(New York, NY – July 2004) Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Robert W. Walsh this evening presented honors to eleven recipients of the 2004 New York City Neighborhood Development Achievement Awards at Gracie Mansion, including Karen Auster for Brooklyn Designs™. The awards, established in honor of the late, former SBS Assistant Commissioner Barbara Wolff, are given to neighborhood organizations that have demonstrated excellence, partnership and creativity in enhancing New York City’s business environment and quality of life. Director of Community Affairs for Citibank Jacqueline Arrington, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Con Edison Eugene McGrath were also in attendance to present the awards; Con Edison and Citibank underwrote this year’s award ceremony.
“Neighborhoods are built by building great partnerships,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “I am delighted to recognize the creative work of these fine organizations who have worked collaboratively with government to increase opportunities and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. Tonight, we celebrate their achievements, both large and small, that have contributed to making New York City great.”
“When small businesses work together with the community to improve their neighborhoods, the results can be phenomenal,” said SBS Commissioner Walsh. “Today’s award recipients have each shown an exemplary spirit of teamwork and commitment that is a shining example to be replicated. SBS is committed to providing the support and leadership to local groups to make sure that each of our neighborhoods is an excellent place to live and do business.”
New York City’s business improvement districts, local development corporations and other local organizations nominated projects in six award categories listed below. Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Development Mark Newhouse, SBS administered the nomination, evaluation and selection process in collaboration with the selection committee of Jeff Finkle of the International Economic Development Council, Sharon Greenberger of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding, Frances Resheshke of Con Edison, Dr. Mitchell Moss of New York University, and Hector Ramirez of Citibank.
Karen Auster was the winner for Brooklyn Designs™ in the category “Promotions & Marketing – Outstanding Achievement.”
Brooklyn Designs™ launched in 2003 by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, features Brooklyn’s best contemporary home and office furnishing designers over the course of a three-day exhibition. The inaugural show drew 30 exhibitors and attracted over 3,000 visitors. Praised in the media and featured in several trade and consumer magazines, the event grew for the 2004 show, adding a second location that provided enough space for 45 designers and a crowd of more than 5,200 visitors.
(Brooklyn, NY – May 2004) Brooklyn was the place to be this weekend (Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2) as the second edition of Brooklyn Designs™ broke all records – drawing more than 5,000 visitors to DUMBO. Presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the show featured 46 of Brooklyn’s most talented designers of contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories in two locations – St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Brooklyn Designs™ Gallery. Click here to view the photos.
According to Kenneth Adams, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “With over 5,000 people at the show this year, the attendance was way beyond our expectations. You could feel the excitement as the crowds filled the aisles and spilled out onto the streets of DUMBO. Brooklyn Designs’ success is a testament to the borough’s exploding creative economy.”
In the words of one visitor, Katherine Cerullo, “Brooklyn Designs provided the perfect opportunity to see what’s going on in studios all over the borough. Plus, the St. Ann’s Warehouse and Brooklyn Designs Gallery really added to the artsy, hip feel of the event.”
Ruby Metzner of Hivemindesign said, “We were amazed at how much the Brooklyn Designs show had grown in just one year. Not only were there many new designers, but the press, trade and public traffic was at least twice that of last year. There was such a diverse range of designers and craftsmen, I think this show is going to need more space.”
Tom Russo of Red Hook had this to say: “I was very impressed with the level of creativity I saw at the show. I’m very proud to know that all of those wonderful crafts and furnishings were made in Brooklyn.”
For many participants, Brooklyn Designs™ was an opportunity to launch their newest products for spring. For some, it was their first trade-show ever. Newcomers and “veterans” alike were eager to express their enthusiasm about the show. As Paul Galli of 54 Dean put it, “Brooklyn Designs was our first trade show and the experience couldn’t have been better. The reception we received was phenomenal. We are already looking forward to next year’s show.”
According to new exhibitor and Director of DESU Design David Scott, “I found Brooklyn Designs to be a very positive experience. The show was exceptionally produced and generated a great deal of interest in our company. I plan to double our space for next year.”
Scott Braun of Scott Braun Furniture added, “I felt like the people visiting my booth were there with a purpose. I made some solid business connections and met with people who are genuinely interested in my work. This was the best show I’ve ever done.”
In addition to the high volume of foot traffic at the exhibits, the professional and consumer seminars were all well-attended. James Russell, Editor at Large of Architectural Record Magazine, moderated a lively panel entitled Brooklyn Waterfront Development – Re-Connecting with the Harbor with such design heavyweights as Matthew Urbanski, Max Bond and Tom Hanrahan. Other program highlights included Enrique Norten, Michael Gabellini, Cindy Allen, a panel on sustainable design led by Susan Lyons and speakers from Expo Design Center, Dwell Magazine and Furniture NY.
