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Featured Alumni
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artwork by Bilal Sultan Ajami
Interior Design instructor |
Alexandra Karram
President
Alexandra Karram Interiors
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1990
Alexandra Karram, 1990 Interior Design graduate, is the president of Alexandra Karram Interiors, Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. She has been in business as an interior designer for the past 16 years and is involved with all phases of design and implementation of projects. "Born and raised in New York City." She studied at the University of Bridgeport for Interior Design before attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
Interior Design Program Chair Bill Kobrynich was her most influential instructor providing support and guidance that gave her the confidence to succeed. Alexandra particularly remembers the level of enthusiasm that the instructors had and that all of her classes were very "hands on" which made for a great interactive experience.
Alexandra had the honor of winning the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) singular space award and the Palm Beach Dream House award. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Florida Design, Best of Florida Design Book, Palm Beach Illustrated, and Florida International Magazine. She also has provided interior design services to a number of sports personalities including Florida Panther Victor Kozlov and New York Mets' Mike Piazza.
Alexandra's career highlights include designing and building her own home which she dreamt about and had been working on the design on since college. "There's no substitute for hard work," says Alexandra. "Much of my success is attributable to the fact that I never give up, I always trust my instincts and my feel for design and I always try to do the right thing. Everyone will find their own recipe for success, but these ingredients will definitely be helpful."
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Carlos Betancourt
Interior Designer
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1987
A child of Cuban parents, Puerto Rico raised Carlos Betancourt's Caribbean influences permeates his work. After graduating from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1987 with an Associate of Science degree in Interior Design, Carlos says he had two choices: work with an interior design firm or venture out on his own. Unencumbered, he decided to take the chance and pursue his passion for design and enter the increasingly competitive art world. His decision paid off and he is now one of South Florida's most prominent artists.
In January of 2001, Carlos received a $600,000 commission to create an art installation in the north terminal at the Miami International Airport. This creation will incorporate intercultural symbols positioned together, creating design motifs for the terrazzo floor inlays, glass elevators, and glass paneled walls. His work will reflect the multicultural influences of the millions of visitors who travel through the airport daily.
Carlos's work has been featured in magazines such as Elle and Cosmopolitan and he has been featured in People magazine's 1995 "50 Most Beautiful People." A 20-foot copy of a scene from the Sistine Chapel he created adorns a wall in mega-movie star Sylvester Stallone's home. Carlos has won numerous awards for his spiritual artistic visions and has work on permanent display in the Smithsonian Museum.
"I am very proud to be an alumni of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. There I learned the fundamental concepts that have helped me develop as an artist. Among the important concepts I learned are freedom of expression, dedication to work, and to have fun during the creative process. All of these I consider ‘important tools' that have helped me develop constantly in the creative arena." Carlos feels that the discipline he gained while in school is one of the key elements of his personal success. "I enjoyed the relaxed, professional classroom environment, this allowed for clear communication among the students and professors, while learning and growing as artists."
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Cosimo Pizzulli
President, Owner
Pizzulli Associates, Inc.
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1978
Cosimo Pizzulli graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Interior Design program with an associate degree in 1978. He has been president of his own firm since 1986 and his responsibilities include business development, initial design development, creative direction and project management. Pizzulli Associates, Inc.,has an extensive and impressive client list that includes Arista Records, Banco Nacional de Mexico, CBS Records, Columbia Records, Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios, and Sony Corporation of America.
Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Cosimo took classes in art throughout school and always enjoyed painting, sculpturing, welding, etc. Before completing high school, Cosimo completed trade school for commercial painting and after high school worked on larger scale commercial & residential multi-family construction projects as an AFL-CIO union journeyman superintendent of drywall, taping, wall covering and painting / staining of projects for a contractor. "On one of the projects I met the architect and I disagreed with the shapes, forms and planning of the project that he did and I told what I would have done. He told me I had good ideas, but I was at the wrong end of the process. I needed to be in the front end planning the site and designing the buildings." Cosimo realized that he was more cut out for interior design and began to search for a school to learn this new trade. After a brief stint in New York, he "found the right school with diverse instructors, a specialty in this new field of Interior Design, and a new school cutting a new path in a wonderful climate. I wanted to be part of something ground up with lots of creative freedom - that's how I found The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale."
