The 40th annual Hall of Fame gala, hosted by Interior Design in Manhattan, marked a significant milestone with an event that truly befits a ruby jubilee. Taking place at The Glasshouse, the celebration saw nearly 900 influential and pioneering creatives donning elegant gowns and dapper tuxedos to honor this year’s inductees, recognized for their profound contributions to the design industry. As Editor in Chief Cindy Allen opened the ceremony, she expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative and supportive spirit of the design community, asserting that such events are impossible without it.
The evening began with sweeping views of Manhattan enjoyed during the cocktail hour, followed by a performance by cellist Phillip Sheppard and movement artist Quinten Robinson. Beyond honoring the evening’s inductees, the gala featured a special tribute to Hall of Famer Cheryl Durst on her birthday, leading the attendees in a surprise rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Subsequently, formal tributes commenced, with a notable emphasis on the overlapping 40th anniversary of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), highlighting its evolving role in addressing issues such as housing insecurity, hunger, and mental health.
Honoring the Inductees and Special Tributes
One of the key highlights of the gala was a documentary short presented by David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group. Rockwell shared the personal impact of HIV/AIDS on his family and underscored the significance of designers giving back to the community, with DIFFA’s growth illustrating the industry’s ongoing commitment to social causes. Dawn Roberson, DIFFA’s executive director, alongside Tom Polucci, emphasized the continuous and meaningful change brought about by designers’ dedication to DIFFA’s mission, and they shared insights into future initiatives planned for 2025. An auction of design items to support DIFFA’s cause further engaged attendees throughout the night.
As the evening unfolded, Cindy Allen also made a heartfelt toast to Hall of Fame members who have passed away in recent years, with a poignant tribute to hospitality design trailblazer Jeffrey Beers. His son, Justin Beers, joined Allen on stage to reminisce about his father’s legacy, sharing personal stories and heartfelt memories, emphasizing the importance of looking back while also creating new memories and moving forward. The tribute resonated deeply with the audience, celebrating the lasting impact and profound legacies left by past inductees.
Celebrating the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
The event’s documentary shorts captured the storied careers of the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, adding an intimate layer to the gala’s proceedings. Following brief moments to indulge in a delicious menu featuring vegetable-heavy dishes and chai cake with yuzu cream, the 2024 inductees took the stage, starting with David Galullo, CEO and chief creative officer of Rapt Studio. Cindy Allen introduced Galullo by highlighting his distinctive approach and resilience, having overcome a leukemia diagnosis in his early twenties. The short documentary on Galullo portrayed the infectious joy he finds in his work, showcasing Rapt Studio’s boundary-pushing projects, including an interactive office for Tinder and a rock wall for VF Corporation, and underscored his belief in the transformative power of interdisciplinary design.
Next, Cindy Allen introduced the trio behind INC Architecture & Design: Adam Rolston, Drew Stuart, and Gabriel Benroth. She praised their curiosity, innovative spirit, and deep friendship, which contributes to their successful collaboration. The documentary on INC Architecture & Design highlighted their standout works such as the sustainable luxury build, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Park, illustrating their commitment to material innovation and technologies. The trio’s successful dynamic and collaborative efforts were lauded, drawing attention to their influence in shaping contemporary architectural landscapes with creativity and environmental mindfulness.
Recognizing Holly Hunt’s Influence
The final inductee honored was Holly Hunt, founder of HOLLY HUNT and House of Hunt. Hunt’s induction was notable for its recognition of her exceptional influence in the manufacturing sector, a rarity in the Hall of Fame’s history. Cindy Allen lauded Hunt’s talent in discovering new design talent, hosting extraordinary events, and taking strategic risks that have built a formidable brand. Hunt’s journey from purchasing her first showroom in 1983 to raising three boys as a single mother illustrated her pioneering spirit and her significant mentorship within the industry. Her legacy of identifying and nurturing budding designers was prominently highlighted, showcasing a trajectory that reflects resilience and visionary leadership.
Hunt’s dedication to pushing boundaries and fostering an inclusive design community earned her a standing ovation from the audience. Her story of perseverance and innovation resonated with many, serving as an inspiration for aspiring designers and established professionals alike. The celebration of her induction not only honored her individual achievements but also recognized her significant contributions to the broader design landscape, setting a precedent for future inductees who strive to effect lasting change within the industry.
The Gala’s Broader Impact and Community Support
The gala proudly celebrated these inductees, recognizing not only their professional achievements but also their personal stories and contributions to broader social issues. The night, filled with reflections and forward-looking aspirations, concluded with Cindy Allen expressing gratitude to the entire design community for their contributions, and the attendees erupted in applause. Photography by Matthew Carasella, Keith Claytor, and JT Tinney captured the night’s many highlights, from guests to the intricate event details such as the centerpieces created by Turf and tablecloths courtesy of Sunbrella. The Hall of Fame awards, created by 3form, added a touch of elegance to the celebration, encapsulating the evening’s luxurious yet meaningful ambiance.
Reflecting the Hall of Fame’s tradition, part of the gala’s proceeds will be donated to DIFFA by Design, supporting organizations that provide treatment, education, and assistance for those affected by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health concerns. The commitment to DIFFA’s mission underscored the event’s dedication to leveraging design for social good, fostering a community that values compassion alongside creativity. The evening’s events furthered these initiatives, exemplifying the collective power of the design community when directed towards addressing critical social challenges.
Support from Hall of Fame Partners
The 40th annual Hall of Fame gala, hosted by Interior Design in Manhattan, celebrated a pivotal moment with an event worthy of a ruby jubilee. The celebration took place at The Glasshouse and gathered nearly 900 influential and pioneering designers, all dressed in elegant gowns and dapper tuxedos, to honor this year’s inductees for their significant contributions to the design industry. Editor in Chief Cindy Allen kicked off the ceremony, expressing her deep gratitude for the collaborative and supportive spirit of the design community, emphasizing that such events wouldn’t be possible without it.
The evening started with breathtaking views of Manhattan during the cocktail hour, followed by an impressive performance by cellist Phillip Sheppard and movement artist Quinten Robinson. In addition to honoring the night’s inductees, the gala paid special tribute to Hall of Famer Cheryl Durst on her birthday, surprising her with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Formal tributes then began, highlighting the 40th anniversary of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) and its evolving role in addressing housing insecurity, hunger, and mental health.