Enrique Norton To Be Keynote Speaker
(Brooklyn, NY – April 2, 2004) The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is putting the final touches on Brooklyn Designs™ 2004 which will take place April 30 – May 2. This year, 45 of Brooklyn’s finest contemporary furnishings designers will create exhibits at St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water Street and the Brooklyn Designs™ Gallery (former Gale Gates Gallery), 37 Main Street. Attendees can get a sneak peek at the products that will be on display by visiting brooklyndesigns.net.
Additionally, the Chamber is pleased to announce that world-renowned architect Enrique Norten will be headlining the seminar/lecture series as the keynote speaker the evening of Friday, April 30. Norten is the founder and principal of the firm TEN Arquitectos, which has offices in both Mexico City and New York. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including The Architecture Prize of the National Fund for the Arts, the Gold medal from the Society of American Registered Architects and currently holds the Miller Chair at the University of Pennsylvania. “We are honored to be hosting Enrique Norten as our keynote speaker this year. His participation is truly a testament to the important role Brooklyn plays within the design community,” said Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Another show highlight will be a panel discussion on Brooklyn Waterfront Development. It will feature James Russell, Editor at Large, Architectural Record Magazine; Tom Hanrahan, Dean of Architecture, Pratt Institute; as well as two architects currently working on prominent waterfront projects – Matthew Urbanski, Principal, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc Landscape Architects PC; and Max Bond, Principal, Davis Brody Bond.
Other outstanding speakers include: Cindy Allen, Interior Design Magazine, Michael Gabellini, Gabellini Associates, Christopher Coleman, Christopher Coleman Interior Design, Susan Lyons, E3 Studio and interior designer Chris Kraig. Also on the program are timely design seminars including an Expo Design Center presentation on Kitchen Design, a Furniture New York session on Commissioning Custom Work and Dwell Magazine’s provocative Evolution of Design in Brooklyn.
Show hours for Brooklyn Designs™ 2004 have been set for Friday, April 30, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, May 1, 10 am – 7 pm; and Sunday, May 2, 10 am – 5 pm. Admission for the general public is $10. Pre-registered members of the design trade attend for free all day Friday.
Following is the full event schedule. (You may click here to download the Event Schedule in PDF format.)
FRIDAY, April 30th 10am – 8pm
11am to 12 pm
Design Imitates Nature, Imitates Art, Imitates Life, Imitates Design…
Susan Lyons, Principal of E 3 Studio, will lead a discussion on sustainable design
12 to 2 pm
Designer/Architect Luncheon (Trade Only)
Sponsored by Digital NYC: Wired to the World and Two Trees Management, 45 Main Street, Suite 900
2 to 3 pm
Making It (or Trying to) in the Design World
Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief of Interior Design Magazine, will host a discussion on how to succeed in the design industry
4 to 5 pm
Living with Lightness: The Creation of a Pure Aesthetic
Michael Gabellini, Gabellini Associates, will present a survey of work in his minimalist vocabulary
6:30 to 7:30 pm
Enrique Norten in Brooklyn
Enrique Norten, Principal, TEN Arquitectos, will speak about his recent work and his firm’s winning entry in the Brooklyn Public Library’s Visual and Performing Arts Library Competition
SATURDAY, May 1st 10am – 7pm
10:30am to 12 pm
Brooklyn Waterfront Development – Re-Connecting with the Harbor Panel Discussion featuring: James Russell, Editor at Large, Architectural Record Magazine; Matthew Urbanski, Principal, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc Landscape Architects PC; Max Bond, Principal, Davis Brody Bond; and Tom Hanrahan, Dean of Architecture, Pratt Institute
1 to 2 pm
Design a Kitchen That Looks as Great as it Cooks
Presented by the Expo Design Center
4 to 4:15 pm
Presentation of The Future Perfect 2004 Brooklyn Designs People’s Choice Award
4:15 to 5:15 pm
Working with a Designer for the First Time…
Brooklyn designer, Christopher Coleman, will show ways to save time and money, while working with a design professional
SUNDAY, May 2nd 10am – 5pm
12 to 1 pm
Current & Future Trends in Interiors
Interior Design Specialist, Chris Kraig, will share his ideas on current and future trends in interiors
2 to 3 pm
Designing Brooklyn…the Evolution
Marc Kristal of Dwell Magazine will lead a panel in a spirited, in-depth look at the borough’s design community from various historical, aesthetic, cultural, economic and civic perspectives. Panel discussion featuring: Evan Snyderman, Co-owner, R 20th Century Design; Andrew Bernheimer, Della Valle + Bernheimer; Ruby Metzger and Sather Duke, Hive Mind Design
3:30 to 4:30 pm
Commissioning Work – Easier and More Affordable Than You Think
Panel Discussion featuring exhibiting members of Furniture NY
Brooklyn Designs is made possible by support from Speaker Sheldon Silver, the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly, Speaker Gifford Miller, the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York City Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
For more information contact Karen Auster at 718 875-1000 ext. 146.
