Editor’s Miscellany: Where Credit Is Due

By Kyle Hoepner

One of our goals in founding New England Home back in 2005 was to give the many very gifted talents working in high-end residential design in our corner of the world the recognition they deserve. At the time it just wasn’t happening: there was no regional publication like ours dedicated solely to showcasing this remarkable body of work at a level consistent with the best national home magazines. And for whatever reason, those national magazines did not (and still don’t) devote much space to the six states lying north and east of New York.

Over the years since, it has been wonderful to have a role in achieving that initial goal through each new issue of New England Home, and then through our Web site and e-newsletters and now through this very blog. But an even more personal form of recognition seemed called for, an opportunity for design fans and the trade itself to take stock of our achievements and honor some of the most outstanding people responsible. Hence the birth of our two awards programs, the New England Design Hall of Fame and 5 Under 40.

Every November, the New England Design Hall of Fame honors outstanding senior figures in our industry: people at the top of their game, whose long track records of success and influence inspire us all. 5 Under 40 looks toward the other end of the spectrum, calling out the emerging talents most likely to be tomorrow’s design stars–those who will, we hope, someday take their own rightful places in the Hall of Fame.

And–you can be part of the celebration. This year’s 5 Under 40 winners will be honored on Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 6:30–9:30 p.m., at the Galleria at 333 Stuart Street in Boston. Please join us for drinks, small plates, and a rousing tribute to our design future. (Click here for ticket information.)

As one element of the festivities, each winner has designed a custom rug, produced by presenting sponsor Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs and Carpeting, that will be auctioned off during the September 15 party to benefit the Cambridge, Massachusetts–based charity, Barakat. Wouldn’t you love the chance to take one of them home?

Here’s a quick rundown of who these special people are and an example or two of why they deserve our attention.

Debra Folz, Furniture & Accessories

Jinhee Park, Architecture

Rachel Reider, Interiors

Kelly Harris Smith, Accessories

Nima Yadollahpour, Architecture

Once again, please do join us for the party on September 15 if you’re in the area. And expect to hear more about this year’s New England Design Hall of Fame soon. (One hint: It might be a good idea to keep the evening of November 3 free.)