Remembering Anne Korman '67
Anne Korman
The NYSID community celebrates the life of Anne Korman`67, interior designer and NYSID alumna, faculty member, and member of the Board of Trustees (for more than 30 years). NYSID learned of her passing from her nephew Jason Greenberg in December, 2021. He said, “She was always discussing how design changed her life and how excited she was to share her experiences with the ever-changing dynamic of new student classes. She was proud to continue assisting her school into her 80s!” Says NYSID President David Sprouls, “Anne was such an enduring member of our institution and passionate advocate for NYSID that she helped shape of our DNA. It's almost impossible to calculate number of lives and careers she had a positive impact on. She was a great friend, mentor, and colleague. She will be missed.”
Korman first pursued a career in modern dance, studying under Martha Graham and other prominent choreographers. Before enrolling at NYSID, Korman worked in the offices of architect Marcel Breuer. She graduated from NYSID in 1967 and established a successful design career, first working for the firm of J.P. Maggio Design Associates and later establishing both partnership and independent design practices. Her many notable projects included the apartment of gallery owner Marianne Goodman, interiors of the Central Condominiums of the Upper West Side, and the Congregation Or Zarau synagogue.
As a faculty member, she was a revered instructor of Color for Interiors. As remembered by Ellen Fisher, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, "Anne modeled how a designer thinks as she sat with students, one by one, and guided them on the creation of beautiful materials palettes. Her legacy will be her contagious love of design, from furniture to architecture, and her always enthusiastic support of NYSID." In a blog post for the College, Korman once mused, “A lot of people have the talent [to be a designer], but it never comes out. And that’s what school and good teachers who are inspirational can bring out.” Thank you Anne, for being that inspiration for so many!
Read more of Anne's own words in an oral history interview with Anne Korman, conducted by Sophie Swanson on August 16, 2018, Bard Graduate Center Craft, Art and Design Oral History Project.