NYSID students took honors in the Student Competition of this year’s Nantucket by Design from July 15-18. Nantucket by Design is an annual fundraiser for the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA), as well as an amazing networking opportunity that brings leading designers (and design enthusiasts) to the island for four days of panels, exhibitions, and parties. The NYSID student winners were Megan Millner (BFA), Valerie Cheung (BFA), and Shoshana Beck (BFA). 

Exposure & Experience 

The students not only attended the event, but also created designs for the interiors of historic structures on the island under the mentorship of accomplished designers Jamie Drake, Pamela Durante, and Lissette Carrera. Nantucket by Design is just one of the many ways NYSID creates experiential learning opportunities that expose its students to the real word of design. NYSID students have been participating in Nantucket by Design since 2015.

This year, students were tasked with redesigning properties owned by the NHA, the waterfront Thomas Macy Warehouse, built from 1846-47, or the Oldest House, dating back to the late 1600s. The challenge was to incorporate modern functionality while adhering to the theme of historic “Craftsmanship.” The winning designs were on display at White Elephant Hotel Ballroom, where many of the event's panels took place. 

Behind the Amazing Student Projects

Millner reimagined the Macy Warehouse as a sailing school with a nautical theme in her project, “The Nantucket Fleet.” She was inspired by her summers at the Northeast Harbor Fleet in Mount Desert Island, Maine, where she learned to sail.

At Nantucket by Design, Milner showcased her design, met notable designers (including NYSID Board of Trustees member Young Huh), and attended panels with industry experts. The featured panelists included AD100 designer Ken Fulk, whom Milner currently works for as a design assistant, and her mother, interior designer Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier.

Cheung's design, “Artify Studio” reenvisioned the Macy Warehouse as a multi-use art studio, offering spaces for painting, ceramics, photography, and wine tastings. Her design drew inspiration from the building’s original purpose, emphasizing coastal designs and cool colors. She aimed to create a creative indoor space for visitors while promoting local wineries and distilleries.

Beck's project, "Ocean Glow Apothecary," transformed the Macy Warehouse using a color palate of blue and silver and incorporating natural elements. She chose traditional materials like granite and wood to highlight the warehouse's historic past. The space captures the calming essence of the ocean while highlighting the latest advancements in marine-based skincare.

Beck attributed the strength of her design to her coursework, saying, “NYSID's thorough courses properly prepared me for this design challenge. My classes helped me think of the space logistically and to imagine how a potential user would feel at any spot in the store. NYSID also taught me the technical aspects, such as utilizing AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Enscape to create clear floor plans and realistic renderings.” 

Milner echoed this sentiment, crediting her confidence in networking with industry professionals to her experiences attending NYSID’s Dialogues on Design and other school events where she connected with fellow designers.

Mentorship was key for all the winners. Acclaimed interior designer Jamie Drake worked with Millner over Zoom to develop her project. Faculty member Pamela Durante mentored Cheung and Beck through the design process, and faculty member Lissette Carrera guided Beck, highlighting the endless creative possibilities in commercial design. All three winners expressed gratitude for their advisor, Shell Azar, who made them aware of this opportunity. 

Interested in a NYSID Degree?

If you’re interested in the academic rigor and design-world exposure that comes with a NYSID degree, you can request more information about our programs here.