Inspiring the Next Generation

This month, PGAV Destinations hosted students from De La Salle Middle School to teach them about our design firm, the places we’ve created, and opportunities for their futures. Designers Maura Murphy-Pusateri, Ashley Schumake, Jason Mills, Jayvn Solomon shared their experiences with the aspiring creatives.

“So many children go to these destinations, but it never crosses their minds about how these places are created. It’s a fantastic opportunity for aspiring, artistic students to learn about a world in which they could focus their talents one day,” said Murphy-Pusateri.

As the students toured around the office and met with various architects, graphic designers, planners, sculptors, and more, a common message kept coming up time and again:

One’s future can still be about what you love doing, and that our work [at PGAV] is all part of a greater “master plan” that turns into wonderful places we can all go and enjoy.

As one driven student was toured around, he was already asking when he could start working at PGAV. The students absolutely loved our Paul Kupferberg Gallery, a space where our designers can display their talents and works they’ve created at home. (The gallery currently features an edible candy village, an amazing designer Red Riding Hood dress, a miniature working Tesla coil, and a fully-functioning personal hover-board, among others). “It was like pulling teeth to get them to the rest of the office!” said Murphy-Pusateri.

Their principal, Dr. Phil Pusateri, noted that the students had a great experience visiting PGAV Destinations. We find this an invaluable part of what we do: showing, teaching, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of destination designers for a world of fun, creative possibility.

De La Salle is always welcome back, along with any other regional schools who’d like to learn more about the wonderful world of destination design.