Although he got a great overall education, Cosimo says that learning to draw was a highlight of going to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "I perfected my hand drawing. Today I see students from all over the world and, they can all draw on a computer but very few can draw with their hand. I recall the art history courses and impact it has made and how it has become the root of everything I do. I reflect on the stories and periods of art and furniture that influence my work." His advice to students is, "I would develop my hand drawings techniques as much as possible, in multiple mediums and know art history from the beginning of time to today. Equipped with the fundamentals of drawing anything with your hand you can travel the world communicate your ideas and designs to anyone in any language, on the ground, in the air or over coffee in a cafe - your free to create." For more about Cosimo and his company, please visit his website at http://www.pizzulli.com.
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Donald Lilly
Owner
Donald Lilly Associates Interior Design
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1986
Donald Lilly, ASID, has become one of the most sought-after interior designers in the country with major projects in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and Saudi Arabia. He has been recognized and published in national trade and consumer magazines including Architectural Digest, Palm Beach Illustrated, South Florida Design Resources, Ocean Drive Magazine and Corporate Image Magazine as well as international hardcover books.
After graduating cum laude from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1986, Lilly founded his firm, Donald Lilly Associates Interior Design, in Jupiter, Florida, in 1988. Since then, he has opened offices at the ultra-exclusive Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. This young, multi-award winning design firm specializes in luxury residential, model show homes, commercial, nautical and resort projects. Lilly is a licensed interior designer, a Professional and Board member of the American Society of Interior Designers, and has been featured in Who's Who in Interior Design since 1988. His clientele includes Fortune 500 executives, celebrities and professional sports figures.
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Erin (Sternefeld) Lowe
Interior Designer
Reeder Architects, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 2004
Erin (Sternefeld) Lowe earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design in 2004 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Currently she is Designer, Allied Member ASID for Reeder Architects, Inc. in Akron, Ohio. Her responsibilities include all interior aspects (flooring, wall coverings, moldings, cabinetry, countertops, tile, etc.) and office manager.
After high school, Erin attended a school offering interior design but after six months she "found out it wasn't the right school for me, so I came back home and started at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in January 2005." She felt the curriculum and the atmosphere were better for her and she says that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale had much to do with her newfound success.
"What I learned at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale," she says, "I use everyday in my career. I work in an architectural firm, being the only female and the only interior designer, I had to make sure I felt confident with my education since I didn't have anyone else to shadow. I have become the go-to-girl in the office for everything interior - from appliances to wall coverings. If I didn't gain the tools I did at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to learn what my resources were...I wouldn't be able to perform in my daily career."
Erin was involved in activities inside and outside of the classroom while she was a student at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. When speaking about her time in extracurricular activities, she reflects on Student Government. "My most memorable experiences at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale happened with Student Government. I was never one of those "leadership" or "student government" kids at my high school since that just wasn't my thing. However, my first week at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale I saw a poster for SG. Since I was new and I didn't have any friends, SG helped me make the best friends of my life, one of which I just married – Eric Lowe!"
When giving advice to other students she says, "The first thing I would tell you is to not be intimidated by others work, because they are probably intimidated by yours. Don't cheat, because that's just lying to yourself and won't help you in the long run. Finish your AutoCad homework, because you only get better at it if you practice. Join Student Government and you just might meet your future husband. And get involved in school, because you're living in Fort Lauderdale!"
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Ingrid Wells
Design Assistant
Pavilk Design Team
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 1999
Ingrid Wells graduated in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Ingrid's portfolio was outstanding and received a lot of attention from perspective employers at Portfolio Review. Ingrid worked closely with her employment advisor after graduation and was hired at Pavilk Design Team as a design assistant. Pavlik is a nationally known interior design firm and its owner is a member of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's advisory board.
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Janet Bussell
Vice President
Tutt Design Group, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 1992
"Life is full of opportunities and my greatest pleasure is achieved when I can assist someone in realizing and creating any aspect of space which they desire to make their own. Someone's selection of one of my designs, when there are so many other ideas to choose from, is the greatest sense of career fulfillment I know."
Janet Bussell, 1992 Interior Design graduate, is a professional Interior Designer specializing in interior space planning and architecture. Her numerous projects have included designing "club cottages" for the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, working directly with the late Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace, renovating a private home on exclusive La Gorce Island for a family of German royal descent, collaborating with renowned decorator Jorg Marquarde, of Galeria Del Elefante in Ibizia, Spain, and producing designs for a large estate on Star Island.
