Interior design student wins regional ANDYZ competition

Interior design major Marisol Coria received the “Best Student Design” for her Capstone project at the annual ANDYZ Awards, president by the Central California and Nevada chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The ANDYZ Awards are primarily for professionals with a single category for students, which encompasses interior design and architecture.

Video: Marisol’s recognition begins at 38:38

“I’m very impressed with her dedication and initiative,” said Holly Sowles, assistant professor and program coordinator of the interior design program. “I’m very proud of her, and I’m sure the acknowledgment of the professional ASID organization will assist her in finding a position with an excellent interior design firm.”

Her winning design will be displayed in the Las Vegas Market, a furniture and home décor wholesale expo from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.

Coria said, “I was surprised and happy at the same time. It was that encouragement that I needed to tell me that I am a designer, and this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Coria graduated from Golden Valley High School in Merced then moved to attend Fresno State. In her sophomore year, she took time off from her studies to give birth to a baby boy.

“I was determined to go back,” said Coria, even though she said many doubted she would.

With bold focus and the support of her family and her fiancé, she was able to return. At Fresno State, she found resources available to students with young children, such as diapers from the Student Cupboard and childcare through the Campus Children’s Infant/Toddler Center.

“It helped a lot, and I got to see him in between classes,” Coria said.

Even while caring for an infant, she excelled in her studies, making the Dean’s list just a year after taking time off. Coria is a member of ASID and was the social chair of the Fresno State student club. In the 2019-20 school year, she served as the student representative to the Central California and Nevada chapter of ASID, and she currently serves as a young professional representative. She also was a finalist for the 2020 ASID Student Volunteer of the Year.

Scheduled to participate in the 2020 commencement, Coria is currently completing her final semester at Fresno State. She is also studying to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam and looking for a certified interior designer to work with to complete the practicum of her certification.

Coria has been supported her studies with several scholarships including the Ina Gregg Thomas Memorial Scholarship and the Adolf Odorfer Art Scholarship.