Priscilla Velez is special. We know that because she’s one of only 11 students who received an Angelo Donghia Foundation* scholarship this year. Since students from all around the nation are considered for it, that’s not too shabby. But, wait – there’s more. This University of Texas San Antonio [UTSA] senior, who is soon to graduate with her my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, is also quite beloved and respected. In fact, the person who brought her to our attention wrote: “Priscilla is a wonderful person, a very good student with a touching life story. Her story of success will be a very inspiring example to share with others.” We concur, and we think you will too. Allow us to introduce her to you…
What made you want to pursue a career related to the interior design industry”
I don’t remember exactly what made want to do this but I was interested in graphic design / architecture, which led me to interior design. It’s awesome to think that the shell of a building stays the same but throughout the course of its life, but the interiors can change so many times. We spend so much time indoors, and I love that we as students / designers can change our built environment for the better. In the future I would like to get a Masters in Architecture or possibly an MBA.
How has your design school experience been similar / different than you thought it would be”
I had no clue what I was in for. I guess I am really glad that I didn’t because, if I had, I probably would have run the other way. It has been very time consuming at times, but I love it. It has challenged me in every way, and I think that is why I am devoted to design. I think our school has some really talented students, and our teachers are able to bring the best out of each individual. I am also glad that our school is into sustainable architecture / design as I would like to work for a firm that does LEED-certified buildings in the future.
So far, what’s been your favorite course of study”
I have had several, but one of my most recent courses would have to be Environmental Design. I understood that you need to consider the logistics as well as the aesthetics. The mathematical equations were ones you could use and apply to make for an efficient design. The other one would have to be my study abroad in Mexico City. I saw so many amazing and beautiful things. To sum up my [Mexico] experience is so hard. I have to say it’s such an amazing experience, and I think everyone should try to do a study abroad program.
While you’ve been in design school have you had any internships”
Yes. I had my first internship the summer of 2005 after my first year of design school. It was with Alvidrez Architecture Inc., an architecture / interiors firm that specializes in commercial, academic, and government jobs. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship. I left my résumé with the receptionist and kept calling until I got an appointment. I was willing to work for free – anything to gain experience. I was fortunate enough, however, to get a paid internship. (Like they say, persistence pays off.) One word of advice: It is best to start looking for an internship early, and research firms so you can pick one that best fits your personality. I worked closely with an interior designer and helped with calling for samples, maintaining the materials library and writing specifications. I also learned a great deal of the business side, which is just as important as the design.
Are you planning on taking the NCIDQ exam”
I am definitely planning on the taking the exam, probably in a couple of years when I get some experience and my hours for IDEP.
Are you a student member of any professional organizations”
I am currently an IIDA member. I feel it’s a great way to network and meet other people who are in the same field of study. Its also good way to meet new friends who share the same passion and interest as yourself as well as see new products and talk to vendors. Currently I am involved with IIDA as a member and this coming school year I will be the IIDA treasurer.
What do you hope to be doing by 2013″
WOW!! That’s so far away. I hope that I am happy in whatever I am doing, preferably working a lot and hopefully I will have attained my Masters in Architecture. I also would like to do some product design and possibly urban planning.
What do you think that you have specifically gotten out of your design program that you don’t think you would have gotten elsewhere”
More one-on-one attention and teachers who really know what they are talking about. Our teachers are either practicing or have practiced so they bring a real life issues and stories. It’s great that they can tell real work stories so we don’t make the same mistakes they did when they just started.
Is there any other information that you would like to share with readers that we haven’t covered here”
One lesson that I have learned is that whenever you are doing a project, it takes about twice to three times as long as you think it takes. So always plan for that extra time so you don’t stress yourself out in the end.
On a more personal note…
What’s your favorite comfort food”
That’s such a hard question. I really love food, but if I had to pick it would have to be a juicy steak with a pink center and veggies with a Kit Kat for dessert (or anything with chocolate!!).
What’s the last good movie you saw and why did you love it”
That’s a hard question too. It would have to Pan’s Labyrinth. It was great – everyone should see it. The cinematography was wonderful, and story was just magical.
What magazines do you read for fun”
I go through phases but I like ELLE and Vogue. I of course like Interior Design, Dwell, and Architectural Digest.
What do you hope to accomplish before 2007 is over”
To get an internship / job so that I can start working on my IDEP hours and gain some experience.
Employers, are you looking for a first-rate team member” Then contact Priscilla at pdvelez20@yahoo.com and get her on board.
*About Angelo Donghia and the Angelo Donghia Foundation: Angelo Donghia was a prominent New York interior designer and a founder of Donghia, a privately owned furniture and textile company. After his death in 1985, the Angelo Donghia Foundation was created. “This non-profit foundation, overseen by Mr. Jerrold Sonet, provides multiple scholarships each year to interior design students from around the world, encouraging the study of interior design as a viable and necessary discipline and helping a new generation of designers to share in his dreams.” [Taken from the About page of the Donghia website.]
The scholarship is up to $30,000 and pays for almost all recipient’s expenses including tuition, supplies, rent and more. Application for the Angelo Donghia Foundation scholarship is a three-step process. First, faculty of only accredited interior design programs nominate no more than two students from each program. Second, the student writes a letter about themselves and how the scholarship can help them. Students then provide a portfolio of their work, including one residential and one commercial project in board presentation format. Portfolios undergo blind jury review. Each year Angelo Donghia Foundation awards only 10-15 scholarships nationwide.
