The Design Connection, from Novità

Novità is an award-winning PR, marketing, digital and social media agency, driven by our passion for design, architecture, real estate, art, technology, and culinary excellence and led by our core values of sustainability, wellness, equality and diversity. We are creative connectors, strategists and activators. We are a national team of 24 people in New York, California, Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana. In addition to architecture and design, we love good food, modern art, globe trotting, and curling up with a good magazine or book.

We love the work we do and we are so proud to start sharing it with you more regularly. In this spirit, we are pleased to present - The Design Connection. Our inaugural issue will reveal the revelry of our 25th birthday party, feature an interview with the new CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and offer a recap of recent events and a look forward to a better world.

Novità Spotlight: Novità Turns 25!

Earlier this year we celebrated 25 years of Novità with our wonderful colleagues from across the design industry, followed by a company retreat at Snug Harbor where the Novità team came together to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and celebrate a year of growth and success. We marked our 25th year with a festive evening full of quintessentially Novità things: amazing food, dear friends, fabulous cocktails, and dancing!?

We may be 25 but we’re always busy doing or discovering something new–like our first LinkedIn newsletter!

A Conversation Between Novità Founder and President Chris Abbate and Khoi Vo, ASID’s New CEO

I am thrilled to introduce you all to Khoi Vo, the new CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). I’m sure many of you in the industry are familiar with Khoi already. He brings more than 20 years of experience in interior design, architecture, and education; from Professor, Chair and VP of Industry Relations for the Savannah College of Art and Design, to the founder and design director of both Studio Four Los Angeles and Khoi Vo Design. He’s a member of numerous industry organizations, including the Interior Design Educator Council Foundation, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and has received many illustrious awards including the 2015 Honorable Mention for the CIDA Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2017-18 DesignIntelligence Top 25 Most Admired Educators, and a SCAD Presidential Fellowship.?

I had the pleasure of asking Khoi a few questions about his new position and his vision for ASID and the design industry. I hope you enjoy our conversation below. I can’t wait to see his vision manifest. XO Chris?

CA: What is your vision for ASID going forward??

KV: Service to our diverse membership will always be of central importance to me at ASID. Our organization represents all sectors of the design community—from students, educators and new practitioners, to experienced professionals and industry partners—and this diverse membership has diverse needs. ASID has a responsibility to support our members by providing education, mentorship, support, and access to our vast network of professionals, but it is also important that we unify this incredible group and share in our collective voice the power that design has to impact lives. In my vision for ASID, we will continue to bring together our community to advocate for the importance of design, because we are collectively committed to affecting as much good as we can through our contributions to the built environment.??

CA: This approach means so much!? A recent article about you in “Architect Magazine” stated, “Khoi Vo’s leadership will serve not only the Society, but the whole design world and public.” How do you hope to influence the broader design world and the public in this new role??

KV: In the past decade, and particularly since the pandemic, the world has seen the positive impact design has on all aspects of our lives. Interior designers are critical community leaders as we have reimagined the way we live, work and play. Through our work at ASID, we want to make our world more diverse, equitable and inclusive, and create broader access to good design.

CA: You’ve held many roles within the design industry and profession. Can you share a favorite or two up to now??

KV: My career journey has been such a blessing. I’ve been a designer, educator, academic administrator and business developer—experiences that each brought me a global perspective and afforded me the opportunity to interact with so many diverse groups of people. I am particularly grateful for my experience leading SCAD’s international campus in Hong Kong, where I worked with students and faculty from all over the world—an experience that prepared me now to represent the most incredible design community at ASID.?

CA: That must have been amazing to have the opportunity in Hong Kong. What is one thing most people don’t know about you??

KV: Many people may not know that I was born in Saigon, Vietnam and immigrated to the US in the 80’s with my family. Talk about the best time to grow up in America! My formative years in the U.S. were influenced by seeing the first “Top Gun” in the theater, listening to Whitney Houston, the Police, Prince and Wham, and making mix tapes. I’m sure my mom still has a pair or two of my Z Cavaricci’s somewhere in the closet. Many people may not know that I’m still a fan to this day of all things 80's!

CA: I’m an 80’s girl too so that is another thing to love about you!!! What is one thing you would change about the world we live in if you had the power??

KV: It concerns me greatly how divided our communities are, and how violent our diverse viewpoints have made us. I believe our differences are our greatest strength, and I would wish for us all to be able to come to the table with differing viewpoints and learn to respect each other and agree (peacefully) to disagree.??

CA: What is one thing you would love to see change in the design industry??

KV: The design industry is resilient and nimble! One reason I love design so much is that it is always changing to meet the needs of stakeholders.

CA: I love that too- No two days are alike :) We are lucky to work in such an amazing industry. Last question: what is one thing you wish you could go back and tell the Khoi just starting out in his career??

KV: Ah, I would tell young Khoi to be more present and involved in your everyday life…..and buy Apple stock.?