NEW EXHIBITORS COME ON BOARD
(Brooklyn, NY – March 2004) With less than two months to go, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has been moving full steam ahead with the production of Brooklyn Designs™ 2004.
The Brooklyn Chamber is pleased to announce that EXPO Design Center has joined Interior Design Magazine, Time Out New York and Two Trees Management as a sponsor of this year’s show. “We are very proud to be working with the EXPO Design Center. As a prominent New York retailer and a top home-decor destination, this is a helpful and exciting partnership,” said Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. As part of their sponsorship, EXPO Design Center is already working on a hands-on kitchen design seminar that will be conducted by an EXPO design expert. “We are very much looking forward to this opportunity to work with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. EXPO is proud to be part of this community,” said Tony Venezia, Store Manager of the EXPO Design Center in East Elmhurst, New York.
The Brooklyn Designs™ 2004 exhibitor line-up has expanded significantly and will include several new designers and manufactures. MAKE Product Development, Inc. a Red Hook-based firm which designs and manufacturers everything from upholstered furnishings to contemporary dinnerware; and one-of-a-kind custom stained glass windows craftsperson Nancy Nicholson are just a few of the new faces to be seen at the year’s show. According to another newcomer, Bart Bettencourt, of Bettencourt Woodworking, “The Brooklyn design industry has become recognized worldwide and as a member of this community I strongly believe that by exhibiting at Brooklyn Designs my work will be exposed to a larger more knowledgeable audience.”
Also, several of the exhibitors who participated in last year’s inaugural program will be making a second appearance, including: 3 Square Design, A Loomful of Hues, Kea Carpets & Kilim, City Joinery, DYAD Studio, Zia-Priven, Eric Manigian Studio, Hivemind, Evan Hughes Furniture, Rico Espinet Design, Scott Jordan, Pratt Institute, Ethan Ames, Martel Designs & Fabrications, Michael Puryear Furnituremaker, Milder Office Inc., Robert Martin Designs, and Scott Braun Furniture.
In addition to the exhibits, the show organizers have put together a series of informative seminars on design that will be free for all attendees (click here to download the Event Schedule in PDF format).
Show hours for Brooklyn Designs™ 2004 have been set for Friday, April 30, 10:00am to 8:00pm; Saturday, May 1, 10:00am – 7:00pm; and Sunday, May 2, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free all day Friday.
Brooklyn Designs™ is supported by the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Legislature in cooperation with NYS Empire State Development Corporation, the Brooklyn City Council Delegation and the NYC Department of Small Business Services.
For more information contact Karen Auster at 718-875-1000 ext. 146.
Show Moves Into Two Spaces
(Brooklyn, NY – February 2004) The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and its show management team have been busy setting the stage for a growing Brooklyn Designs™ 2004. A jury of design professionals recently selected 45 exhibitors representing the very best of the borough’s furnishings designers. “We were so pleased with the tremendous quality of all the submissions. Many of last year’s exhibitors will be returning with their latest products, and they will be joined by an outstanding group of newcomers,” said Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
According to one returning exhibitor, Azy Schechter of Kea Carpets & Kilims, “Our company received amazing visibility from the show that has directly resulted in an increase in clients. Brooklyn Designs was a solidly positive business experience. We now have architects and designers from both Brooklyn and Manhattan visiting us throughout the year as a result of our exposure at show.”
This year, the jury for Brooklyn Designs™ was made up of representatives from the show’s outstanding advisory board, which includes Interior Design Magazine, Metropolitan Home, Dwell, Pratt Institute and Furniture New York.
Brooklyn Designs™ 2004 will take place at St. Ann’s Warehouse at 38 Water Street in DUMBO. To accommodate the show’s growth, additional exhibition space has been donated by the newest addition to the sponsor line-up, Brooklyn-based Two Trees Management Company. The company and its president, David Walentas, the developer responsible for putting DUMBO on the map, will allow the use of the former Gale Gates Gallery at 37 Main Street.
Additionally the Chamber is pleased to announce that EXPO Design Center has joined as a sponsor of this year’s show as have the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association, and returning media sponsor Time Out New York.
