in the history of interior design. We value this college’s origins in residential design and the decorative arts. One great example of this is the Advanced Trade Techniques courses taught by Harry Heissmann, a protege of the late Albert Hadley, who was a member of NYSID’s Advisory Board. Heissmann lets us glimpse inside his process in “The Secrets of
Bespoke Design.”
Whether you’re reading this magazine at your desk or in a hammock by the sea, I hope you’re taking time to enjoy life this summer. Be happy and well.
DAVID SPROULS, PRESIDENT, NYSID