NYCxDESIGN is driven by core values deeply rooted in community and creativity, always mindful of inclusivity, equality, diversity, sustainability, and regenerative design for the greater good of humanity.

Beyond its annual Festival, NYCxDESIGN’s year-round programming serves as a robust platform for the diverse spectrum of design talent found in New York City. 

Whether showcasing students, emerging designers, or highly decorated professionals across various design disciplines, our programs foster an environment for sharing, educating, learning, and uniting. The overarching aim is to address the pressing needs of our world with attention and care, inspiring the next generation to embrace design as a tool for solving problems and contributing positively to tomorrow’s challenges.

About

Mission

NYCxDESIGN connects and amplifies the broad coalition of design that fuels New York City and enriches the world. 

Purpose

At the heart of NYCxDESIGN’s mission lies the NYCxDESIGN Festival, an annual citywide celebration featuring hundreds of design events, from exhibits and trade shows to talks and tours, drawing hundreds of thousands attendees from near and far, making it a must-attend for design enthusiasts worldwide.

Beliefs

  • We firmly believe that design stands as a paramount force in tackling and resolving the most urgent societal challenges.
  • Our conviction lies in New York City as a global epicenter of design, hosting a diverse array of professionals and disciplines that collectively form the largest design community worldwide.
  • We strongly hold that our greatest strength emerges when we unite to exchange and articulate a myriad of perspectives, fostering a powerful environment for collaboration and progress.
  • We champion a fundamental principle rooted in sustainability, social diversity, and justice for all.

Value

NYCxDESIGN’s core values are centered in community and creativity with an ever-present consciousness of inclusivity, equality, diversity, sustainability and regenerative design for humanity’s greater good.
  • Economic Impact: The design industry is a significant contributor to New York City’s economy. NYCxDESIGN brings in a large number of visitors, which has a positive impact on local businesses.
  • Fostering Creativity and Collaboration: NYCxDESIGN creates a vibrant and dynamic environment where designers from various disciplines can come together, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. 
  • Showcasing Innovation: NYCxDESIGN serves as a platform for designers, artists, and innovators to display their creations and ideas.
  • Educational Opportunities: NYCxDESIGN often includes workshops, seminars, and lectures, providing valuable learning experiences for emerging and established designers, students and aspiring designers.
  • Promoting Design as a Career: By showcasing the achievements and impact of designers, especially those based in NYC, it encourages young talent to consider design as a viable and fulfilling career path.
  • Cultural Exchange: NYCxDESIGN attracts a diverse range of participants and attendees from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and exposing attendees to different design philosophies, styles, and techniques.
  • Sustainable Design Advocacy: NYCxDESIGN often features discussions and exhibitions focused on sustainable and eco-friendly design practices, encouraging the industry to adopt more environmentally conscious approaches.
  • Supporting Diverse Local Talent: NYCxDESIGN provides a platform for local designers and artisans of all backgrounds to gain recognition and exposure. This is crucial for sustaining a thriving design community within the city and ensuring inclusivity and attention.
  • City Branding: NYCxDESIGN helps in establishing New York City’s reputation as a global design and cultural capital, and attracts designers and design enthusiasts, elevating the city’s overall image and appeal.

NYCxDESIGN's History

The overseeing City organizations NYC & Company – now known as NYC Tourism and Convention – and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, appointed Edward Hogikyan to spearhead the official ‘design week’, named NYCxDESIGN Festival. Over its eight formative years, Hogikyan successfully elevated NYCxDESIGN Festival to become one of the preeminent design festivals globally, joining Milan, Paris, and London on the design world stage.
Inaugurated in May 2012, NYCxDESIGN Festival recognized and promoted the achievements of established design events and fairs in New York City, including ICFF, and the younger WantedDesign. Throughout the subsequent decade, additional anchor events were introduced to enhance the NYCxDESIGN Festival experience, including Design Pavilion that heightened public awareness, the NYCxDESIGN Awards presented by Interior Design Magazine, and the NYCxDESIGN Student Showcase.
In September 2020, with the support and assistance of SANDOW, the notable publishing company, NYCxDESIGN underwent a significant transformation, transitioning into a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. This strategic shift positioned the entity for sustained success in serving New York City’s dynamic design community and fostering increased tourism in celebration of its annual design festival.

The Power of Design in New York

NYC boasts the highest concentration of designers and architects per capita compared to any other city worldwide, featuring an impressive landscape with over 60,000 designers and architects, 8,000 design and architectural firms, and a rich tapestry of 1,000 museums and galleries. The city is also home to ten of the world’s premier design schools.
As the epicenter of the world’s largest design community, New York City possesses an unparalleled inherent design audience, making it the prime gateway for brands seeking entry into the U.S. market.
NYCxDESIGN actively positions NYC as an authentic design destination, a pivotal nexus where design culture converges with industry. It functions as a dynamic connector and platform for idea exchange, bolstering and unifying the city’s influential and diverse design sectors.

NYCxDESIGN Opportunities

NYCxDESIGN extends its impact beyond the annual Festival by spearheading meaningful year-round programs that champion diversity, foster equitable opportunities, and promote inclusion within the city’s design professions. Through engaging public activations and open events, we aspire to ignite inspiration in young individuals, encouraging them to envision themselves as the future designers and problem solvers of our city.
Year-round, NYCxDESIGN amplifies the voices of New York City designers through:
  • NYCxDESIGN Keynote, high level presentations
  • Design Pavilion, immersive outdoor public activations
  • NYCxDESIGN Mic podcast hosted by Debbie Millman
  • NYCxDESIGN Awards presented by Interior Design Magazine
  • NYCxDESIGN Design Tours and Talks, highlighting NYC’s most creative minds
  • Ode to NYC poster campaign
  • Emerging Designer Residency, supporting the work of designers in the early stages of their careers
And there is so much more to explore!

Board of Directors

Erica Holborn, CEO
Chair,
Erica Holborn

CEO, SANDOW Design Group

Headshot of Director, Amaechi Uzoigwe Manager, Run The Jewels
Director,
Amaechi Uzoigwe

Manager, Run The Jewels

Director,
Elan Cole

New York City Tourism + Conventions

Headshot Director, Benjamin Prosky President, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust
Treasurer,
Benjamin Prosky

President, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust

headshot Vice President, New York City Economic Development Corporation
Director,
Sonia Park

Vice President, New York City Economic Development Corporation

Director,
Kimberly Weinrick
Strategic Communications Rock The Street, Wall Street

Team

Headshot Ilene Shaw
Executive Director, 
Ilene Shaw

Producer, 
Bethany McHugh

Producer, 
Michael Ruocco

Ongoing Supporters

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.