Pioneering Design® | Makers and Creators: Pivoting in Design

The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) proudly presents “Makers and Creators: Pivoting in Design,” a panel conversation in which renowned industry experts will discuss their collaborative design experiences and share insights gained from pivoting in their design process. The event will be held Wednesday, April 12th, starting at 5:30pm, at the Proshansky Auditorium in CUNY’s Graduate Center at 365 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. As the second part of IIDA NY’s Pioneering Design® series following the recent discussion with “Hip Hop Architect” Michael Ford, the panel discussion will consist of the following presenters: 

Andy Cruz is the founder and creative director of design studio and font foundry, House Industries. A standard-bearer of graphic design for over 30 years, House has created art for some of the most recognized brands, products, and people in the world. Cruz’s work is in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

Andy Singer is the CEO and founder of Visual Comfort & Co., the premier resource for signature designer lighting. Over Visual Comfort’s 35+ years in the industry, they have partnered with over 30 influential names in design, including Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade New York, AERIN, Kelly Wearstler, Thomas O’ Brien, and E.F. Chapman.

Lauren Rottet is one of the most-celebrated interior designers and architects in the world today. She is the Founding Principal and President of Rottet Studio, an international architecture and interior design firm, and is the first woman in history to be elevated to Fellow status by both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Kai Williams is a Co-Founder of Chen Chen & Kai Williams. The studio invents new techniques and materials or diverts common industrial supplies to off-label applications. They create a wide range of products from hand made one-off and limited production collectible works to manufacturing specialty home goods carried by retailers around the world. 

Karen Stone (Moderator) is an Adjunct Professor of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute. Stone has taught all over the world, from Bauhaus Universitat-Weimar and Tsinghua University, Beijing, to Samsung Art and Design Institute; and has led projects with Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts and Keio University. A former Director of Design for Knoll Inc, her award-winning work spans over three decades and established new directions for the brand and their designs. Karen concurrently serves on the Board of the Brooklyn Arts Council.

Tickets for the upcoming Pioneering Design® event “Makers and Creators: Pivoting in Design” may be purchased here.

About IIDA NY

The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY) is a professional networking and educational association of more than 800 Members in five specialty Forums. IIDA NY provides its Members with the resources to reach expertise, knowledge and contacts. Networking events allow professionals and industry members to connect on more personal terms that encourage trust, collaboration and innovation. In 2021, IIDA NY formed Equity Council, an independent, open and inclusive body of participants who may or may not be members of IIDA. Their goal is to foster engagement and accountability toward meaningful change in the design industry, advocating for increased equity in the field through four key pillars: inclusion, diversity, education and communication. The Chapter is proud to have been recognized as IIDA Large Chapter of the Year in 2011, 2008, 2001 and 2000. For more information, visit: http://www.iidany.org/.