INTERIOR DESIGN COLLABORATIONS

At Istituto Marangoni Miami, our Interior Design program extends far beyond the classroom, providing students with real-world experiences that bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. Our approach is rooted in a dynamic blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and business acumen, empowering students to develop a distinctive design voice while mastering the technical and conceptual skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive design landscape.

Each project challenges students to push the boundaries of design thinking—whether reimagining iconic furniture pieces, crafting immersive spaces for high-end trade shows, or blending artistic expression with functional aesthetics. By collaborating with renowned companies such as Cabana, Kartell, Illulian, and Pinta Art Miami, our students bring their visions to life, creating projects that receive industry recognition and contribute to the ever-evolving dialogue of global interior design.

Our commitment to experiential learning ensures that students graduate with more than just theoretical knowledge—they leave with a professional portfolio, real-world project experience, and industry connections that position them for success in top design firms, luxury retail brands, and entrepreneurial ventures. At Istituto Marangoni Miami, we don’t just teach interior design; we immerse students in the realities of the design world, preparing them to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the industry.

Istituto Marangoni Miami partnered with Cabana, a brand synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, to challenge students to explore the intersection of traditional and contemporary design. This collaboration provided a platform for students to reinterpret luxury interiors, crafting immersive spaces that reflect Cabana’s signature aesthetic.

As part of this partnership, IMM student Pavitra Thakkar presented a visionary space design inspired by the Miami lifestyle, blending tropical sophistication with modern luxury. Her concept was brought to life at the Cabana Trade Show, where attendees experienced firsthand the seamless integration of color, texture, and ambiance that defines Miami’s vibrant design identity. This real-world execution of her work showcased the school’s commitment to providing students with industry-driven experiences, allowing them to see their designs come to life in professional settings.

Through this collaboration, students gained invaluable insight into high-end interior design, refining their ability to create sophisticated, detail-oriented spaces while engaging with top industry professionals.

The Kartell Design Competition showcased the exceptional creativity and skill of our Interior Design students, with winners selected for their innovative concepts that merge artistry with functionality. First place was awarded to Michelle Velastegui for her design of “The Rainbow Pendant,” a stunning lighting piece inspired by the vibrant colors and fluid form of a rainbow. Serena Tremolo secured second place with her “Peanut Shell Modular Sofa,” a stylish yet comfortable design that creates an inviting, luxurious atmosphere. In third place, Valentina Ormo captivated the judges with her design inspired by the kinetic energy of color, exploring the interaction of shapes and light reflections.

Renowned for its cutting-edge approach to design and manufacturing, Kartell challenged students to create pieces that seamlessly integrate with the brand’s iconic collection. This competition reinforced the importance of innovation and commercial appeal in interior design, demonstrating the students’ ability to push the boundaries of contemporary furniture and lighting concepts.

Istituto Marangoni Miami partnered with Illulian, a globally recognized luxury rug brand, to challenge students in reimagining textile artistry through contemporary design. The Illulian Rug Design Challenge encouraged students to experiment with texture, color, and storytelling, creating bespoke pieces that fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. This collaboration provided students with an opportunity to bring their creative visions to life, resulting in unique, handcrafted rugs that embody both artistic expression and functional design.

Through these collaborations, Istituto Marangoni Miami continues to offer students exclusive access to industry-driven opportunities, reinforcing the school’s commitment to experiential learning and innovation in the world of interior design.

Istituto Marangoni Miami is thrilled to announce its partnership with Pinta Art Miami to host an inspiring panel discussion and showcase the finalists of the Pinta Art Chair Challenge during Art Week in Coconut Grove. This collaboration brought together leading interior design experts for a dynamic conversation led by IMM’s Dean of Interior Design, Dr. Thelma Lazo-Flores. The panel featured Luky Cancio, Founder and Director of Cancio Contemporary, and Kaitlyn Carter, Representative of Left Bank Art, offering valuable insights into the intersection of art and design.

The event highlighted the exceptional creativity of IMM students, who transformed functional furniture into expressive works of art. The finalists’ chair designs were displayed alongside the thought-provoking discussion, emphasizing the transformative power of design in elevating spaces and evoking emotion. This event not only celebrated the incredible talent of IMM’s students but also underscored the power of collaboration in fostering creative innovation within the design community.