IND Chair Roberto Rengel Celebrated by Students and Faculty

Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By: Kyle Niblett

University of Florida Department of Interior Design Chair Roberto Rengel was celebrated by his students and peers in a small ceremony this past Thursday in the Dhvanit and Saloni Patel Atrium at Jonathan and Melanie Antevy Hall. Rengel is retiring following a brilliant career spanning multiple decades, with the last five years coming at the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning.

“It is an honor to be able to say goodbye in such a meaningful way,” Rengel told the crowd before reminiscing about the process of becoming a Gator. “It has been so gratifying to work with all of you the last five and a half years. I have been in other communities and colleges, and I can tell you: this is a special place.”

Roberto Rengel Sendoff


Rengel also spoke about the faculty, calling them a fantastic group who care deeply about their students. Interior Design Assistant Professor Lisa Platt, Ph.D., reciprocated the thoughts when asked about her departing chair.

“During our most turbulent times, Roberto’s steady leadership anchored us, transforming confusion into clarity and setbacks into momentum,” Platt said about Rengel, who joined the college in the middle of COVID (July 2020). “He championed both our individual ambitions and shared goals, inspired growth, and made this department a place where triumphs were genuine, and setbacks became fuel for resilience. Wherever this new chapter takes him, he will always be part of our DCP IND family.”

Rengel was also presented with a memory book from his students, who filled every page with their favorite memories of him in studio, offering advice and photos. Senior Samantha Blanco even called him a “father figure away from home,” citing how much he truly cares for his students.


“From a student perspective, he’s more than just a professor or a department head,” Blanco said. “He’s the dad of the department who is always there for you, but not just in the academic aspect. He has fostered and created such a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone to feel so included and accepted. There will be a giant hole now with him gone, but it’s a well-deserved and well-earned retirement.”

The event ended with a mock graduation, as seniors one-by-one were announced to the crowd before shaking hands with Rengel and saying goodbye one final time.

“He has always gone above and beyond for us,” senior Anne Pepper said. “He has always been very supportive of us and always brought joy to the classroom. He made us feel like we were born for this major.”

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