The New York Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA NY) will hold its 13th annual “Rising Stars of Design” awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 21 at FAIR, the resource for high-end, handcrafted design and craft headed by interior designer Brad Ford, a 2008 Rising Star. The showroom is located on the 16th floor of the NYDC 200 Lexington Avenue. The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with presentations beginning at 6:15 p.m.
“The Selection Committee, which changes every year, strives to choose talent with the freshest point of view that expresses a new, innovative approach to the business of design,” according to Andrea Algaze, past IFDA NY Chapter President, and Rose Hittmeyer, IFDA NY Chapter Administrator, both of whom spearheaded the process this year. Honorees must be in business less than six years and not have won another award.
Acclaimed interior designer Amy Lau of Amy Lau Design, founded in 2001, and lauded by Architectural Digest for her "All-encompassing vision of inspired, artful living that elevates mere finesse into the realm of pure magic," will serve as MC and introduce the honorees:
- Patrick Ryan of Patrick Ryan’s Office
- Tina Ramchandani of Tina Ramchandani Creative
- Jake Szymanski of J.M. Szymanski for product design
- Tamara Stephenson & Susan Young of root cellars design for product design
Patrick Ryan of Patrick Ryan's Office
After working for several years as a psychotherapist, Ryan chose to pursue his life-long passion for art and design. As a result of his experience as a therapist, he understands first-hand that one of the most important activities in any successful design project is listening closely to the client. The synthesis of his backgrounds influences all of his work, whether he is creating custom furniture or working with a client to achieve an ideal interior environment tailored to their own refined aesthetic.
Tina Ramchandani of Tina Ramchandani Creative
Tina’s signature style, Soulful Minimalism incorporates her global perspective and her infatuation for amazingly crafted, custom elements. Ramchandani believes great design lets us live the life that inspires us every day. Her designs warm modern interiors and fully capture her clients' polished lifestyles. She creates thoughtful spaces and enhances them with the things that matter most to her clients so they're able to focus on the people that matter. Her style brings her love for beauty and obsession with design to each of the homes she creates.
Jake Szymanski of J.M. Szymanski – Product Design
Szymanski introduces radical new shapes and explores new materials and textures. Each work demonstrates a fascination with severe geometries, raw materials and unique forms. Szymanski designs and fabricates his work at his Bronx studio. His design education began in his early childhood where he and his family spent several years living in Nepal. Later, in his early 20's, he moved to Spain where he studied the designs of Gaudi, visited the Alhambra and made frequent trips to Morocco. He returned to the U.S. to study interior design at The Fashion Institute of Technology and at The School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Tamara Stephenson & Susan Young of root cellar designs – Product Design
Stephenson and Young are long-time friends with backgrounds in interior design, fashion and fine art, who came together to work on residential interior design projects. In 2015 they launched root cellars designs where they create and manufacture quality home textiles, wallpaper and accessories. Channeling the artistry of women hundreds of years ago, the duo utilizes Stephenson's astute design eye, sense of color and demands for quality with Young's expertise in manufacturing, artistry and attention to detail. Committed to Made in the USA, this proudly woman-owned company collaborates with workrooms in the NYC garment district when creating ready-made products to support the local trade.
The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), founded in New York City in 1947 and now with 11 chapters worldwide, provides a professional forum for communication and interaction among its high-profile members. The IFDA, a not-for-profit volunteer-run association, also promotes career advancement and educational opportunities and is structured to increase public awareness of the furnishings and design industry through specialized programming, networking and service to the community.
