Building a career in interior design today requires more than an aesthetic sensibility—it calls for adaptability, strategy, and a deeply human understanding of space. Liza Kuhn Eysell, who holds an MFA from Parsons and a BA in Architecture from Princeton, brings all of these qualities to her work as both a practicing designer and an instructor in Interior Design Certificate courses.
Liza Kuhn Eysell at Parsons.
“Design is about empathy and solutions. My goal is to equip students so that their spaces feel meaningful and functional.”
About Liza Kuhn Eysell
In 2015, Liza founded Liza Kuhn Interiors, a full-service studio specializing in residential and boutique hospitality design in New York City, Westchester, and Connecticut. Before launching her own studio, she worked with AD100 firms including Victoria Hagan and Pembrooke & Ives, gaining valuable experience that informs her teaching and practice today.
Her work—including the reimagined interiors of a prewar Central Park West apartment and a 450-square-foot Greenwich Village apartment—has been featured in House Beautiful and other top publications such as Domino, Dwell, The New Yorker, 1stDibs, and Interior Design magazine.
Greenwich Street residential project by Liza Kuhn. Photos by Kirsten Francis.
Why Study Interior Design at Parsons?
Asked why Parsons is the best place to study interior design, Liza points to both context and community: New York City’s cultural ecosystem, The New School’s cross-disciplinary environment, and a student body from around the world. Most part-time faculty actively practice in the field, providing mentorship and a direct line to internships and employers.
“You’re surrounded by culture and inspiration. Faculty practice in the field, and that network becomes a bridge to internships and job opportunities.”
Inside the Parsons Interior Design Certificate
The Parsons Interior Design Certificate comprises eight courses that deliver a fundamental overview of the field, from space planning and drafting to color theory and client psychology. Students can enroll course by course, taking multiple classes when their schedule allows or slowing down when life gets busy.
Students learn real-world skills such as conceptual development, presentation techniques, problem-solving methods, and proficiency with AutoCAD and other professional tools—preparing them to work confidently in high-level design environments.
What You Will Learn
- Draw to scale and draft floor plans, elevations, and RCPs
- Develop concepts and communicate them clearly to clients and teams
- Build a cohesive design narrative through materials, palettes, and presentation
- Use professional tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and more
“One big goal is a beautiful, robust portfolio students can take to employers.”
Lenox Hill residential project by Liza Kuhn. Photos by Kelsey Ann Rose.
Lenox Hill residential project by Liza Kuhn. Photos by Kelsey Ann Rose.
Who the Certificate Is For
The certificate attracts working professionals, career-pivoters from other industries, and creatives from adjacent areas such as fine arts or fashion. Flexible pacing enables each student to set a cadence that fits their life.
“The structure is customizable. Take one class when life is busy or more when your workload allows.”
A Studio Mindset, Delivered Online
Courses are small and critique-driven, with one-on-one faculty feedback and peer reviews that simulate a studio environment. Students practice skills they will use on site—measuring and documenting their own spaces to learn surveying, proportion, and representation.
“You learn how to present ideas—not just draw them—which is essential for clients and teams.”
Industry Outlook for Emerging Interior Designers
Residential design continues to offer meaningful opportunities as people invest more in the quality of home life. Commercial interiors are also evolving: office, education, and retail environments are being reimagined, opening space for inventive, cross-disciplinary thinking.
Parsons emphasizes environmental responsibility and material health.
“Parsons is at the forefront of environmental sustainability and material health. Students learn to marry technical skill with ethical design.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Explore the Parsons Interior Design Certificate
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