Show hours for Brooklyn Designs™ 2004 have been set for Friday, April 30, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, May 1, 10 am – 7 pm; and Sunday, May 2, 10 am – 5 pm. Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free all day Friday.
Brooklyn Designs™ is supported by the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Legislature in cooperation with NYS Empire State Development Corporation, the Brooklyn City Council Delegation and the NYC Department of Small Business Services. For more information contact Karen Auster at 718 875-1000 ext. 146.
(Brooklyn, NY – December 2003) Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Brooklyn Designs™—New York’s most-talked about new design show—will return to DUMBO, Brooklyn on April 30 – May 2, 2004. The second edition will be twice as big—featuring 50+ contemporary furnishings designers and manufacturers. Product categories will include: indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories.
Premiering last June, Brooklyn Designs™ got off to a strong start—registering well over 3,000 consumer, trade and media attendees. As Adams sees it, “Brooklyn Designs 2003 was a great success for the Chamber. We received positive feedback from exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors. Brooklyn’s creative economy continues to grow and it’s the Chamber’s job to let the world know about it. Brooklyn Designs’ dynamic exhibitors are defining our borough’s updated image and international reputation. For the 2004 edition, we plan to carefully grow the show—mindful of the high-quality of the 2003 exhibitors. All exhibitors will be selected by a jury of design professionals in order to ensure that we are offering visitors a curated look at the very best in new design from our borough.”
The Brooklyn Chamber is currently putting together a steering committee that is exploring sponsorships, cultural partnerships and an expanded series of design seminars. Interior Design Magazine has already signed on as the first media sponsor.
Show hours have been set for Friday, April 30, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, May 1, 10am to 7pm; and Sunday, May 2, 10am to 5pm. Pre-registered professional members of the design trade will be able to attend for free all day Friday.
Brooklyn Designs™ is now accepting submissions for the 2004 show. All interested exhibitors should click here for more information and to download our exhibitor application.
Brooklyn Designs™ is supported by the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Legislature in cooperation with NYS Empire State Development Corporation, the Brooklyn City Council Delegation and the NYC Department of Small Business Services.
For more information contact Karen Auster of Auster Events at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 718 875-1000 ext. 146.
(Brooklyn, NY – July 2003) Brooklyn Designs™, the new design show, produced by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce featuring 30 of Brooklyn’s most talented designers of contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories, drew close to 3,000 consumer and trade visitors during its inaugural three-day run at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO, Brooklyn (June 13-15).
According to Kenneth Adams, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “This was one of our most successful Chamber events ever. Brooklyn Designs created a buzz about something new and exciting here in Brooklyn. Attendance for Brooklyn Designs exceeded our expectations. The mood at the show was contagiously positive. Both trade and consumer guests were hungry to see the exhibits and meet the designers face-to-face. There were people all weekend long waiting for their chance to get in and see the show.”
According to Robert Russell of Robert Russell Furniture, “The show was well attended with people that were serious-minded about design. So many people were surprised by what they found. Brooklyn Designs really made people aware of what is going on in the Brooklyn design world.”
Ladislav Czernek, Ladislav Czernek Furniture added, “Visitors seemed surprised and happy. Some said they felt it was less of a traditional furniture show and more of an art experience. Many of the attendees were looking for specific things for their homes and had the budgets to purchase them. This is the perfect kind of audience for limited edition work like ours.”
Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise for the show. As Azy Schecter of KEA Carpets put it, “Many people made the trip to DUMBO for the first time–coming from places like Massachusetts, Washington D.C. and even the island of Manhattan. We were thrilled that our show could attract such a diverse group of visitors.”
Scott Braun of Scott Braun Furniture added, “This was a perfect opportunity to educate our clients–many of whom are right in our own backyard–as to who we are, what we do and how accessible we are.”
Jonah Zuckerman, president of Furniture New York and exhibiting as City Joinery was impressed by the quality of all of the juried exhibitors, “Brooklyn Designs was a gathering together of amazing talent and skill. Several members of the trade said it was an unexpected pleasure to be at a show where everything was worth looking at. We are excited for the community of New York furniture makers to grow and prosper with the future of Brooklyn Designs and other events and programs that it might spawn.”
The professional and consumer seminars were all well-attended. Cindy Allen, editor-in-chief of Interior Design Magazine, moderated a lively panel entitled “Making it. Who Gets Ahead in Challenging Times” with design stars Ali Tayar, David Ling and James Slade. Other program highlights included Vito Acconci, and speakers from West Elm, Pratt Institute, ABC Carpet & Home and Furniture NY.
