Like the real thing, stars of design are forged over years of hard work; the right mix of elements and a little magic. At the D&D Building, our Stars of Design are acknowledged for their accomplishments in Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Product Design, Architecture, Landscape Design, Art and Lifetime Achievement. Now in its 10th year, there were also three interior designers recognized as ‘Stars on Rise’ for their already shining careers and bright futures.

Meet the stars who were honored with one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.

Introducing The 2017 Stars of Design

The Stars on the Rise award category, which was established in 2012, recognizes the next generation of the design industry. These professional designers are new on the design horizon, but already breaking boundaries and making waves.

Introducing The 2017 Stars on the Rise

DDB president and CEO Charles S. Cohen presented the winners with their towering hand-cut glass awards at a glamorous dinner and awards ceremony at Upper Story by Charlie Palmer, on the 14th floor of the DDB after the first day of Fall Market. Celebrations were held during day one of the building’s 52nd Fall Market, The Power of Storytelling: People | Product | Process, the two-day industry event attended by top designers, editors and industry professionals.

During a one-hour cocktail hour the Stars of Design and their supporters and loved ones, enjoyed much-deserved cocktails with each other and toasted to their accomplishments. Virginia Tupker, one of the Star on the Rise honorees said, “It’s just such an honor to be presented with this award and it’s so nice for everyone in the industry to come together.”

Honorees were emotional as they accepted these coveted awards. Lee Mindel, the Stars of Design honoree for Lifetime Achievement, dedicated his shining Tiffany’s bowl award to his late partner, Peter Shelton. Rajni Alex, a Stars on the Rise honoree, was moved greatly by the entire event and humbly accepted her honor by thanking the industry and Charles Cohen for this opportunity. 

Stay tuned as Go Design Go gets to know the 2017 class of design stars throughout the year in its new mini-series, Star Spotlight.