New York, New York – January 9, 2020 – The New York School of Interior Design is pleased to announce a $120,000 gift which endows two new academic scholarships, one named for Larry Kravet and one named for Utta Kravet. The lead gift was donated by the Kravet family, with generous supporting gifts from friends of Larry and Utta Kravet given in their memory. The scholarships provide need-based aid for two deserving students. NYSID is grateful for the consistent support of the Kravet family, and is touched by the generous support of those who contributed to the fund. Larry Kravet, who entered the family textile business in 1949, grew Kravet Inc. to its current position as market leader with Utta, his wife, by his side. In the 1980s, the fourth generation of the Kravet family entered the business when Cary, Scott, Lisa, and Ellen Kravet all joined the firm. Larry and Utta Kravet were highly regarded in the interior design industry as fair businesspeople, responsible manufacturers, and supporters of individual designers. Outside of the industry, they were beloved parents, grandparents, and friends.

The Larry Kravet Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates strong creativity using fabrics, while the Utta Kravet Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates a deep knowledge of design history and the decorative arts. The awardee must be a full-time junior or senior in the undergraduate BFA program or a third-year MFA graduate student. To be considered, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. In order for the scholarship to be considered for renewal, recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, continue to meet the award criteria, and have no violations of the NYSID Student Code of Conduct.

“We are similarly focused,” said Ellen Kravet, Co-Principal and Executive Vice President of Kravet Inc. and Chairman of the NYSID Board of Trustees. “There are endless opportunities when everyone works as a team to accomplish the same goal, which in this case, is to cultivate upcoming designers within our industry.” Kravet continues, “We are especially proud of the relationship we share with NYSID. NYSID offers an immersive design education, having educated some of the industry’s most talented interior designers.”

As a former educator, Ellen Kravet is passionate about interior design and education. Since joining the Board of Trustees in 2012, she has been a force and resource at the College. She has served on the Committee on Student Life, the Financial Overview Committee, and the Executive Committee. She co-chaired a re-branding committee in 2014, and ascended to the role of Chairman of the NYSID Board in 2017.

“On behalf of the New York School of Interior Design, I want to offer our deepest thanks to Cary, Scott, Lisa, and Ellen Kravet,” said NYSID president, David Sprouls. “Financial support, along with robust and fruitful relationships with industry professionals like the Kravet’s are critical and exceedingly helpful in our mission to aid deserving students. The founding of the new endowed scholarships affirms the Kravet’s deep commitment to the College and the Interior Design industry, as it contributes to the success of our students who are also future design leaders. We applaud the Kravet family’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence.”

About Kravet Inc.

Kravet Inc., established in 1918, is the industry leader in to-the-trade home furnishings. The fifth-generation family business designs and distributes fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. The family's commitment to innovation has helped the company transform from a small fabric house to a global leader, representing brands and designers from all over the world. Kravet Inc. owns Kravet, Lee Jofa, GP&J Baker, and Brunschwig & Fils, all high end home furnishing houses that specialize in style, luxury, and exceptional design. With locations in North America and worldwide, Kravet Inc. offers the highest level of customer service, quality products and web technology for interior design professionals. For further brand information, please refer to kravet.com.

About New York School of Interior Design

New York School of Interior Design is a private, nonprofit college focused exclusively on interior design. The college offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for students at all stages of their careers—whether they’re just becoming familiar with the discipline, considering a career change, or looking to deepen knowledge in a particular area. Consistently ranked one of the top interior design programs in the United States, students study both residential and commercial interior design, some with specialties in sustainable design, lighting, and healthcare interiors. NYSID students enjoy a small class size and sharp focus, a great deal of personal attention from dedicated faculty, and they go on to practice at the highest levels of the profession. To learn more, visit NYSID.edu.

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