Melanie Li Foo Wing
Rose-Hill, Mauritius
Class Of: 2012

Campus: Old Westbury
Major: Interior Design, B.A.

From the green vistas of Mauritius, an island nation off the coast of Africa, to the Chrysler Building's Art Deco figure etched into Manhattan's skyline, Melanie Li Foo Wing is inspired by the architecture of varying locales. She channels their colors, forms, and moods into a design philosophy guided by a singular focus.

"It's important to know the difference between decoration and design," says Melanie, an interior design student who grew up speaking French, Creole, and English on Mauritius. "What we do is not just pick colors or move furniture around. It's designing an interactive space and is more like interior architecture."

This attention to detail won Melanie her first Decorators Club award, an Honorable Mention for the design of an apartment space and retail store for Jonathan Ive, senior vice president of industrial design for Apple.

"I had to really get under his skin to understand who he is and be able to design for him," she says.

She combed the Internet for details about his life and family. Her efforts turned up little, leading to her realization that Ive values his privacy.

"That told me to create a space that maximizes family moments and keeps a private shell for them," says Melanie, who designed an elegant, minimalist apartment and a retail store emphasizing product interaction in two weeks - all while balancing the demands of her classes and her role on the women's volleyball team.

Interior design may seem like a natural fit for Melanie, but she actually came upon her chosen career path by chance. In high school, she imagined a career in advertising - until she interned at V.K Design in Mauritius during her summer break before starting at NYIT.

"My first experience was hotel design and I loved it," she says. Another less likely factor imported from Mauritius - but equally crucial to Melanie's design equilibrium - is her passion for volleyball, which she started playing at eight years old. In 2005, she was a national captain in an international beach volleyball competition. The opportunity to play volleyball while studying interior design is the reason she chose NYIT.

"Being an athlete and having a demanding major brings rigor and discipline to my work," she says. "I almost need it for my balance."

Melanie ultimately wants to return home to apply what she's learned at NYIT. But first, she plans to travel after graduation next year. Italy tops her destination list.

"Wherever I am, I want to be somewhere that inspires me and helps me grow," she says.

Volleyball Profile

AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2010: Appeared in four matches ... tallied a season-high of one kill at West Chester (Sept. 10) and a season-high of one dig vs. Felician (Oct. 16).

AS A FRESHMAN IN 2009: Appeared in 17 matches, starting five … registered 12 kills and seven blocks in 34 sets played … posted a season-high four kills and three aces vs. Mercy (Sept. 11) … earned team’s co-most improved player honors.

AT LORETO COLLEGE OF QUATRE BORNES: Lettered in volleyball … selected for the Mauritian National Volleyball team in 2003 … captain the National selection for volleyball in 2005 … captained her team in 2007 … also served as head of the student council in 2007.

PERSONAL: Daughter of Patricia and Charles … majoring in interior design.