Miami native, Shayan “Shy” Khalilahmadi comes from a unique background that inspires her design views daily. The Persian and Columbian blend of cultures inherited from her parents, has encouraged her to appreciate diversity and richness, and to adopt an open outlook to life’s experiences.
Shayan has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications – Advertising Creative Art from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, where she graduated from the prestigious Zimmerman Advertising Program. She has worked for several non-profits, advertising agencies, and emerging small businesses. Besides advertising, Shayan creates visual 2D artwork where she composes large-scale abstract expressionism pieces. Some of her work has been displayed in various galleries in Miami and has won awards.
Shayan is pursuing her Masters in Interior Architecture,and is in the 2nd year of the 3-year track. She is also getting her certification in Cruise Ship & Super Yacht Design and will soon be traveling to Italy and Germany for the study abroad sector. She hopes to concentrate in theatre and hospitality design.
When asked what attracted her to Interior Design, Shayan answered “The feeling when you first walk into a space and you are awed by the amount of detail someone created for us to experience. I want to be able to leave an impression that could inspire people to do something they thought they could never do. With architecture and design, creativity is limitless.”
Shayan is the graduate assistant to Janine King, Department Chair for Interior Architecture. She works on the promotional materials and accreditation for the Interior Architecture Department, and works with Michael Bisnet in the Digital Fabrication Lab. Shayan is President of the Interior Architecture Student Organization (IASO), as well as a Festival of the Trees and IIDA scholar winner.
