The Office of Academic Affairs awarded Kallee La Rosa '24 (MFA1), whose thesis project is featured on this page, the Chairman’s Award for her overall performance at NYSID. At NYSID, thesis projects are long journeys that challenge students to brainstorm, conduct research, and synthesize all they have learned. The journey ends with a presentation to a jury of faculty and industry professionals. Our students work closely with faculty to create hypothetical designs that offer solutions to real-world problems.

Student: Kallee La Rosa
Project: Mirina micro-living community
Program: Master of of Fine Arts (Professional)
Instructor: Terry Kleinberg

Chairman’s Award winner Kallee La Rosa designed Mirina, a luxurious and sustainable micro-living community for high-earning remote workers in Miami. Her thesis reimagines the future of live/work housing by combining compact living with elevated amenities. Set within the iconic, long-abandoned Miami Marine Stadium, a Brutalist landmark by architect Hilario Candela, the project transforms 71,200 square feet of concrete into a vibrant, oceanfront hub for modern nomads.

Inspired by the flamboyant yet elegant flamingo—an emblem of Miami—La Rosa brought curved forms and bold colors into the interiors, echoing the bird’s balance and grace. Arches frame public spaces, while feather-inspired textures and hues flow throughout. Mirina offers fully furnished micro-apartments alongside communal “Live” and “Work” wings, connected by a 360-foot ocean-facing patio. Amenities include ergonomic workstations, a gym, pool, rooftop garden, and curated lifestyle services like private concerts and guest chefs. With an average of just 454 square feet per resident, the design reduces environmental impact without sacrificing comfort or exclusivity. La Rosa’s research explored micro-living strategies, sustainable construction (like hempcrete and salvaged aggregate), and a new definition of luxury grounded in quality, efficiency, and well-being. Mirina proves that smaller spaces, thoughtfully designed, can lead to a bigger life.

La Rosa is currently working as an interior designer at Susan Lin Design in South Florida.

— Swagatika Rath (MFA2 student)