Building a Better World: All About Gratitude

On the heels of Thanksgiving, we are all reminded to think about the people and things we’re thankful for. We’re deeply inspired by the gratitude practice of our client, award-winning interior designer and wellness expert Lisa Kahn, and wanted to share it with you.?

Gratitude is woven into Lisa’s daily life and work; and in the mission of her design firm, Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs. As we begin to look towards the hectic holiday season, Lisa prepares for what she calls Project Gratitude. This annual practice began 10 years ago, blossoming from the ashes of burnout and a sea of corporate holiday gifts that lacked thought or intention. Lisa developed a list of 50 individuals who had the biggest impact on her business and hand-wrote a thoughtful heartfelt letter to each person expressing her gratitude. By January, all 50 individuals had responded to Lisa noting how impactful her note was. From that day forward, Lisa has harnessed her positive energy towards a practice that celebrates the meaningful connections in her life and her business. A testament to her passion for finding peace within and sharing it with others, Project Gratitude is more than a message of thanks; it is a meaningful refuge composed of thought, care, and gratitude, going into the holidays.

Building a Better World: BADG of Honor

The Black Artists and Designers Guild (BADG) recently hosted BADG of Honor, an immersive design experience, awards ceremony, and fundraiser celebrating the visionaries who advance Black creativity and culture as well as the impact of collective action toward building equitable and inclusive spaces. Alongside the awards celebration, BADG launched BLACK JOY, an online auction featuring collective art and design from BADG Makers and other generous donors. The Novità team had the privilege of attending the inspiring reception of Black creative power.?

“Attending BADG of Honor and being surrounded by Black design powerhouses who are making strides in the industry and creating inclusive spaces was truly a rewarding experience,” shared Novità Account Executive Majesty Henry. “The event really highlighted the importance of our community. It is inspiring to see how BADG continues to promote the celebration and recognition of Black artists and designers whose work centers around the Black experience and Black culture.”

BADG of Honor Award Honorees included:

• Mashonda Tifrere, Founder of ArtLeadher (Collective Circle Award)
• Walther Hood, Creative Director + Founder of Hood Design Studio (Founder Award)
• Franklin Sirmans, Director of the Perez Art Museum in Miami (Legacy Award)
• Dr. Dori Tunstall, Dean of Design at OCAD University (Education Award)

BADG Maker Award nominees, identified by fellow BADG members as creatives whose work fosters spaces to celebrate Black culture and creativity, included Kesha Franklin, Breegan Jane, Karen Revis, Cheryl R. Riley, and Jomo Tariku.?

Learn more about the BADG of Honor Awards and the BLACK JOY online auction here. Click here to support the Guild’s mission with a donation.

Client Event Highlights from November

IPPODO Gallery Opening | Ippodo Gallery celebrates iconic Japanese kinetic sculptor, Susumu Shingu, in its groundbreaking exhibition 'Susumu Shingu Sculpting with Wind,' open through December 29. A long-time collaborator with Renzo Piano, Enrique Norten and others, Shingu's site-specific installations can be seen around the world. The exhibition marks the artist’s first solo show in the United States and is a must-see if you're in the New York area!

BDNY | BDNY took place last month and the Novità team is back in the office after spending a few days with our wonderful clients at the show. Room & Board Business Interiors showcased stunning multifunctional American-made furnishings, Duravit revealed two exquisite new collections (Soleil by Stark and Zencha) and sixteen premier Ceramics of Italy brands exhibited their newest collections. Additionally, the revolutionary performance fabric Supreen was on display at numerous booths around the show.

Refractory at Salon | Refractory showcased its collectible works at Salon in New York this November. The Chicago-based atelier took over the Park Avenue Armory’s Colonel’s Room, where it introduced visitors to its rigorously crafted furniture, lighting and objects. The curated space also served as a debut for Refractory’s new chair collection, Holotype, its new Scimitar Dining Table and its Heretofore Sconce.?

ADFF Vancouver and Toronto | The Architecture and Design Film Festival (ADFF) screened this year’s engaging and enlightening documentary features to audiences in both Vancouver and Toronto this month. Its next stop will be in DC in January in January, followed by Chicago and the online festival in February.?

Stylex Showroom Opening | Stylex opened the doors to its first NYC showroom in a bright and inviting space designed by IA at the New York Design Center.?

Moroso Showroom Opening | Historic Italian brand Moroso opened a new Flagship store in NoMad, NYC, celebrating its 70th anniversary. Designed by award-winning Spanish architect, industrial designer and art director Patricia Urquiola, the new outpost marks a significant milestone in Moroso’s continued global expansion and has already established itself as a landmark design destination.?

DIFFA Grants Reception?| Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) invited guests to learn about the important work DIFFA grantees are doing to support those combating HIV/AIDs, homelessness and mental health issues at an industry fundraising event at the S-Bar.?