NHA Historic Properties Reimagined - Nantucket Historical Association

New York School of Interior Design

Nantucket by Design is delighted to be working with the students from the New York School of Interior Design for the sixth year as they bring modern day life into NHA historical properties.

Directed by Ellen Fisher, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, the students are guided to develop narratives about their design concepts and to rethink modern life in various historic properties. The students research the island’s history and culture, and create their vision for you to experience.

This year we are pleased to highlight the four winning design projects below.

2022 Winning Design Projects:

Project: Mary’s House (Secret speakeasy via Jethro’s Bait & Tackle) PDF
Design Team: Charrli Genovese & Piper Oldfather
Design Mentor: Ashley Whittaker

Project: Chic Idyllic (Floral shop) PDF
Design Team: Louisa Holden & Emerson Kraus
Design Mentor: Tatyana Miron

2022 Honorable Mention Design Project:

Project: The Oldest House “Travel Through Time” PDF
Design Team: Taurean Jones & Tereyaza Martin
Design Mentor: Kiki Dennis

Student Instructor: Pamela Durante

In 1994 Pamela went on to start her own firm where she continues to offer a unique and sophisticated style at Atelier Durante Interior Design, PLLC. Her work has been featured in several magazines including NY Cottages and Gardens where she appeared on the cover. Pamela has also designed a Hospitality fabric line for Jaden Design which carries 7 colorways and 10 patterns known as Pam’s Intoxicating Fabric Collection.

She is a Certified Interior Designer in the state of NY, the past President of The American Society of Interior Designers, NY Metro Chapter, past President of IDLNY and, continues to serve on many Interior Design boards in New York. She has also been a faculty member for over 10 years at the New York School of Interior Design. Pamela is also a member of The Decorators Club.

2021 Winning Design Projects:

Project: Immersive Gallery Space (Thomas Macy Warehouse) PDF
Design Team: Sheng Wei Yang & Nelson Sanchez

Sheng Wei Yang is a third-year graduate student at NYSID. A background in biomedical and fashion design leads him to have a unique perspective for each of his projects. His creativity in hospitality, commercial and adaptive re-use projects stand for what he believed; Design is the power that can change human life.

Nelson is a third-year MFA candidate at NYSID. He has a degree in Marketing and worked in this field for more than 10 years in Venezuela, his native country. His collaboration with architects as well as his passion for art and design prompted him to turn his professional life around.

Project: “Icosahedron: The Shape of Water” (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Team: Marisol Lizelle Salvador & Ryan F. Biggs

Marisol is entering her second year as an MFA-1 candidate at NYSID. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, and is thrilled to pursue her passion for Interior Design following a career in finance and real estate development. Lizelle is also the Chairman of the John D.V. Salvador Foundation and lives with her fiancée and daughter in NYC.

Ryan is in his final semester of the BFA program. He comes from an interesting background of the military, the restaurant world, and recently he became a happy father of a little boy.

Project: The Chandler’s Shop – Nantucket Whaling Capital (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Team: Ho-Yun Sui (Kiki) & Hao Lu (Louis)

Ho-Yun Sui (Kiki) is a 1st year MFA candidate at New York School of Interior Design. As a hospitality and luxury management graduate, her passion for seeking beauty and balance in work guide her into the design field.

Hao Lu (Louis) devotes himself to the design field, starting at New York School of Interior Design in the MFA-1 program. He genuinely believes that the designer’s role is a thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests

Project: Artists’ Guild (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Team: Alannah O’Neil & Elaine Gahagan

Alannah is a 3rd year MFA-1 candidate at NYSID. Born and raised in Hingham, MA, O’Neil spent her summers admiring the historical architecture of Nantucket. With 3 years of experience studying Art History abroad in France, she soon after earned her BA in Psychology from NYU. Her designs are rooted in her understanding of human behavior and the historical past. She now splits her time between Boston and New York.

Elaine is a 3^rd year MFA candidate at NYSID. Gahagan earned her Bachelor’s from New York University, where she majored in Art History and minored in Urban Design and Architectural Studies. After working at an art gallery for a few years, her passion and appreciation for art and design led her to pursue her Master’s in Interior Design. She resides full-time in New York City.

2020 Winning Design Projects:

Project: “1960s: The Cultural Vibrancy & Artistry of the Era” (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Mentor: Jamie Drake
Graduate Team Entry: Rachel Golland & Kelsey Egan (MFA)

Rachel is currently a graduate student at the New York School of Interior Design and a Principal Designer at LGC Interiors. Prior to enrolling in the MFA-1 Program, she worked in the New York Design Center as a Showroom Manager. Rachel embraces a timeless, elegant style by applying classical references to modern environments creating warmth and luxury. After graduating, Rachel will continue working in both commercial and residential design.

Kelsey is a current student at New York School of Interior Design in the MFA-1 program. She has experience in interior, fashion, and set design. Prior to enrolling at NYSID, Kelsey worked at Denton House Design Studio as a Design Assistant. She loves livable spaces that are inviting, freshly curated and filled with personality. After graduating from NYSID, she hopes to design for both hospitality and residential spaces.

Project: “The Nantucket Alchemist” (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Mentor: Young Huh
Graduate Team Entry: Daniela Rutigliano & Hanna Propst (MFA-1 – 3^rd Yr.)

Daniela began her journey studying art history, a solid foundation for any designer. She then pivoted to study interior decorating and spent years working in the industry to hone her skills. Eager to engage further in her craft, her pursuit continues now, as she is entering her third and final year of the MFA Interior Design program at the New York School of Interior Design.

Hanna is a 3rd year MFA candidate at NYSID. Propst holds a Certificate in Classical Architecture from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art and previously studied Fine Arts at the College of Arts + Architecture at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She resides full-time in Brooklyn, New York.

Project: “Nantucket & the Machine” (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Mentor: David Kleinberg
Undergraduate Team Entry: Jessica Tucker and Shane Curnutt (BFA)

Jessica is a BFA student who believes that hard work and dedication are driving forces in which to succeed. At NYSID, she’s organized and participated in numerous school and student events. Jessica is currently studying for the LEED Green Associate Exam, while designing a sustainable development for her culmination thesis project.

Shane is a career changer after spending years as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. After gaining perspectives into the different ways of living around the world, he seeks to combine thoughtful design and future technologies toward a more sustainable future for the planet.

Project: “Legend of the Sea Serpent” (The Oldest House) PDF
Design Mentor: Alexa Hampton
Undergraduate Individual Entry: Nicole Halulakos (BFA)

Nicole is from Reading, Pennsylvania and is a rising junior at the New York School of Interior Design. She recently graduated from NYSID’s Associate in Applied Science online program in June 2020 and will be continuing at NYSID this fall in pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.