The New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) is pleased to announce its upcoming spring schedule of exhibitions, lectures, and other public programs with award-winning leaders in interior design and architecture. The College will launch its spring season with an exciting and insightful talk by editor in chief of Interior Design magazine, Cindy Allen on Wednesday, January 30 at 6PM and continue throughout the spring semester.

Highlighting the work of remarkable design professionals, this season’s programs will feature a diverse group of high-profile speakers and panelists to discuss innovative ideas in interior design, architecture, and the built environment. These captivating programs provide insight for both established and emerging professionals as well as students interested in the field.

All Spring Public Programs will be held at the New York School of Interior Design – Arthur Satz Auditorium – 170 East 70 Street, New York City.

To purchase or reserve student tickets in advance, visit the News and Events page on nysid.edu or call 212-472-1500, ext. 405.

Below is a listing of our upcoming public events.

JANUARY

Step Inside the Interior Design Hall of Fame with Cindy Allen

Lecture

January 30, 2019, 6PM

In this presentation, editor in chief of Interior Design magazine Cindy Allen will take you behind the scenes of the 34^th annual Interior Design Hall of Fame, giving you an inside look in the making of the Hall of Fame documentaries and all that goes into creating the Academy Awards of our industry. Selected by Cindy and a nominating committee of previous Hall of Fame members, learn more about this year’s inductees: Kengo Kuma, Marcel Wanders, Patrick Tighe, and IwamotoScott.

FEBRUARY

Matchmaker, Matchmaker: A Conversation with "The Contractor Whisperer"

Discussion

February 27, 2019, 6PM

Join us for a conversation with leading design entrepreneurs Wendy Goodman and Jean Brownhill. Wendy, the legendary design editor of New York magazine, has been like a fairy godmother to Jean, a trained architect who founded Sweeten, a free renovation matchmaking service connecting the design trade and homeowners with vetted general contractors. What did Wendy see in Jean's entrepreneurial spirit that made her an early believer? How did "The Contractor Whisperer" (as New York calls Jean) translate her personal renovation nightmare into a dream company with $1 billion projects in the pipeline? How can more women succeed in mostly male-dominated industries? 

MARCH

Designing for the Big and Small Screen: The World of Production Designers and Set Decorators

Panel Discussion

March 6, 2019, 6PM

Join author and journalist Cathy Whitlock (Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction), set decorators Ellen Christiansen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Sheila Bock (Madam Secretary), and Andrew Baseman (Crazy Rich Asians) as they take us behind the scenes of their highly acclaimed productions, and share their design secrets and talk about working as a designer in the film industry.

What Makes Designing in New York "New York-ish"? 

Panel Discussion

March 27, 2019, 6PM

New York is an international city, the center of many powerful industries such as finance, advertising, publishing, media, art, fashion and yes, our personal favorites, interior design and architecture. Learn from how the best and boldest collaborate and succeed in New York design. What makes the work of an interior designer in New York special and New York-ish? From city permits and coop rules, how does working in the city differ from working anywhere else? New York designers require solid strategy, utter professionalism, toughness and charm.

Join Wendy Moonan as she explores the relationship between architects and interior designers in New York, using examples from her book, New York Splendor: The City’s Most Memorable Rooms.

This program is co-sponsored by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA). Free admission for ICAA members.

APRIL

Gay by Design: LGBT Historic Sites of the Design Communities

Panel Discussion

April 10, 2019, 6PM

Founded by historic preservation professionals in 2015, the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project is the first initiative to comprehensively document historic places connected to the LGBT community in the city's five boroughs, from the 17th century to the year 2000. Sites – such as former residences of LGBT notables, bars and clubs, educational and cultural institutions, works of public art and architecture, activism locations, and performing arts venues – illustrate the richness of the city's LGBT history and the community's influence on American culture. At this talk, the project team will highlight historic places where LGBT designers have made an indelible impact on the landscape of New York City.

MAY

Alumni Lecture with Laurie H. Smith

Lecture

May 8, 2019, 6PM

NYSID alumnae, Laurie Smith, joins us for an intimate conversation and look into her journey as an interior designer.

As one of the first designers to hit the airwaves on TLC’s Emmy nominated show Trading Spaces in 2000, Laurie has been able to expand her style and knowledge of design through various product lines, speaking opportunities and as an author.

Laurie and the original cast of Trading Spaces returned after 10 years to TLC Spring of 2018 with the series reboot airing an anticipated second season this spring!

Laurie is beyond excited to share her personal renovation story of a contemporary home, examples from her book, Discovering Home, and answer questions about the beloved series Trading Spaces with students and alumni of her alma mater.