New York, New York – March 4, 2020 – On Tuesday, March 3, at the NYSID Gala, nearly 350 designers and friends of New York School of Interior Design gathered at a private club in Manhattan to raise funds for student scholarships, and to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of four exemplary individuals: Brian J. McCarthy, Gale Singer and Andy Singer, and Elizabeth Lawrence.

The annual gala raised more than $575,750 for scholarships, which will enable NYSID students – the future leaders of interior design – to pursue and complete their studies by helping defray the cost of tuition.

Following a cocktail reception, NYSID president, David Sprouls offered words of welcome and thanked guests for their support.

“The Gala, now in its eleventh year, has become one of the hallmark evenings for the College,” said president Sprouls. He continued, “We cannot do this without you, our friends and supporters. We are grateful for people like you who share our understanding of the importance of our mission, and understand that an investment in our scholarship fund is an investment in our students – who aspire to be like many of you – leaders, innovators, educators, and design experts.”

The evening continued with emcee Dennis Scully, Business of Home podcast host and columnist, kicking off the awards ceremony, which honored four exceptional designers for their forward-thinking contributions in the world of design.

Zach Gibbs, Co-Founder of The Shade Store and sponsor of the Rising Star Award, presented Elizabeth Lawrence, Partner at Bunny Williams Associates, with the 2020 Rising Star Award. “Thank you to the New York School of Interior Design for this unbelievable honor,” said Elizabeth. She continued, “To be honored alongside such an impressive group is one I would have ever dreamed when sitting in Historical Styles many years ago.”

Alexa Hampton, interior designer and NYSID Trustee, presented the 2020 Larry Kravet Design Industry Innovation Award to Gale Singer of Circa Lighting and Andy Singer of Visual Comfort. “On behalf of both of us, we’d like to thank the Kravet family and the New York School of Interior Design for this great acknowledgement. It is truly, truly an honor,” said Gale.

Philanthropists Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Holmes Tuttle presented the 2020 Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award to award-winning designer Brian McCarthy, Founder of Brian J. McCarthy Inc. “Thank you David, along with the Board of Directors of the New York School of Interior Design for giving me the incredible honor of this year’s Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award,” expressed Brian. “This award is particular meaningful to me and so I am forever grateful to the New York School of Interior Design for the recognition.”

NYSID scholarship recipient, Atique Rahman ’20 (BFA), left his country of Bangladesh at age 17, with a one-way ticket to the United States in pursuit of the “American Dream.” He encouraged guests to donate to the scholarship fund as he recalled how his life changed when he was offered a scholarship:

“Being selected as the recipient of the Lavern Neil Scholarship meant the difference between dropping classes until I had saved enough money to pay for them and staying on course to meet my goal to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts this year,” said Atique. He continued, “I can’t stress enough how important this gift has been to me. Thanks to that scholarship, not only am I able to focus on delivering an outstanding senior thesis project, but I am also thrilled to be able to participate as one of four NYSID design students chosen to represent the College at the 2020 DIFFA Dining by Design event at the end of this month. Having achieved this much already, thanks to the generosity of donors such as yourselves, I’m convinced I’m already living the American dream.” 

Gala attendees included an illustrious group of interior designers, architects, and colleagues from all aspects of the design industry including:  Penny Brue Baird, Jessie Carrier and Mara Miller, Jamie Drake, Philip Gorrivan, Alison Levassuer, Tham Kannalikham, Cathy Kincaid, Patrick Mele, Richard Mishaan, Wendy Moonan, Charlotte Moss, Nathan Orsman, Christopher Spitzmiller, Alberto Villalobos, Bunny Williams, and many more.

The event was co-chaired by New York School of Interior Design Trustees Alexa Hampton, David Kleinberg, Dennis Miller, Susan B. Nagle, Betsey Ruprecht, and Maria Spears.

To view images of the Gala, click here.

About New York School of Interior Design

New York School of Interior Design is a private, nonprofit college focused exclusively on interior design. The college offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for students at all stages of their careers—whether they’re just becoming familiar with the discipline, considering a career change, or looking to deepen knowledge in a particular area. Consistently ranked one of the top interior design programs in the United States, students study both residential and commercial interior design, some with specialties in sustainable design, lighting, and healthcare interiors. NYSID students enjoy a small class size and sharp focus, a great deal of personal attention from dedicated faculty, and they go on to practice at the highest levels of the profession. To learn more, visit NYSID.edu.

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