A Celebration of Design Excellence that Funds NYSID Scholarships
NYSID’s annual Gala, the college’s largest fundraising event of the year, is a gathering of who’s who in the Interior Design industry that celebrates excellence in the field of interior design. The established geniuses of our profession, rising stars, leaders of the companies that supply the trade, and some serious design devotees come out dressed to the nines at this event. The most important thing about the Gala is not the decor, the outfits, or even the networking. It’s the impact this event has on the NYSID scholarship funds. In recent years, the College has raised between $500,000 and $700,000 each year at the Gala to assist with paying the tuition of talented students who would not otherwise have had the financial means to get a NYSID education. The success of this event means many brilliant students are making their way to the interior design industry with the superior preparation that comes with a NYSID degree. It’s why NYSID is able to provide over 20% of our student body with tuition assistance and attract non-traditional students to the field. We need your support to maintain the momentum.
The Gala honors members of the interior design community who have excelled at the beginning of their career, or over a lifetime in design. The awards include:
The NYSID Centennial Medal
NYSID does not give out this award every year, because it’s intended for the rarest of individuals. A recipient of the NYSID Centennial Medal has had a significant impact on interior design over the course of decades. This individual must also be an altruist who has made contributions to the wider community through interior design. Past awardees include James Druckman (2016), Patricia Sovern (2017), James Charlotte Moss (2017), and Jamie Drake (2022).
The Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award
It’s awardees have included Mario Buatta (2011), Jack Lenor Larsen (2012), Geoffrey Bradfield (2013), Mariette Himes Gomez (2014), John Rosselli and Bunny Williams (2015), Ellie Cullman (2016), David Kleinberg (2017), Suzanne Rheinstein (2018), Jeffrey Bilhuber (2019), Brian J. McCarthy (2020), Alex Papachristidis (2021), Suzanne Tucker (2023), and Ann Pyne/McMillen Inc. (2024).
The Larry Kravet Design Industry Leadership Award
It’s named in memory of Larry Kravet, an icon within the interior design industry, and presented to an individual or company who has helped advance the field of interior design in a significant way. Presented for the first time in 2019 to Christopher Spitzmiller, we presented the 2020 award to Gale Singer (Circa Lighting) and Andy Singer (Visual Comfort & Co.), the 2021 award to Corey Damen Jenkins, the 2022 award to Young Huh, the 2023 award to John Edelman, and the 2024 award to Nate Berkus.
The Rising Star Award
It’s presented to a designer, preferably a NYSID alumnus, who has hit his or her stride in the profession. The award honors a talented individual relatively early in his or her career, who demonstrates great promise and leadership. Presented for the first time in 2019 to Alberto Villalobos ’06, we presented the 2020 Rising Star Award to Elizabeth Lawrence ’03, the 2021 award to Nina Farmer ’02, the 2022 award to Laura Hodges ’09 , the 2023 award to Peti Lau ’11, and the 2024 award to Erick Espinoza ‘13.
Hear from our gala donors about why they give to the gala and to NYSID in general.
“We need to continue to lift up our kids and provide for them the education they need to be a part of this creative world.”
More Information
NYSID’s Gala 2025 is Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
If you would like to get involved or want more information contact:
Joy Cooper
Director of Development
212-472-1500, ext. 430
giving@nysid.edu