As Vice President of Tutt Design Group, Inc., Janet worked on designs for superstar Cher's estate in Tahiti Beach, Florida and Cher's custom home in Malibu, California. She worked directly with Cher on every detail of design.
Janet has developed her own signature line of ceramic tile colors and designs which are now being produced and distributed by Tile Works and California Pottery.
Janet continues to be loyal to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and believes in giving well deserved praise to her former instructors and today hires The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale students to work for her firm. She welcomes opportunities to visit the college to share her wisdom with interior Design students.
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Jenetta McCoy
Professor
Arizona State University
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1978
Jenetta McCoy is a 1978 Interior Design graduate from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She is currently a professor at Arizona State University in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. One of Jenetta's educational goals is to influence future decision makers about the importance of the designed environment -- home, office, cities, and natural landscapes. Beyond teaching she is also heavily involved in research and has been published in the Creativity Research Journal, Journal of Environmental Psychology, and the Handbook of Environmental Psychology.
Janetta's Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale experience was wide in range. She says, "From Nevin Meinhardt I learned composition; from Milt Stevens I learned watercolor; from Peter Primak I learned drawing and rendering; and from Bill Kobrynich I learned commercial design." After graduating, Janetta's career included designing an Arabian horse ranch, hotels, a penthouse apartment, and a yacht. Her education was enhanced with a bachelor's degree from St. Edwards University, a master's degree from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Architecture and Urban Planning.
While Janetta's career track may seem to have taken a unique turn from those early days at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, she is convinced that it directly relates to the sound and firm grounding in design from dedicated, knowledgeable teachers such as Nevin, Milt, Peter, and Bill. For Janetta it was the perfect place to start her career.
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Jennifer Peters
Interior Designer
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 1993
"Do what you love, and get paid for it" is the advice 1993 Interior Design graduate Jennifer Peters gives students. Her business background prior to her design career gives her this bottom line savvy which has helped build her extensive residential design clientele.
While in school she was an active member of ASID and was their newsletter editor. Just after graduation she created a partnership with another designer which she maintained for four years before venturing out on her own. She now works with a small but select clientele spanning nationally and the Caribbean. Integrity is key to Jennifer, where standing behind her words has strengthened her reputation as a designer and where now she considers most of her clients her friends. She enjoys time spent with clients golfing, playing tennis and entertaining. "I now have a lifestyle which doesn't feel like work."
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Jerry Rowland
Interior Designer
Reeder Architects, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 2004
Jerry Rowland, 1991 Interior Design graduate, really began his education in design as a young lad watching his enterprising father. "When I was one, my father began building our home himself, from the ground up on weekends," recalls the award-winning designer
from his showroom at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA). "By age three, I was getting boxes of wood for Christmas and loving it."
Jerry is an enterprising and ambitious professional who was a full-time custom cabinetmaker at the age of sixteen. He started his first company at 20 years old, with a Midas touch that would begin his career. Jerry oversees management and designs furniture for Handcraft Furniture Inc., handles all sales and customer relations for Handcraft Woodworking Inc. and designs and builds for Handcraft Construction Management Inc. Jerry performs real estate acquisitions and sales for for Heirloom LLC, and he is also associated with HCInteriors Inc. Jerry will soon launch his newest venture The Collector's Edition Inc.
While attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Interior Design Instructor Joseph Bahri was particularly influential. "He taught me to discipline my thoughts, a skill that comes into play everyday in my work," says Jerry. He stresses a strong work ethic as the key to success.
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Liz Adriana Romero Gonzalez
Dean of the Interior Design Program
Universidad Centroamericana de Ciencias Empresariales (UCEM)
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 2001
Liz Adriana Romero Gonzalez, graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. She currently resides in Managua, Nicaragua where she is a busy professional in academics and the industry. Liz is the Dean of the Interior Design Program at UCEM (Universidad Centroamericana de Ciencias Empresariales). She also teaches design courses and workshops, and is responsible for career placement. In addition to her academic profession, Liz serves as the Director of Admissions. Liz keeps on track with the interior design industry as a freelancer with clients including Munchies Café and Bistro Kitchen, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Managua, Gran Pacifica Consulting, and Hotel Granada.
Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Liz first studied interior design in Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic but she felt she needed "a school that offered a different curriculum and a different location." After looking into many colleges, she chose to come to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
Liz says her experiences at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale include amazing memories from both in and out of the classroom. She attributes her success inside the classroom to the outstanding faculty that she worked with and she says, "I greatly appreciate all of my teachers, for whom I would not have been able to do what I am doing today. Going into education has opened a whole new world for me because now I know what they had to go through to give us part of their knowledge."
While at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Liz was a very involved student. "Being part of the first Student Government at the college was special, as well as all the friends I made from all around the world. I'm still in contact with most of them."
Her advice to students is, "Network… get out there… meet as many people as you can because you never know when you will meet again. Do what you want to do, follow your dreams, and network!"
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Mauricio Ramirez
Interior Designer, Teacher
Universidad Marista de Mérida's School of Architecture and Interior Design
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1994
Mauricio Ramirez teaches Thesis Design and Thesis Working Drawings at the Universidad Marista de Mérida's School of Architecture and Interior Design in Mexico.
While at The Art Institute of Fort Laudedale, Mauricio participated in the Interior Design Honors Group. His professional practice started in 1994 at the firm of Ramírez Arquitectos y Asociados, and in 2000 he established his own firm Arquitectos Interiores, S.C.P. In 1998, he also received a Diploma in lighting design from the school of architecture at the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan.
Mauricio's work has been featured in several books and magazines in Mexico, United States, Brazil and China; and his extensive list of accolades and awards include: Certificate of excellence / 2000-2001 International Edition / Baron's Who's Who in Interior Design / USA; Award of Merit: Vi Bienal De Arquitectura Mexicana / Mexico, D.F.; Certificate of Confrontation / XII Bienal De Arquitectura Del Ecuador / Quito, Ecuador; 1st. Place 35th Annual ISP-VM+SD International Store Design Competition / New York; and Award of Merit: IV Grande Premio De Arquitetura Corporativa / Sao Paulo, Brasil.
"Interior design as well as architecture holds a commitment with the community. It needs to fit a purpose, the client and the users needs; the design has also a time and place, as well as cultural, political and economical factors that request to be noticed. The main quality of any interior space is to be functional, safe and pleasant".
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Perla Lichi
President, Founder
Perla Lichi Design
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1983
Celebrated Interior Designer Perla Lichi, president and founder of Perla Lichi Design, the award-winning and internationally prominent interior design firm in Ft. Lauderdale, has joined The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Board of Trustees. Lichi, a 1983 graduate of the college's Interior Design program, continues to be an integral part of the school's education in providing internships and employment to its students.
"My education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and my on-going relationship with my former teachers and the students have proven to be invaluable in contributing to my success in this field," says Lichi. "I am delighted at how the school has grown."
A native of Mexico City, Lichi moved with her family to South Florida in the mid ‘70s and grew up in the Hollywood area. She is the author of several books including You Deserve Beautiful Rooms and You Too Deserve Beautiful Rooms. A third volume, More Beautiful Rooms, is going to press this spring. Her high profile clients and design projects have included successful people in all fields of endeavor, including sports. She has designed homes for basketball's Keyon Dooling, football's Tebucky Jones, and was recently commissioned to design the interiors for a penthouse in Sarajevo for Bosnia soccer star Emir Granov. Ms. Lichi recently opened an affiliate office in Dubai to service her widening array of international clientele, including royalty.
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Ria Gulian
Owner
Designs by Ria
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1977
From hospitality design to yacht interiors, from model homes to custom homes, from kitchen renovations to media centers, 1977 Interior Design graduate, Ria Gulian, ASID, brings versatility and a wealth of knowledge to every project she undertakes.
Ria is the owner of Designs by Ria, a Holmdel, New Jersey-based interior design firm with a roster of satisfied clientele who applaud her design skills, her ability to listen, and her advocacy for the client in all phases of the project. She has been a member of the New Jersey Shore Builders Association and has worked closely with builders on several developments. Her renovation projects have earned accolades from clients for her ability to achieve maximum efficiency, storage and design impact.
