Design in the Big Apple
Exploring Design in the City That Never Sleeps: My New York Maymester Experience
This past May, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to New York City for the University of Georgia’s Interior Design Maymester! As a design student, this weeklong program felt like a dream come true—packed with design inspiration, iconic architecture, and incredible networking opportunities with professionals and UGA alumni.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to dive into the design world in the heart of NYC, here’s a peek into the highlights from my trip!
Showroom Hopping: Design Up Close
One of the biggest perks of this trip was being able to step inside some of the most well-known showrooms in the industry. We visited Thermador, Gaggenau, Bosch, and even attended the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF).
These visits were more than just beautiful displays—they were hands-on learning experiences. Instead of just Googling these brands for class projects, we were able to see, touch, and experience their designs firsthand. I really loved speaking directly with showroom reps who gave us a chance to make real connections and network.
The ICFF was especially exciting—it’s a huge trade show featuring tons of companies across the contemporary design world. I left with a long list of new brands to keep on my mind and new inspiration for future projects.
Designers Who Inspired Me
A major highlight of the trip was getting to meet some truly successful designers. We visited Vicente Wolf in his stunning studio and heard directly from him about his career, philosophy, and advice for young designers. Then we had a Q&A with a fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg, who shared her journey as a fashion designer and creative entrepreneur.
We also toured the Kravet archive with Scott Kravet, the brand’s Chief Creative Officer. This was one of my favorite moments—the archive is filled with historic textiles and treasures, including... a piece of drapery from Marie Antoinette’s bedroom. Yes, really!
Architecture Tours: NYC, One Building at a Time
New York’s architecture is iconic, but seeing it through guided tours gave me a whole new appreciation for the city’s history. We did three incredible tours:
A boat ride around Manhattan led by an AIA member, where we learned about the city’s transformation over time and saw everything from immigrant-era tenements to where the Twin Towers once stood.
A walking tour of Greenwich Village, where charming streets meet rich architectural history.
A tour of Grand Central Station, which was not only beautiful, but filled with stories of how NYC developed into the city we know today.
Each one gave me a deeper understanding of how design tells a story—and how those stories shape communities.
Classic NYC Moments: Beyond the Design World
Of course, no trip to New York is complete without checking off a few iconic experiences! Some of my favorites were:
Seeing Hamilton on Broadway (Yes, I’m officially a fan now)
Visiting the Met Museum and soaking in all the creativity
Catching a Yankees game
Shopping in the upper east side
Reflecting at the 9/11 Memorial
These experiences helped round out the trip, making it not only professionally valuable but personally unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
I’m so grateful for this opportunity to explore design in such a dynamic city. From studio visits to historic tours, every moment taught me something new—about the industry, the city, and myself as a design student.
If you're a design student thinking about this program: do it. It's a week packed with learning, connection, and unforgettable inspiration.
