Interior Architecture Grad Named 'Student of the Year'

It’s a month of celebrations for newly-minted Suffolk University interior architecture master’s alumnus Adeleke Eyeowa. The week before Commencement, Eyeowa was honored as Student of the Year at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) New England Chapter’s annual Building Leaders Breakfast.  

IIDA New England is a professional design networking organization “committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in interior design and advancing interior design through knowledge.” Many Suffolk interior design and interior architecture students have joined IIDA over the years, taking part in education and networking events, as well as design competitions.  

Eyeowa, whose work was featured in a recent issue of Suffolk University Magazine, says his involvement with IIDA New England has been important to his professional development and his sense of community and belonging.  

As a graduate fellow in Suffolk’s Office of Career Equity, Development & Success, Eyeowa knows how important it is to connect with future colleagues and mentors in his field. He credits his Suffolk professors for encouraging him and his peers to join IIDA New England early on, and to take advantage of its numerous resources. Volunteering at and participating in events—including the annual IIDA New England Fashion Show and a panel workshop of seasoned professionals—helped him prepare for the transition from design student to working designer.  

“The IIDA New England community has truly helped me find my footing here,” he says. “It has encouraged me, inspired me, and shown me that design is about more than just aesthetics. It is about impact, connection, and collaboration.”