By Dana Ambrosini '99

The challenge to the Fairfield Interior Design class was to create a sketch for the outside facade of a brand-new building to be constructed on West 122nd Street in Manhattan. The aim would be to make the structure unique but in keeping with the classic Harlem neighborhood. The lure was that this wasn't just a theoretical class project: Rob Hardy, coordinator for the Interior Design Certificate Program offered through University College, was a friend of the owners. If they liked one of his student's submissions, they might just use it.

"There was one that we were really drawn to," says Greenwich resident Jacques Guillet, who owns the building with his wife, Claudia Weldon. "It inspired." They had been charmed by a sketch created by Ginny Moffitt, one of Hardy's star pupils.

The couple made some alterations to Moffitt's original design and adopted the plan for the facade of the seven-story structure, which houses five condominiums. They broke ground in spring 2004 and completed the project this fall.

Moffitt had submitted a Federal style facade, one that would look current and use modern materials but recall classical architectural style. The red brick exterior features symmetrical divided light windows with white muntins and dentil molding. A transom frames the top windows, while black wrought iron railings with intricate orioles case the entrance.

"Most of the time, building facades are designed by architects," Hardy says, noting that interior designers usually deal with the inside elements of a structure. Thus, for an interior design student to have her sketch chosen for a reallife facade is a rare accomplishment.

Standing in front of the New York City facade designed by University College student Ginny Moffitt are building owner Jacques Guillet (left) and Interior Design Certificate program instructor, Rob Hardy.

Moffitt, however, had done her research, looking into the architecture of surrounding buildings, most of which were constructed in the 1800s. "The area is loaded with beautiful architecture," she says. She paid particular attention to one structure around the corner, which was built by Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919), an entrepreneur who became one of the nation's first African-American millionaires (on an inflation-adjusted basis) by selling her own line of hair care products. Moffitt incorporated elements of Walker's townhouse, which had been designed by the African-American architect Vertner Tandy, into her own design.

The field of interior design will represent a second career for Moffitt, whose undergraduate work was in English and Spanish. Although she had studied a good deal of fashion design, Moffitt was discouraged from entering the business by her parents, who didn't think she would be able to land a secure job in the industry. She worked as a flight attendant with Pan-Am for three years, married a pilot, and for the next decade focused on raising a family. During that time, her interest in design persisted. When her children were young, Moffitt started working as a real estate agent. From there, her interest in the design of a room started to blossom.

"I wanted to learn more about room scale, color, and furniture placement," Moffitt says. While fashion design had initially attracted her, the study of fabrics also piqued her interest in the world of interior design. Through word of mouth, Moffitt heard about University College's Interior Design Certificate and began taking classes five years ago. "I thought, Oh, my gosh, I'm in the right place. Finally!" she enthuses.

Apparently so, because when Hardy received a request from an American School of Design colleague at Country Design for a design sales position, he knew precisely whom to recommend. Moffitt still holds the job, part-time, at the high-end New Canaan firm.

Moffitt is also director of sales and marketing for Southport Green, a complex of office and residential space where she designed and outfitted the sales center. She also provided input on the interior layout of the condo units, recommending the coffered ceilings, random-width select red oak flooring, and other touches that give the homes a regal atmosphere.

"We are so proud of Ginny for her accomplishments. This is a fine example of real life living and learning," says Dr. Edna Farace Wilson, dean of University College. "These classes really can lead to something," says Moffitt, who lives in Fairfield with her husband, William Van Ollefen, a wellknown wine writer. "I have been able to bring together so many of my life's passions. To have my design chosen for the building is such an added honor. This is the serendipity of life."