Brookdale Community College’s Interior Design Program has garnered significant acclaim, being recognized as the best in New Jersey, top three in the Northeast, and tenth in the nation by Best Community Colleges. This recognition underscores the program’s exceptional standard of design education, which effectively prepares students for their professional careers. The program’s excellence was prominently highlighted in a recent collaboration with Beacon Hill Country Club, where students were commissioned to reimagine the entrance floor of the club’s historic clubhouse.
The Beacon Hill Country Club Project
A Showcase of Ingenuity and Skill
The Beacon Hill project served as a testament to the ingenuity and skill cultivated within Brookdale’s program. The design challenge demanded a harmony of traditional aesthetics with innovative, modern elements to enhance the building’s functionality and appeal. The students’ work surpassed expectations, blending historical attributes with contemporary design seamlessly. The president of the Beacon Hill Country Club Board of Trustees, Richard A. White, Sr., praised the students’ transformative efforts, highlighting how they redefined the club’s first impression through their redesign. This project not only showcased the students’ technical abilities but also emphasized their proficiency in combining various design philosophies to create a coherent and inviting space.
The winning team, consisting of Jacqueline Ferreira, Alexandra Keeling, Sarah Grego, and Lily Lehotsky, created a concept they named Reimagined Boundaries. Their design incorporated luxurious, sustainable materials and a flexible layout conducive to both social gatherings and private moments. Key features included modular furniture for adaptability, innovative lighting to enhance the atmosphere, and a revamped reception desk that became a welcoming centerpiece of the lobby. Alexandra Keeling articulated their design intent, emphasizing their aim to balance comfort, innovation, and functionality while paying homage to Beacon Hill’s historical significance. The team’s focus on sustainability and flexibility underscores the program’s commitment to contemporary design principles that are both environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing.
The Winning Design: Reimagined Boundaries
The successful execution of the Reimagined Boundaries concept highlighted the students’ capacity to envisage and realize spaces that are not only functional but also visually compelling. The use of luxurious and sustainable materials reflected a sensitivity to both luxury and environmental considerations. Modular furniture provided adaptability, making the space versatile for various events and gatherings. Innovative lighting strategies enhanced the overall ambiance, adding to the welcoming atmosphere of the lobby. The redesigned reception desk became the focal point, integrating function with aesthetic appeal seamlessly. This project also served as a learning experience, teaching students the importance of considering various aspects of design from historical context to modern usability.
Recognition of these efforts came in the form of a $1,000 first-place scholarship and substantial praise from the Beacon Hill board. Lily Lehotsky expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the project’s meaningful impact and the rewarding experience it provided. Jacqueline Ferreira, an award-winning student who previously clinched Silver in an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) competition, added a noteworthy perspective to the project. She expressed her excitement about collaborating with her talented peers and the inspiration drawn from developing a cohesive lobby concept. Ferreira’s previous accolades and current contributions underscore her ongoing commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire her team members to push creative and technical boundaries.
Recognition and Rewards
Scholarships and Praise
The Beacon Hill project was not just a practical exercise but also an opportunity for recognition and reward. The winning team’s efforts were celebrated with a $1,000 first-place scholarship, enhancing their academic and professional portfolios. The appreciation expressed by the Beacon Hill Board of Trustees highlighted the practical and transformative nature of the students’ designs, which succeeded in revitalizing the club’s entrance area. Lily Lehotsky, part of the winning team, cited the project as a pivotal moment in her educational journey, offering a blend of real-world experience and academic growth.
Jacqueline Ferreira’s involvement brought an additional layer of prestige to the project. Having previously won silver at an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) competition, her participation underscored the caliber of talent within Brookdale’s program. Ferreira noted the inspiration drawn from working with her team, reflecting on the cohesive and innovative design they developed together. This collaborative environment, facilitated by the program, encourages students to learn from each other and leverage their collective skills to achieve outstanding results.
Runner-Up Teams
In addition to the team that won first place, three runner-up teams also presented commendable designs, each earning $500 scholarships. Team A, comprised of Magadalia Da Silva, Rubi Hoyos, Nicole Oleck, and Jazmine Marshall, focused on integrating natural elements into their design. Their concept featured a wave-inspired ceiling and a meditation nook designed for relaxation. This approach embodied a serene environment aimed at promoting tranquility and mindfulness among the club’s members. It demonstrated the team’s ability to fuse nature-inspired elements with practical space use.
