The New York School of Interior Design will celebrate more than 114 graduating students on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Commencement will recognize and celebrate the hard work of the college's talented graduates who have finished their education and are starting a bright future in interior design. 

Each year, nominees for the honorary doctorate are selected from a distinguished pool for their demonstrated leadership in the interior design industry and values consistent with the college's mission and higher education. This year NYSID selected author, editor, photographer, and design consultant Newell Turner for his celebrated work in the field of over 35 years of experience in design and lifestyle magazine publishing. We are honoring Kate Kelly Smith of Luxe Interiors + Design and Sandow Design Groups for her role as an industry leader and an advocate for design, with over four decades of design media experience.

"Kate and Newell, two admired veterans of the design publishing world, have been championing designers and the profession for decades, winning awards and honors along the way," says NYSID President David Sprouls. "I could not be more pleased that this dynamic duo, with their insight and understanding of the impact that design has on our daily lives, will be giving commencement addresses to the Class of 2023, the designers of tomorrow."  

About Newell Turner

Newell Turner is an author, editor, photographer, and design consultant with over 35 years of experience in design and lifestyle magazine publishing. His book Mexican: A Journey Through Design (Vendome Press, May 2023) is organized around nine decisive decorative periods shaping México's unique design journey of vibrant colors, cities, and culture. He is also a former New York School of Interior Design trustee with an ongoing interest in design education.

In 2012, Turner led the formation of the editorial division of the Hearst Design Group and served as editorial director of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Veranda. While serving as editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, it won a coveted National Magazine Award for general excellence.

He has reported on interior design, architecture, product design, and upscale consumers over a career that includes House & Garden and Metropolitan Home. He was Hamptons Cottages & Gardens' founding editor and sister publications. He holds a BA in Journalism and Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi, including advanced work in magazine design. In 2018 his career in journalism was recognized with Mississippi's prestigious Silver Em award. 

 
About Kate Kelly Smith 

Kate Kelly Smith is Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Luxe Interiors + Design and Chief Sales Officer of the Sandow Design Group. She is a renowned industry leader and an advocate for design, with a dynamic career in design media spanning over four decades.

Her passion for design has been the driving force behind her entire career. Smith joined Luxe Interiors + Design and Sandow Design Groups in 2020 and has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of a diverse portfolio of brands. Before joining Sandow Design Group, Smith was Senior Vice President of the Hearst Design Group, leading the publishing side of House Beautiful, Veranda, and Elle Décor. She also served as Publisher of House Beautiful, Prevention, and Child Magazine and launched Publisher of Women's Health. She has worked on the sales teams of Architectural Digest, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, and HFD, after starting her career at Young & Rubicam advertising.

Smith's extensive experience and contributions to the industry have earned her numerous industry accolades. Adweek and Ad Age have recognized her accomplishments with multiple awards. In contrast, the Media Industry newsletter named Kate one of the 21 Most Intriguing People in Media. Folio recognized her as a corporate visionary, naming her one of the Top Women in Media 2015. Smith is an active member of the IFDA and contributes to multiple industry boards and foundations; she is also a founding member of The Kelly Gang, a New York-based charity organization started by media figures who share the same surname.