Design is meant to be experienced.

At aspire design and home, we’re not just seekers but storytellers of the sublime in living. Our mission is intricately woven with purpose and passion, connecting directly with our community through exceptional in-person experiences. Through meaningful live events and tours, we enlighten and encourage the creative spirit within us all.

Enter the aspire Design Tour at NYCxDESIGN, a beacon of cutting-edge tours, educational and networking events for design professionals and enthusiasts alike.

On May 16th step into the renowned A&D and D&D buildings, curated by the discerning perspective of our editorial team. Delve into exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, gaining insight into remarkable showrooms housed within architectural gems. After the editorial tours, indulge in an all-day sip and crawl, exploring at your leisure.

May 19th, we turn our attention to the heart of Harlem to experience a vibrant fusion of design and culture with the inaugural aspire Design Tour Harlem. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, this immersive event pays homage to African-American creativity amidst 1920s America. From iconic brownstones to storied sites, embark on curated tours, encountering local artists and musicians. Join us in beloved establishments like NILU Harlem and Minton’s Playhouse to celebrate Harlem’s enduring legacy as a beacon of cultural innovation.

Finally, journey through the Flatiron, NoMad, and SoHo districts with our editorial team. Delve into remarkable showrooms and enjoy an all-day sip and crawl at your leisure, completing a captivating exploration of design excellence in the heart of New York City.

Sponsors

Schedule

MAY 16

aspire Design Tour Midtown
Experience a captivating journey through the renowned A&D and D&D buildings, curated by the discerning perspective of the aspire editorial team. Delve into an exclusive behind-the-scenes guided tour, gaining insight and knowledge about the remarkable showrooms housed within these architectural gems. Editorial tours to be followed by an all-day sip and crawl for guests to explore at their leisure.

Meet and Greet with aspire Editor, Jennifer Quail at Innovations
979 3rd Ave #1717
New York, NY 10022
10:00 – 11:30 AM

Editorial Tour with aspire Editor at Ferguson
150 E 58th St Floor 11
New York, NY 10155
11:30 – 12:00 PM

Editorial Tour with aspire Editor at Florense x Studio M Pop-Up
150 E 58th St Floor 3
New York, NY 10155
12:00 – 12:30 PM

Editorial Tour with aspire Editor at Poliform
150 E 58th St Floor 6
New York, NY 10155
12:30 – 1:00 PM

Editorial Tour with aspire Editor at Hastings Bath Collection
150 E 58th St Floor 10
New York, NY 10155
1:00 – 1:30 PM

Collection presentation with Jennifer Quail and Ariana Massouh at Edward Fields
150 E 58th St Floor 11
New York, NY 10155
1:30 – 2:30 PM

Editorial Tour with aspire Editor at True Residential
150 E 58th St Floor 6
New York, NY 10155
2:30 – 3:00 PM

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Ethan Allen Sip & See
As champions of timeless design, we believe in re-envisioning classic forms, personalizing each element to suit the aspirations of those who live with them. We invite you to tour our newly re-envisioned Design Center, featuring a sneak peek at never-before-seen products, and experience interior design that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
685 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022
Tour 10 AM – 4 PM
Private Event 5 – 7 PM

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MAY 17

Opening Weekend Reception
Embark on an international design journey and experience flavors from around the globe as we celebrate the opening weekend with Fisher & Paykel from New Zealand, Florense from Brazil, Studio M Lighting from the U.S., and Cosentino from Spain.

Indulge in international delights while our editors uncover the latest in craftsmanship and technological innovations in design and home. Renowned designer César Giraldo leads a design journey with his latest collection from Studio M.

