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Students studying Interior Design at Villa Maria College create professional renderings of office spaces, hotels/hostels and lofts. The elements that are incorporated into each of these spaces are drawn from the concept’s students learn about in the classroom. Typically, students display physical copies of their renderings and present their spaces to a classroom full of their classmates, faculty and a panel of local interior design professionals. After they share their work, they take questions and accept valuable feedback that is used to improve the quality of these and future projects.  

The structure of the 2020-2021 academic year was organized to follow a hybrid model, so students participated in both in person, and virtual presentations of their work, depending on the class. Fortunately, the hybrid setting this academic year allowed for the opportunity to again hold our annual Interior Design Student Show in the College Gallery this Spring.

Normally, the Show opened on a Friday, as a lively, festive event, attended by students, their families, alumni, and members of the local design community. Many of the latter then serve as judges who review the range of work displayed, results are tallied, and top students are selected and awarded prizes. This year, though this large in-person reception could not happen, judging will be done virtually! 

In addition, a virtual Gallery has been established on our website to showcase a sampling of our student projects, as well as illustrate the range and complexity of the creative work characteristic of our students, of the Program here at Villa Maria College, and provide a glimpse into what a career in Interior Design can be about.

Bailey Boyer

Chastian Cowans

Emily Jelonek

Emmalee Lowe

Maria Mariano

Matty Barone

Bailey Boyer

Artist Bio

Bailey has always shown a love and talent for art ever since she could walk. She thought interior design would be the perfect match for her skills in AutoCAD and fine arts, but stained glass has truly become her passion after taking the introductory class at Villa. After graduating this spring with an associate degree in interior design, she will continue interning with glass and residential design.

Chastian Cowans

Artist Bio

I believe architecture and interior design have always been an influence for me, I just wasn’t aware. I never realized how much it surrounded and impacted me in my everyday life. I love doing this work because it allows me to serve society with beautiful artwork through architecture. When I was enrolled at Hutch Tech highschool, there was a teacher that really inspired me to push towards a career in the architecture field as it was a way to sit and focus on projects that really had meaning behind them. Flash forward to Villa Maria, I’ve realized I’ve strived to become an activist through design. Creating designs that hold purpose and longevity is what matters most for me. I will continue on this path to inspire others and secure a space in interior design to accomplish just that.

Emily Jelonek

Artist Bio

Hi! My name is Emily Jelonek and I grew up in Grand Island, New York. I’m a senior at Villa Maria College. I have passion and drive for interior design and I work hard for what I want. My love for design started when my Uncle showed me an interior design book he was reading. I’ve always loved the look of beautiful interiors and the feeling of influencing how someone feels in a space. In the future, my goals are to design homes, restaurants, bars, hotels and retail shops.

Design-and-Concept-Statement
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Emmalee Lowe

Artist Bio

Emmalee Lowe is a Junior in the Interior Design Program. She is the current student president of Villa Maria’s Interior Design Club, a student ambassador, and is working towards a certificate in Historic Restoration. Outside of Villa Maria, Emmalee works at a women’s boutique in Hamburg, NY where she is responsible for much of the business’s social media marketing. In her free time, she enjoys making stained glass pieces or napping with her dog, Toby.

Concept-and-Design-Statements
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Maria Mariano

Artist Bio

Maria has always been interested in designing and creating. As a kid, she loved to do crafts and create little projects. She also grew up cherishing the time spent watching design and renovation shows with her dad. Never giving up on her love for designing and creating, Maria later decided that interior design was the right path for her and went on to prepare at Villa Maria, where she now looks forward to a rewarding career as an interior designer.

Concept-Statement
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Matty Barone

Artist Bio

After graduating high school, Matalin attended Niagara County Community College to pursue an associate degree while exploring options for her future studies. Interior Design was always in the back of her mind, and it became an easy decision to enroll in Villa Maria College’s Interior Design program. After graduation, Matalin hopes to pursue a full-time career in the commercial design field.