The New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) is in the midst of a year-long centennial celebration. Founded in 1916 by Sherrill Whiton, a distinguished architect and author of the classic tome Elements of Interior Decoration, the institution has grown into one of the most prestigious design schools in the country.

Located in a Beaux-Arts building in the heart of Manhattan, NYSID has played a pivotal role in the development of interior design as a profession. Since its inception, NYSID has boasted a dedicated and passionate leadership team as well as a faculty filled with art and design world luminaries, including Richardson Wright, who served as the Editor-in-Chief of House & Garden from 1914 to 1946, Art Deco master Paul T. Frankl, the Danish furniture designer Jens Risom, and the celebrated interior designer (and NYSID alumni) Mariette Himes Gomez.

Offering certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for students at all stages of their careers, NYSID has educated, encouraged, and helped shape some of the interior design industry’s most influential figures. In honor of its 100th year and its ongoing legacy of enriching the field of interior design, here are some of NYSID’s most notable alumni:

1. Mariette Himes Gomez

Interior by Mariette Himes Gomez.

Mariette Himes Gomez established her eponymous firm, Gomez & Associates, nearly thirty years ago. A master of understated glamour, Gomez creates serene spaces filled with fine art and magnificent forms, including both antique and modern furnishings. A perennial on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, Gomez was the recipient of NYSID’s Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

2.  Susan Zises Green

Interior by Susan Zises Green.

Susan Zises Green is celebrated for her timeless and sophisticated style as well as her ability to utilize both traditional and contemporary elements to create exceedingly warm and inviting interiors. Whether she’s designing a cozy beach retreat or a grand residence, Green imbues all of her projects with a sense of refinement and approachability.

3. Charles Pavarini III & J. Randall Tarasuk

Interior by Pavarini Design.

Charles Pavarini III, Founder and President of Pavarini Design, and J. Randall Tarasuk, the firm’s Vice President and Project Manager, both attended NSYID. Whether working on a project that is traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between, Pavarini Design ensures that every space is impossibly refined, always livable, and a touch magical. According to Tarasuk, “NYSID provided Charles and I with the core foundation in art history, architecture, and interior design, allowing us to distinguish ourselves and our firm from the decorators, whose skill lies in acquired taste and personal experience alone.”

4.  Drew McGukin

Interior by Drew McGukin.

Drew McGukin swiftly established his own firm after graduating NYSID in 2010. Known for his fresh and innovative approach to design, McGukin’s aesthetic remains rooted in his classical training. Marrying form and function, his sophisticated interiors boast an artful array of traditional elements, bold mid-century design, sumptuous textures, and luxe finishes.

5. David Scott

Interior by David Scott.

For over twenty-five years, David Scott has served as the Principal and Founder of his firm, David Scott Interiors. Scott works closely with his clients to create interiors that are reflective of their unique tastes and interests. Whether he’s designing a home for collectors of Asian art or a retreat for contemporary art enthusiasts, Scott ensures that every space is visually stunning, highly functional, and above all, personal.  

For more information about NYSID’s centennial celebration, please click HERE.