NJIT Alumna, Pamela Ospina, Recognized in Interior Design Magazine's 30 Under 30

Pamela Ospina ’18 was selected and recognized in Interior Design Magazine’s top 30 designers under the age of 30.

Ospina, a Paramus, New Jersey native, works at M Moser Associates in New York City. “I am very appreciative of the opportunities that have been presented to me,” said Ospina. “I work with very talented and inspirational designers that I look up to. This recognition could only have been achieved by the support of my colleagues.”

We were able to have support for one another.

Ospina highlights her time at NJIT as fundamental as she carries her projects at M Moser. “I think what brings NJIT into a unique light is the amount of collaboration there was between the studios. I was able to tell in the open house how involved everyone was and how people really wanted to help each other,” she said. 

“I think that sort of culture that was brought in within the studios really just assisted everybody that we all had each other's backs and like even going through these tough deadlines, we were able to have support for one another,” added Ospina.

Growing up she enjoyed art and design, and remembers always drawing in her sketchbook. Ospina’s mom studied interior design in her native country, Peru. Ospina decided to tell her one day that she was interested in interior design, and she shared her experience with her.

“My mom grew up in Peru,” said Ospina. “So back then, interior design wasn't necessarily the profession it is today. And she did more visual merchandising, but it still was fascinating to me in terms of the planning aspect, and being able to be creative within your career.”

At NJIT, Ospina served as the co-president of NJIT’s International Interior Design Association chapter. “Being a part of the IIDA chapter brought to light how much we can do as students to support each other even after graduation,” she highlighted. “It was a really helpful community to have, and there's still a lot of people that stay in communication and keep that network strong. That's probably one of the biggest highlights at NJIT.”

One of the professors she still keeps in contact with is David Brothers, who’s a senior university lecturer and interior design program coordinator. 

“It comes as no surprise to me that Pam Ospina has been selected as Interior Design Magazine’s top 30 designers under 30. As one the most outstanding students we’ve had come through the program in the past 15 years, it was clear that Pam had the intelligence, talent, and perseverance to succeed in the profession,” said Brothers. “Of course, acumen is only half of the equation. Pam has always possessed the mature social and interpersonal skills that are also critical to successfully navigate the collaborative nature of the interior design profession.

“I have always admired her willingness to mentor younger students and professionals through her outreach efforts as an alumnus and as a returning critic in the classroom. Pam is considered a true colleague among our A+D faculty. She deserves the accolades that validate her talents and discipline,” he concluded. 

We must understand human behaviors in order to create successful designs.

At M Moser, Ospina highlights that they allow for exploration and flexibility, so there's a lot of different avenues she can take. “For example, a huge initiative is being a part of the sustainability team. I was able to gain the support and go for my WELL AP certification, so that really opened some doors into making sure that we are providing wellness, and great design in that aspect, at least from the sustainability lens,” she shared.

For her, it’s very inspiring to work for a global design firm founded by a woman like Moira Moser. “There's so much to say about the culture that she tries to bring in. Everyone's very collaborative. I think there are a lot of parallels in the culture that we had at NJIT and at M Moser. I think there is that aspect, an overlap of collaboration and really trying to be each other's support system,” said Ospina. “So it just brings a whole welcoming atmosphere, and it's really a great place to work.”

In this new year Ospina seeks to be more compassionate with people’s needs. “At the end of the day, as designers we must understand human behaviors in order to create successful designs,” she said. “I hope to keep improving people’s day to day through our work.”

To future interior designers, Ospina points to communication and compassion as key elements to build off from as they work to get their degrees. 

“There are many skill sets to learn not just within design, but communication and compassion are key,” she said. “You learn new things everyday, so keep absorbing!”