She has participated in area show houses, including the 1998 "Grand View" Show House (The Wiedeke Estate/Bayville) which earned her a Bronze Award for Design Excellence from the New Jersey Chapter of ASID. Other show houses include the 1997 "Celebration of Broadway" (West Long Branch), and the 1995 "Grand View Show House" (Holmdel). Her work has appeared in many publications, including House Beautiful, New Jersey Monthly, Design New Jersey, New Jersey Countryside, Elegance by Design, The Asbury Park Press and The Star Ledger.
Special expertise in boat design is an outgrowth of personal interests nurtured during her interior design studies at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where she won the Highest Achievement Award at graduation. She has designed a complete range of boat interiors including salons and galleys on both new and refurbished boats in sizes ranging up to 60'. Ria has also created interiors for diners such as Park Place Diner in Matawan, Colonial Diner in East Brunswick and All Seasons Diner in Eatontown, New Jersey.
Ria is a professional member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and is NCIDQ-certified. Her association with ASID began while studying at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She helped start its first ASID Student Chapter and served as president. This experience fostered an on-going commitment to mentoring interior design students. She is a past chair of NJ/ASID's Student Development Committee and has been honored by High Tech High School in Lincroft for providing a Senior Mentorship Program. She has served the New Jersey Chapter as Board Member, Treasurer, and is currently the chapter's 2001-2002 President.
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Roque Saldias
Interior Designer
Roque Saldias Designs
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 1995
A native of Peru, 1995 Interior Design alumnus Roque Saldias uses Latin influences in his designs. A designer of distinction in both the U.S. and Latin America his clientele seek his expertise to create elegant interiors. He works independently on several projects including the Embassy in Brasilia. Roque has continued his interest in promoting fine contemporary art and created a company called "Anaroq," promoting
a line of unique furnishing and accessories based on Spanish Colonial models marketed primarily in the Southwest.
Roque came to South Florida in 1988 to open Park Gallery specializing in Latin-American fine art before deciding to study Interior Design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "By the time I graduated," says Roque, "I felt well prepared in my education to join other professionals in the field. The projects in the Interior Design
curriculum cover such a variety of specialties that any graduate will find himself ready for the real world. I particularly enjoyed my classes with instructors Norma Ayee, Buck Miller and Joe Bahri, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge to the department."
Roque believes, " Interior Designers must constantly nurture the capacity for their own creativity, and in doing so, will produce work that is truly different, wonderfully original and out of the ordinary."
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Sandra Drechsler
Creative Director
Taylor Howes Designs
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1997
Sandra Drechsler is a 1997 Interior Design graduate from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale who is the Creative Director at Taylor Howes Designs in England which recently won the distinguished accolade of Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of The Year 2006. Sandra, with the London-based company since 1998, is involved in designing show apartments and show houses, as well as working for the company's clients. Additionally, she leads design meetings and works on concept designs, is the public relations liaison, travels to trade fairs to find new products and suppliers, and tracks trends. Her work has been published in Homes & Gardens, The Times (London), Architectural Digest, and Elle Decoration, among others.
"I was always interested in art," says Sandra, "my father is an architect and my mother is a contemporary painter. I actually 'stumbled' across interior design. I first wanted to become a journalist and studied German literature for a couple of semesters, Somehow this never fulfilled me as much as thought it would and so one day whilst looking through a college handbook which listed all of the major universities in the US, I came across The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale which inspired me to visit it and then ultimately decide on a career in interior design." Textiles and Art History were among her favorites classes.
Sandra, who one day would like to design a furniture line for Taylor Howes, advises students pursuing an Interior Design degree at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to, "Follow your dream, even when you get knocked down. If one has passion and endurance than success will ultimately follow."
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Sonia Longchamp
President, Owner
Longchamp Design Group
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1981
Sonia Longchamp, 1981 Interior Design graduate recently received the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) medalist award for her outstanding commitment to the industry and community at the South Florida ASID chapter's annual conference. President and owner of Longchamp Design Group, she employs her creative expertise working with clients designing residential space plans and dynamic interiors. On occasion she works on hospitality and yacht interior projects.
Her extensive list of accolades and awards include:
-"Certificates of Appreciation" from 5 past Florida South Chapter ASID presidents
-ASID's "Special Recognition Citation for Distinguished Service to the Society" twice
-"Board Member of the Year" – the Board of Directors award
-The Builder's Association of South Florida's "FAME" Merit award and "Citation of Merit" award
-2nd place in Fabrica International's Area Rug Design competition, and was the winner of the first annual Palm Beach Illustrated magazine's Dream House competition for the Master Suite.
