In a testament to Florida International University’s commitment to excellence in design and sustainability, two Interior Architecture students, Maria Gal Giusiano and Ana María Arango García, have clinched the prestigious NEWH Green Voice graduate scholarship. This remarkable achievement marks the third win for FIU students in this national competition, continuing the university’s legacy of success in the field.
Under the expert guidance of Teaching Professor Katie Rothfield, FIU Interior Architecture students have consistently demonstrated their prowess in creating innovative and environmentally conscious designs. Past FIU winners of this competition include Raquel Raney and Brennan Broome (2019 NEWH Scholarship), and Melissa Carrazana and Yosvaldy Ferrer (2021 NEWH Scholarship), who now represent FIU alumni designing projects for renowned firms, Edge of Architecture (EoA), Garcia Stromberg, and Alleguez Architecture.
This year’s winning project, a sustainable boutique hotel design, was unveiled at the renowned Boutique Design New York (BDNY) in November, an annual highlight in the hospitality design calendar. The Javitz Center in New York City provided the perfect backdrop for Maria and Ana María to showcase their vision to industry professionals, designers, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
Teaching Professor Katie Rothfield expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments, emphasizing the program’s dedication to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities in the evolving field of interior architecture. “Maria and Ana María have exemplified the values we instill in our students—creativity, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence. Their success reflects the high standards we set in the Interior Architecture program.”
The NEWH Green Voice scholarship not only recognizes outstanding design talent but also underscores the importance of environmentally conscious practices in the realm of interior architecture. FIU’s Interior Architecture program remains at the forefront of shaping the next generation of designers who are not only skilled but also stewards of our planet.
As we celebrate Maria and Ana María’s success, FIU takes pride in the enduring legacy of excellence in design and sustainability fostered by the Interior Architecture program. Congratulations to the students, Teaching Professor Katie Rothfield, and the entire FIU community for this outstanding achievement on the national stage, affirming the university’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while embracing a greener, more sustainable future.
