Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance Celebrates Successful Inaugural Gala – “An Evening of Light”

Guests traveled from New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, Texas, Hawaii, and even from Hong Kong to attend the landmark celebration, which raised more than $350,000 in support of AAPIDA’s mission to foster community, visibility, mentorship, and opportunity for AANHPI professionals in the design industry. 

“This evening exceeded every dream we had for what AAPIDA could become,” said Jessica Davis, President of AAPIDA and Gala Co-Chair. “To see our community gathered together in such a meaningful way was incredibly powerful. The support from our members, sponsors, and allies reminds us how important this work is and how much momentum exists for the future.” 

This year’s theme, “An Evening of Light,” celebrated the radiant influence of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in shaping the design world. The theme explores the power of light as both a literal and metaphorical symbol—highlighting the brilliance of AAPI innovators in home design. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural traditions, histories, and artistic practices of AANHPI heritage, the evening honored the pivotal contributions of AAPI designers in reimagining spaces and advancing design narratives. 

The evening honored three distinguished award recipients whose contributions embody AAPIDA’s mission and values. Legendary artist and designer Robert Kuo received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring impact on art, craftsmanship, and design. Benjamin Moore, the gala’s Presenting Sponsor, received the Industry Ally Award, accepted by Lauren Corbin in recognition of the company’s continued support of diversity and inclusion within the design industry. AAPIDA also celebrated two recipients of its Student Scholarship Award: 2026 recipient Loren Brittany Cruz and 2025 recipient Calvin Ma, recognizing emerging voices shaping the future of design. 

 The gala welcomed an extraordinary gathering of celebrated designers and creatives, including AD100, Elle Decor A List and celebrity designers such as Bobby Berk, Justina Blakeney, Dabito, Mikel Welch, Young Huh, Leo Marmol, Jamie Bush, Cesar Giraldo, Sarah Jane Ho, and Joan Behnke, alongside leading voices from the design industry including Noz Nozawa, Jessica Davis, Leah Alexander, Matthew Tsang, Peti Lau, Janice Barta, Alicia Cheung, Edel Legaspi, Linette Dai, Maria Wu, Jon de la Cruz, Huma Sulaiman, Sabah Mansoor, and James Fung and Whitney Maehara of NB Design Group. 

AAPIDA also recognized the generous support of its sponsors and partners who helped bring the evening to life. Benjamin Moore served as Presenting Sponsor, while Brizo participated as Emerald Sponsor. John Pomp Studios, Ruby Sponsors of the gala, also designed the evening’s custom glass award trophies. Laura Cheung of LALA Curio, also Ruby Sponsors, contributed the handcrafted wallcovering featured on the gala’s red-carpet backdrop, adding an immersive design element to the evening’s visual experience. 

“When this gala was first imagined, we hoped to create a space where our community could feel seen, celebrated, and connected,” said William Nguyen, Secretary of AAPIDA and Gala Co-Chair. “What made the evening so meaningful was seeing that vision come to life in such a powerful way. For so long, many AAPI creatives moved through this industry without always seeing themselves fully reflected in spaces like this. More than anything, I hope the next generation of designers walked away knowing there is space for them too.” 

Proceeds from the gala will directly support AAPIDA programming, including scholarships, mentorship initiatives, educational programming, community events, and future opportunities that continue uplifting AANHPI professionals and students across the design industry.