Team B, including Jonathan Gabay, Alia Lorenzo, and Natalia Reinisz, proposed a tech-forward design. They envisioned a striking digital accent wall, golf-inspired furniture, and integrated charging stations. This modern take offered a glimpse into how technology can be seamlessly integrated into interior design to enhance user experience. The focus on technology reflected a forward-thinking approach, addressing contemporary needs and preferences while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Lastly, Team C, made up of Elizabeth Fisher, Anna Decker, Katelyn Duff, and Gianna Libretto, emphasized poetic elements within their design. They incorporated a checkerboard ceiling, a built-in book and trophy case within the staircase, and a dynamic game space for social interaction. Their design celebrated the club’s heritage while providing modern amenities, ensuring that the space was visually interesting and functional. This creative approach highlighted the diverse thinking encouraged within Brookdale’s program, allowing students to explore various artistic avenues.
Faculty and Staff Contributions
Experienced and Dedicated Educators
The success of Brookdale’s Interior Design Program is deeply rooted in the dedication and expertise of its faculty and staff. Professor Celeste Chirichello, M.A., who co-chairs the Design Department and serves as the Interior Design Coordinator, brings over 15 years of high-end residential design experience to the program. She also advises the ASID student chapter and the campus center for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Her extensive background and involvement in professional organizations provide students with valuable industry insights and connections, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
Additionally, Adjunct Instructor Jesse Cermak, a Brookdale alumnus and Parsons School of Design graduate with extensive experience in hotel design, plays a vital role in guiding students through their educational journey. His practical experience in the hospitality sector offers students a unique perspective on large-scale design projects. Learning Assistant Sarah Triolo, a Brookdale graduate herself, is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Kean University and provides additional support to students, serving as an example of the successful pathways available through Brookdale’s program. This trio of educators creates a supportive and enriching environment, ensuring students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education.
Real-World Experience
Professor Chirichello emphasized the significance of real-world experience, noting that the hands-on process involved in the Beacon Hill project—from measuring and photographing the space to engaging with community members—was invaluable for the students. This practical experience allowed students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, developing a deeper understanding of client expectations and project management. The combination of theoretical instruction and practical application helps students build a robust skill set, preparing them for the dynamic and competitive nature of the design industry. Dr. Katie Lynch, Brookdale’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the faculty’s deep investment in student success and the tools they provide to thrive in the competitive design industry.
Moreover, this blend of practical and academic learning fosters a comprehensive understanding of design that transcends traditional classroom boundaries. The exposure to real-world projects helps students hone their problem-solving skills and adaptability. Engaging with clients and stakeholders teaches them the importance of communication and collaboration in the design process. These experiences ensure that Brookdale graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of professional design environments.
Community and Industry Connections
Strong Community Ties
The collaboration between Brookdale and Beacon Hill Country Club exemplifies the college’s commitment to fostering strong community ties and providing students with meaningful, practical experiences. This project follows a tradition of successful partnerships between Brookdale’s various programs and Beacon Hill’s Hospitality and Culinary programs, enriching both organizations. Tracy Abby White, a member of both Brookdale’s and Beacon Hill’s Boards of Trustees, expressed pride in the collaboration, praising the students’ creativity and professionalism. She noted that these partnerships bring innovative ideas to local communities while offering students invaluable hands-on experience.
These collaborations go beyond design; they integrate Brookdale’s diverse academic offerings into real-world applications. Such engagements benefit students by allowing them to see the tangible impact of their work, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community involvement. For institutions like Beacon Hill, these partnerships infuse fresh perspectives and contemporary solutions into their operations, enhancing their spaces and services. This symbiotic relationship highlights the mutually beneficial nature of strong community ties.
Professional Opportunities
Brookdale Community College’s Interior Design Program has achieved widespread recognition, earning the title of the best program in New Jersey. It also ranks among the top three interior design programs in the Northeast and is listed as the tenth best in the nation by Best Community Colleges.com. This acclaim highlights the program’s exceptional quality and its ability to effectively prepare students for their careers in the field of interior design.
A recent project further showcased the program’s excellence, involving a collaboration with Beacon Hill Country Club. Students in the program were given the opportunity to reimagine and redesign the entrance floor of the club’s historic clubhouse, demonstrating their creativity and practical skills. This partnership not only provided students with real-world experience but also underscored the program’s commitment to delivering top-notch design education. Such hands-on projects are a testament to why Brookdale’s Interior Design Program continues to receive high praise and recognition on both regional and national levels.