With such an impressive reputation for design, Sonia has had an opportunity to work with many "high-profile" clients, which have requested to remain anonymous. Clients she can disclose are the co-founders of the Sci-Fi Channel and founding executives of Hollywood Media Corporation. " They have been my clients for thirteen years and it's been very exciting working with them." When asked what has been her career highlight Sonia responded, " My whole career has been a highlight. I love doing what I do, I was born to be an Interior Designer."
Sonia feels that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale gave her the strong base needed to pursue her career. "Without that, I wouldn't be where I am today." She strongly advises students to learn everything you can while at school, because phase II of your education is about to begin…the work experience. "Always be honest and upfront with your clients and maintain good ethics…it will get you what you want in the end!"
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Susan Carpinello
Interior Designer
Michael Broshe' Associates
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, 2000
Susan Carpinello, with a 2000 Bachelor of Science degree major in Interior Design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, currently works as an Interior Designer for Michael Brosche' Associates. Her responsibilities include space planning, furniture, fabric, lighting, art & accessory selections, and project management.
Susan is originally from Manasquan, New Jersey. While taking classes at a community college, Susan knew that she wanted a career in either fashion design or interior design. "After visiting The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, I knew that interior design was it for me!"
Susan attributes The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to her success and says, "I could not be where I am without it. The education that I received gave me the training that I needed in order to be prepared for a career in the interior design field." Susan says that she remembers, "The fantastic class trips - Mar-a-Lago, The Wolfsonian, Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale and The IMAX theater." She also says that she worked very hard while in school and absorbed everything that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale had to offer. "I pushed myself to the limit. I far exceeded my own expectations and am amazed at what I accomplished in an 11 week class."
When offering advice, Susan says, "I once read that if you love what you do, then you will never actually work a day in your life. Be passionate about your career choice. It's all up to you how far you go. Set goals and work towards them. Above all, have fun and enjoy; it is your life after all!"
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Tamara Tennant
President
Tamara Tennant Interior Design
Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design , 1994
Tamara Tennant graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design and is the President & Licensed Interior Designer of Tamara Tennant Interior Design, Inc. In 2007, Tamara is celebrating her 20th year in the business. She is a multiple award-winner and serves on the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Florida South Chapter Board of Directors.
After working in the industry for 11 years without a bachelor's degree, Tamara decided to come to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to enhance her education. "My fond memories are of the architects and designers who taught at the school and how dedicated they were to helping each student to grow and learn, especially, Mr. Joe Bari, who encouraged me to climb to new levels of learning and understanding. I remember returning to the school several years later to judge the bachelors' theses for other students about to graduate when I saw a beautiful presentation displayed in one of the windows. I was admiring the work when I realized that it was my bachelor thesis!"
Tamara is proud of her career, particularly when she talks about how her clients joyfully respond to the results of her home or office designs. She now plans on pursuing a master's degree in real estate development. "I look forward to developing multi-family projects and commercial properties that are great looking and extremely functional. I am also interested in designing affordable housing projects."
Some advice that Tamara gives to current students and individuals thinking about pursuing a degree in Interior Design is, "Treat your teachers as if they are your client. Find out what they like and gear your project around their tastes. This will help you practice for working with ‘real' clients because it's all about developing their ideas and taking them to the next level."
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Yeesan Loh
Designer
Tuthill Architecture
Associate of Science in Interior Design, 1994
Yeesan Loh, designer with Tuthill Architecture, first graduated from the Interior Design Associate program in 1994, then the Bachelor program in 1996. She describes her experience at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as enriching. "It was a lot of work but also fun," recalls Yeesan. According to her college helps in two obvious ways: One, the knowledge that it endows; and two, the contacts one makes. In her case, she was fortunate to gain from both those ways.
Currently, Yeesan is a designer with the distinguished, Tuthill Architecture in Fort Lauderdale. Her responsibilities range from designing to production, in both the residential and commercial fields. She has been able to work on high-profile projects such as the Egan residence.
Yeesan advises graduating students, "To enjoy the last few moments of school because they will be your memories forever. Ending that chapter and starting a new one, be open-minded…..what you will end up with sometimes has little resemblance to what you start out with… and many stepping stones in between. Follow your heart and it will ultimately lead you to where your visions lie."
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