Which Amazing Guests Will Be Honored At NYSID Gala 2024?

NYSID Gala 2023

Who will be the guests of honor at the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) Gala 2024? The event will take place Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at a private club in Manhattan. It will be NYSID’s largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will benefit the NYSID Scholarship Fund, with the goal of attracting a diverse, deserving, and talented group of students to both the school and the design industry.

Meet the Honorees of the 2024 New York School of Interior Design Gala

In addition to celebrating NYSID, the gala will specifically honor three industry professionals and one firm. These honorees were chosen for the impact and excitement of their work, the forward-thinking nature of their contributions to design and the boldness of their leadership. They include:

Ann Pyne of McMillenAnny Pyne and McMillen: Ann Pyne is president of McMillen Inc. and has been with the company since 2002. Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, McMillen is America’s longest lasting interior design firm. Pryne and McMillen will receive the Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nate BerkusNate Berkus has been widely recognized for his contributions to design in popular culture. He is also the founder of Nate Berkus Associates and works in collaboration with some of the industry’s top brands. Berkus will receive the Larry Kravet Design Industry Leadership Award.

Erick EspinozaErick Espinoza received his BFA from NYSID in 2013. He is the creative director of Anthony Baratta, LLC. The Rising Star Award—sponsored by The Shade Store—will recognize his exceptional success.

“This year’s recipients are truly remarkable designers,” says David Sprouls, president of NYSID. “Their distinct career paths and approaches to design make each truly unique. But their brilliant talent, incredible firms, and extraordinary contributions to the field of design make all three truly inspirational to our students. I could not be more thrilled to celebrate their impact and honor them in a room full of their friends and colleagues.” 

NYSID Gala 2023

What Else Should You Know about the 2024 NYSID Gala?

The 2024 NYSID Gala co-chairs will be Chesie Breen, Ingrid Edelman, Alexa Hampton, Young Huh, David Kleinberg, and Betsey Ruprecht. Hampton will also emcee as the event welcomes over 300 designers, philanthropists, and supporters.

Ellen Kravet, chairman of the NYSID Board of Trustees explains why the gala remains so essential. “The money raised for scholarships allows our students to continue to do innovative things in our industry,” she says. “There is so much talent, and we have to nurture and support the creativity.” She thinks gala attendees should feel great about contributing to students’ future success while also applauding the achievements of the evening’s honorees.


Updated March 14, 2024 | aspire design and home magazine Editor in Chief, Amy Sneider, and Publisher, Steven Mandel, were delighted to attend this year’s NYSID Gala.

Pictured above: Chris Headley, founder of Fred’s Creative Consulting, Sydney Alvey, designer with Natalie O Design, Steven Mandel, Amy Sneider, Julie Metzinger, design and project manager for Natalie O Design, Malene Barnett, award-winning multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, and community builder, Natalie Officer, founder and driving creative force behind Natalie O Design, Kesha Franklin, Halden Interiors CEO and Creative Director, John Eason of John Douglas Eason Interior Design and Michelle Dopp, Founder of Fabric and steel.

Photography courtesy NYSID.

Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.

aspire design and home is seeker and storyteller of the sublime in living. It is a global guide to in-depth and varied views of beauty and shelter that stirs imagination; that delights and inspires homeowners as well as art and design doyens. Collaborating with emergent and eminent architects, artisans, designers, developers and tastemakers, aspire creates captivating content that savors the subjects and transports with stunning imagery and clever, thought-provoking writing. Through lush and unique visuals and a fresh editorial lens, aspire explores what is new and undiscovered in art, interiors, design, culture, real estate, travel and more. aspire design and home is an international narrative and resource for all seeking the sublime.