Photography by JT Tinney.
Interior Design‘s Hall of Fame gala turned 40 last night with a celebration fit for a ruby jubilee. From dapper tuxedos to glittering gowns, nearly 900 trailblazing creatives filled The Glasshouse in Manhattan to toast to this year’s inductees, recognized for their vast and influential design contributions. “This is not the 30th but the 40th annual Hall of Fame,” Editor in Chief Cindy Allen said from the stage, opening the evening’s ceremony. And such a milestone called for an extraordinary lineup. “We appreciate and love this community coming together—we really can’t do this without you,” she asserted.
After taking in sweeping city views during the cocktail hour, guests settling into the grand ballroom were treated to a performance by cellist Phillip Sheppard and movement artist Quinten Robinson. But before the evening’s honorees stepped into the spotlight, Allen led the crowd in a surprise rendition of “Happy Birthday” to honor Hall of Famer Cheryl Durst‘s big day. Then the formal tributes began. “It’s our 40th so there’s more,” Allen added, noting Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS’ (DIFFA) also is celebrating 40 years and how the organization has evolved to address housing insecurity, hunger, and mental health issues.
Dawn Roberson and Tom Polucci offer gratitude for the Hall of Fame tribute. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
40th Anniversary Gala Celebrates 5 Inductees + Special Tributes
In a documentary short produced for the event, David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group, shares how his family was impacted by HIV/AIDS and stresses the importance of asking: “What ways can designers give back?” Given DIFFA’s growth, it’s clear the design industry continues to answer that question with gusto. “Thanks to your dedication, DIFFA continues to create real and lasting change in the communities we serve,” said Dawn Roberson, DIFFA executive director, as she took the stage with Tom Polucci, DIFFA chairman and senior principal at HOK. “As we look ahead to 2025, we have lots of new ideas and initiatives,” she added. Hall of Fame attendees also had a chance to bid on design items in a DIFFA auction throughout the evening, supporting the group’s mission.
Justin Beers pays tribute to his father, Jeffrey, with Allen. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
Next, Allen raised a glass to Hall of Famers who passed on in recent years, including a special tribute to hospitality design pioneer Jeffrey Beers. Beers’ son, Justin, joined Allen on stage to share memories about his father as archival images and footage of his storied career flashed behind them on screen. “His wit, charm, and sometimes a bit of luck got him the biggest opportunities of his life and he always delivered,” Justin Beers recalled. “His love of exploring helped me in shaping the way I see the world,” he added. “There’s really nowhere else I’d rather be than at Jeffrey Beers International continuing his legacy.” As Allen and Beers embraced, teary-eyed, she noted the importance of looking back while moving forward, creating new memories.
Documentary Shorts Capture Storied Design Careers
Allen embraces David Galullo as he accepts his award. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
After a brief pause to indulge in the evening’s dishes, which included veg-heavy fare and chai cake filled with decadent yuzu cream, the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees took to the stage. First up, Allen introduced David Galullo, CEO and chief creative officer of Rapt Studio. “He has his own secret sauce,” Allen said of Galullo, noting that his career—and life—has been shaped by immense challenges, including a Leukemia diagnosis in his early twenties, which he overcame thanks to his brother’s bone marrow match.
In the documentary short, the joy Galullo finds in his work is infectious. “Rapt really was this kind of dream of mine, that we would go beyond an interior design firm,” he shares in the film. “I wanted to build an interdisciplinary team to tell a broader story across platforms.” Check, and check! From designing an interactive Tinder Los Angeles office to creating a rock wall for VF Corporation’s Denver digs, Rapt Studio continues to push boundaries. “I’m honored to stand here tonight and have the good fortune of doing something I love, something I happened to be good at, and something I think makes a few small corners of the world a bit better,” he told the crowd, which included his 90-year-old mother. “I am an architect, a designer, and a dreamer because it is simply who I am.”
Allen with INC Architecture founding partners (from left) Gabriel Benroth, Adam Rolston, and Drew Stuart. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
Then Allen introduced the trio that makes up INC Architecture & Design, who she referred to as “really cool cats” due to their curiosity and desire to explore the nooks and crannies of every project. Adam Rolston, Drew Stuart, and Gabriel Benroth, founding partners of the studio, offer more than an example of great design though, they also demonstrate the power of friendship, Allen said. “These three have a deeply felt, lasting bond,” she asserted. The synergy between the team is what keeps INC Architecture & Design on the pulse of technology and material innovation, as is evident in the film showcasing their standout work like the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Park, which led the way for sustainable luxury builds.
Allen smiles with Holly Hunt on stage. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
Last, but certainly not least, Allen announced inductee Holly Hunt, founder of HOLLY HUNT and House of Hunt, sharing that it’s rare for a manufacturer to be honored in the Hall of Fame given the immense contributions of so many in the field. “Our next inductee represents all of you makers in the room,” said Allen, pointing out Hunt’s knack for discovering new talent, hosting elegant events, and taking risks to build her brand. From buying her first showroom in 1983 to raising three boys as a single mother, Hunt has carved a career that’s uniquely her own, shaping the industry with intentional mentorship—and great taste.
With that, a night to remember came to close. “What an amazing night; we did our fortieth right!” Allen said as the room erupted into applause. “Thank you all for being part of this design tapestry and a big thank you to our inductees.”
Explore 2024 Hall of Fame Event Highlights
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Hall of Fame awards created by 3form. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
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Tablecloth and bags courtesy of Sunbrella. Photography by Keith Claytor.
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Centerpieces created by Turf. Photography by Matthew Carasella.
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Photography by Matthew Carasella.
As in years past, a portion of the Hall of Fame gala proceeds will be donated to a deserving organization: DIFFA by Design, which grants funds to organizations providing treatment, education, and assistance for people impacted by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues.
A very special thank you to our Hall of Fame partners, who played an integral role in creating the evening’s festivities: Diamond Sponsor, Shaw Contract; Platinum Sponsors, Kohler and Mohawk Group; Gold Sponsors Benjamin Moore, Designtex, Garden on the Wall, Haworth, HBF Textiles, Salone del Mobile. Milano, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Business to Business; Centerpiece Sponsor, Turf; Inductee Award Sponsor, 3form; Tablecloth and Bag Sponsor, Sunbrella; Carbon Offset Sponsor, Material Bank.