Commencement 2024

“Commencement is a beacon illuminating your achievements,” said Dean and VP for Academic Affairs Ellen Fisher to the crowd that gathered at 92NY’s Kaufmann Concert Hall on May 22, 2024, to witness 120 interior designers graduate from NYSID. Some were there to celebrate the Class of 2024, which consisted of students in the AAS, BFA, MFA1 (professional), MFA2 (post-professional) and MPS in Design of Healthcare Environments, Lighting Design, and Sustainable Interior Environments degree programs. Others were there to honor Commencement speakers Joy Moyler and David Rockwell, who received the New York School of Interior Design’s highest accolade, the Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts in Interior Design, that day.

The Chair of NYSID’s Board of Trustees, Ellen Kravet, opened the ceremonies with the words, “(Design) is a dynamic, exciting, enjoyable, and rewarding profession. . . As you cross this stage, you join a large community, and you’re in very good company.” NYSID President David Sprouls shared his admiration for the class of 2024: “You are innovators and agents of change who demand inclusion for all and embrace the responsibility of prioritizing the health of the planet as well as our own well-being. We and the world are so very ready for you.”

David Rockwell, Joy Moyler, Ellen Kravet, David Sprouls

Practical Advice from Design Legends

Joy Moyler wiped away tears as President Sprouls placed the doctoral hood over her shoulders. The honor was a highpoint in an illustrious design career spanning more than 25 years. Moyler, previously the US Head Designer of the Giorgio Armani Interior Design Studio, is founder of Joy Moyler Interiors. Her team has worked on projects from commercial to residential, many for well-known clients including projects for Leonardo Dicaprio, Adrien Brody, John Mayer and Thomas Keller.

Moyler recounted the nights in her early career when she toiled until 3am, and the profound education that came from working for others. “I relished working at different firms,” she said. “Because of these varied experiences, my work does not have a. . . ‘locked in look.’ I encourage you to not be swift to hang your own shingle. Work for other firms. There is tremendous growth in that.”

President Sprouls also presented David Rockwell, FAIA, with an honorary doctorate. Rockwell is the founder of Rockwell Group, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Rockwell was a child of the theater, and was often cast in community repertory productions by his mother, a choreographer. He has brought this lens of dramatic storytelling to all of his design projects, from New York City’s Perelman Performing Arts Center to Nobu Hotels and restaurants around the world.

“Seeing myself as a storyteller forced me to think about who would ultimately be experiencing and interpreting the stories I told,” said Rockwell.  “Start by making empathy integral to your process. Then, by definition, you’ll be considering how your designs can improve the lives of others.”

Student Speakers

The Class of 2024 selected two speakers to represent the student body. Addressing his peers, Chih Chung (Robbie) Chen (BFA) recalled his lack of art and drawing experience before he entered NYSID, stating, “And here I am today, graduating from the best interior design school in the world. This proves that even if you don’t have the background for something that interests you, passion, commitment—and learning from every failure—will ensure you persevere.” Kayla Lowry (MFA1), said, “Today, we walk across this stage and into the industry full of confidence and power because we put in the work and the effort to be educated designers.”

2024 Student & Faculty Achievement Awards

Dean Fisher presented this year’s faculty and student award winners. They were:

The Chairman’s Award
Emerson Kraus (BFA) Kallee La Rosa (MFA1) Afsin Zehra Muzaffar Musa (MFA2)

The Nancy Short Award  Daniela Cravo Jacobovicz (MFA1)

The Ana Blanc Verna Award For Excellence in Interior Design Addison Hansen (BFA)

The Alumni Award
Melida Valera (MFA1) Kayla Lowry (MFA1)

The Robert Herring Travel Prize  Deldrys Gomez Reynoso (BFA) Jason Nguyen Win (MFA1) 

The NYSID Distinguished Faculty Award Samuel Mikhail ’23 (MPSL)

The William Breger Faculty Achievement Award   Leyden Lewis

A Design Ethos of Beauty and Wellbeing

Dean Fisher summed up NYSID’s wishes for the class of 2024: “In front of you lies a career as a designer of incredible interiors, places that make people happier and healthier at every age and in every aspect of their lives.”