150 E 58th St, Third-Floor Showrooms
5:00 – 7:30 PM

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MAY 19

aspire Design Tour Harlem
Experience the vibrant fusion of design and culture in the heart of Harlem with the inaugural Harlem Design Tour 2024. Inspired by the cultural richness of the Harlem Renaissance, this immersive event pays homage to the resilience and creativity of the African-American community amidst the backdrop of 1920s America. From Langston Hughes’ and Maya Angelou’s iconic brownstones, to other storied sites, embark on curated trolley, walking, and cart tours through Harlem’s neighborhoods. Encounter local artists, musicians, and the indomitable spirit of this transformative era, celebrating Harlem’s enduring legacy as a beacon of cultural innovation and expression. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Join us in Harlem’s beloved establishments, including NILU Harlem, a boutique with local artists, and Minton’s Playhouse (a historic speakeasy and original jazz club) to continue the celebration long into the evening, toasting to both old friends and new as we honor the past and embrace the future of design.
HometoHarlem 246 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
1 – 6 PM

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MAY 21

DESIGNComm Summit in partnership with aspire Design Tour
Join us at the DESIGNComm Summit for business-focused panels and conversations to gain invaluable entrepreneurial expertise and tailored insights from diverse creatives, visionaries, and thought leaders.
Samsung 837, 837 Washington St. NYC Meatpacking District

Media Sponsor: aspire design and home.
Event Curated by Digital Thread Consulting and comm collective

1:30 – 2:20 Getting Published in an Evolving Media Landscape
Editors and publicists come together to reveal advice for getting published, making an impact, and elevating their profile

Moderator: Hadley Keller of DLN

2:20 – 3:20 AI-Powered Tools & Strategies
Unlock the future of innovation with industry experts who will delve into cutting-edge AI-powered tools and strategies to support your business.

Panelists: Jonah Kilday of MK Workshop, Michael Opperman of Magik Beans, Daniel Yoder of STUDY Architects, Alexia Adana of Edelman

3:30 – 4:20 Capital Creativity: Finances in Design
Leading financial experts impart designer-focused business advice, offering unparalleled insights and strategies for achieving financial acumen.

Moderator: Patti Carpenter

4:30 – 5:20 Monetize Your Brand: Strategies Revealed
Gain actionable insights directly from the sources to effectively monetize your brand through social strategies, user-generated content, partnerships, & more.

Moderator: Byron Cordero of Cordero Consulting
Panelists: Brittany Hennessy author of INFLUENCER, Bilal Rehman of Rehman Design Studio, Jessica Davis

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MAY 22

aspire Design Tour Flatiron / NoMad / SoHo
Experience a captivating journey through the Flatiron, NoMad and SoHo districts curated by the discerning perspective of the aspire editorial team. Delve into an exclusive behind-the-scenes guided tour, gaining insight and knowledge about the remarkable showrooms. Editorial tours to be followed by an all-day sip and crawl for guests to explore at their leisure.
Tour to begin at Nemo Tile 48 E 21st St #2, New York, NY 10010
9:30 AM

Panel Discussion with aspire Editor, Jennifer Quail at Nemo Tile
48 E 21st St #2
New York, NY 10010
9:30 – 11:30 AM

Editorial Tour with aspire Editor, Paul Hagen at Original BTC
56 Greene St
New York, NY 10013
12:00 – 1:00 PM

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MAY 23

AjMadisonPro Experience Day in Partnership with aspire design and home and NYCxDESIGN
3605 13th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218

1:00 PM
Esteemed editor Paul Hagen will moderate a compelling CEU session: Unpacking Unpopular Opinions: Upholding or Outsmarting Design Industry Trends.

Panelists Include: Leyden Lewis, Principal, Leyden Lewis Design, Erika Belsey Worth, Principal, Belsey & Mahla, Jessica P. Ball, Director, Trade Engagement & Education, AjMadison

0.1 CEU Credit

2:00 – 5:00 PM
Makers Fair
As the curtains draw on the electrifying showcase of creativity and design at NYCxDESIGN, seize the opportunity to culminate the event with at our MAKERS FAIR! Step into a world where innovation knows no bounds, where imagination takes form, and where creativity reigns supreme. Immerse yourself in a celebration of craftsmanship and ingenuity, as we invite you to explore the cutting-edge creations of today’s most visionary makers.

Local makers to include:

Brooklyn Roasting Company
DMC Original Art
FOLKUS
Grow House Grow
Jane Pollak
MUD
Shakuff
VALLNEZ MOZELL

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