Alumni Spotlight
Reynaldo Gonzalez
Class of 12/2000
Why FIT? I good friend of mine graduated from FIT the year before I started classes, he was very impressed with the education he received a conversation with him convinced me it was a great school. He was right!
Year graduated? I graduated in December 2000.
Major? Interior Design.
After FIT? I started my company 2 months before graduation and was lucky to get good clients from the start, I am in my 17th year of business, it has been a beautiful, exciting rewarding career.
Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration on the streets of Manhattan, everywhere one looks there is visual stimulation.
What is your most memorable experience while attending FIT? The professor's dedication is the most memorable part of my FIT experience, I felt embraced and challenged.
Did you stay close or in contact with any of your college friends? I did stay in contact with some of my collage friends, we have worked on projects together through the years, some of them have become like family.
Advice to graduates? Be persistent, don't give up! The next opportunity is always around the corner. You never know who is standing next to You.
What experiences led you to who you are today? Being aware and interested in the World around me. Art and fashion and the people that inhabit those worlds have given me experiences that I find beneficial in my career as an Interior Designer.
Daily routine? I spend lots of time on my computer designing, communicating with vendors, workrooms and clients. I also design custom furniture and accessories for my clients so physical visits to workrooms and project sites to see progress are frequent. I typically meet with clients in person every 7 to ten days.
Where are you from? And how did this shape the person you are today? I am a Cuban American that was raised in New Orleans though I have spent most of my adult life in New York City. I grew up admiring the high ceilings and double parlors that are common in New Orleans and later became fascinated with the innovative contemporary designs in New York City. I like to combine those feelings when I design.
If you could translate your style into a person, place or thing what would it be? A Crystal Ball
What do you find that sparks creativity? Watching people interact in public spaces.
What three things you can’t live without? A black pair of Italian loafers, white shirts and chocolate cake.
Future projects you are working on? I am currently working on projects in New York, Southern Florida and New Orleans, they are all very different. I enjoy customizing my interiors to suit different geographic regions and personal tastes.
