Expanding Creative Horizons: Interior Design Students Explore Hospitality Innovation in New York City

By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts

Featured Image: Left to right — Prof. Jacqueline Carmichael, Program Coordinator for Interior Design at Howard University; Kathianna Rousseau, Senior Associate Director at Rockwell Group Architecture New York; Reagann Davis, first-year Interior Design major; Jada Jones, second-year Interior Design major; and Destini Partin, Program Coordinator for MSCHIL.

Two Interior Design students from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts (CABCoFA) recently joined the Marriott–Sorensen Center of Hospitality Leadership (MSCHL) for an immersive, industry-facing trip to New York City that blended innovation, cultural context, and real-world learning. Designed in partnership with Howard’s School of Business, the experience offered students a rare, multidimensional look into how design, management, and hospitality intersect at the highest levels.

Professor Jacqueline Carmichael, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Interior Design, emphasized how intentional the trip was in exposing students to multiple sides of the industry. “Invited by the Marriott–Sorensen Center of Hospitality Leadership at Howard University’s School of Business, Jada Jones and Reagann Davis had a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of the hospitality industry, including restaurant and hotel design, management, and acquisition,” she shared.

Industry Discovery at BDNY

The group dove straight into the Boutique Design New York (BDNY) expo, where cutting-edge materials, textiles, furnishings, and acoustics were on full display. Students met vendors, observed demonstrations, and attended panels featuring leading voices in design and hospitality.

Reflecting on the experience, Interior Design student Reagann Davis underscored the value of this type of immersive learning, noting that “attending industry events like BDNY is incredibly beneficial for students because it allows us to network with design professionals, explore emerging trends, and gain exposure to the type of environments we hope to create in our careers.”

Professor Carmichael noted how eye-opening it was to see students experience the scale and energy of BDNY firsthand. “The students were able to see the latest innovations… and sit in on a few discussion panels to learn the ins and outs of the industry,” she said.

A cross-university networking dinner followed that evening, bringing together students from Howard and the University of Utah for “Cultivating Connections in Hospitality,” hosted by the JW Marriott Jr. Institute.

Inside the World of Hospitality Leaders

On day two, the group visited the Union Square Hospitality Group, home of the original Shake Shack. CEO Chip Wade left a strong impression on the students. As Interior Design major Jada Jones recalled, he encouraged them to “stay curious,” a message that resonated deeply. “It reminded us to keep asking questions and pushing our creativity as emerging designers,” she said.

The itinerary continued with a stop at L.L. Bean’s NYC residency, curated by Factory 360, followed by dinner at Melba’s Restaurant, a signature space in Black culinary culture. 

Behind the Scenes With World-Class Designers

The final day took students inside the award-winning New York office of the Rockwell Group, where they observed interdisciplinary teams collaborating in real time. Jada described this moment as transformational. “Seeing their shared mood boards, flat lays, and 3-D models helped me understand their narrative-driven design process and how their thoughtfully crafted concepts are transformed into spaces that evoke emotion for visitors.”

Additional visits included the recently remodeled W Hotel in Hoboken, NJ, and a “Back of the House” tour of the Sheraton Hotel with its general manager.

A Pathway for Emerging Black Designers

For Professor Carmichael, this initiative is part of a broader vision to expand access for Black designers and future entrepreneurs. “It aims to support the growth of emerging African American designers and entrepreneurs in the hospitality design field, fostering Black creativity and business skills while aligning with MSCHIL vision and values,” she emphasized.

Jada echoed that sentiment, expressing deep appreciation for the experience. “I am incredibly grateful for this experience and the exposure it gave me to the world of design and hospitality… It is an opportunity that has truly inspired me and will continue to shape my growth as a designer.” 

Looking Ahead

This trip underscores Howard University’s commitment to providing opportunities that bridge academic study with industry engagement, ensuring CABCoFA students gain the exposure, insight, and networks needed to thrive as creative leaders.