Interior Design Hall of Fame Awards Celebrates Last Year at Waldorf Astoria

The 32nd Hall of Fame awards, which took place last night in New York, had a slightly more sentimental tone this year. The longstanding venue of the event, the Waldorf Astoria, will soon close for major renovations, making this celebration the last to be held in the beloved ballroom.

The __design industry cognoscenti came out in droves to toast this memorable year. The new 2016 inductees—Anda Andrei, Isay Weinfeld, Brad Zizmor and Dag Folger, and recipient of the special leadership award, Cheryl S. Durst—joined Hall of Famers from years past who traveled from their respective corners of the world to attend the event.

In uncertain times for the industry, the gala was a testament to design’s staying power. Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen gave a tribute to the lives lost in 2016, reminding attendees of the great talent that has graced the industry. Documentaries celebrating the work of the new inductees then aired, providing a glimpse of the energy and optimism that only continues to grow in the __design world.

Durst, the executive vice president and CEO of the IIDA, summed it up in her speech, the last of the night. “We will own this industry and cease accusing others of taking it away from us,” she said. “We will own this industry and we will define it."

Special thanks to our 2016 sponsors for their support of the 32nd Annual Hall of Fame Awards.