by ChristianMurphy
On 10.08.13, the Center for Architecture Foundation’s Young Patrons hosted their first event at Knoll’s new mid-town showroom. Seventy rising design stars came together for a fun evening filled with snacking, sipping, and designing, sponsored by Arenson and Knoll.
Guests represented a variety of design fields – architects, engineers, and interior designers, as well as furniture, textile, web, and graphic designers. In addition to giving these hardworking, young creatives a reason to sneak out of work early (and by that we mean before 8pm), a goal of this first event was to get this interdisciplinary group of designers working together. Attendees were given the opportunity to collectively design five chairs, each based on a particular aesthetic, ranging from Art Deco to Pop. Surrounding each chair were fabric samples, paper scraps, floor samples, and tiles guests could use to upholster the chairs, creating collages inspired by the design style associated with each chair.
In addition to having the opportunity for CFAF’s Young Patrons to collaborate and mingle, Knoll graciously opened its entire, 3-story Sixth Avenue showroom. Knoll’s New York Regional Sales Director Doug Militzer encouraged guests to explore the huge space, particularly the top floor that showcases some of Knoll’s most iconic pieces designed by the likes of Mies van der Rohe, Rem Koolhaas, and David Adjaye.
The newly-formed CFAF Young Patrons Committee’s mission is to bring together rising leaders from across the design world to raise funds to support CFAF’s in-school art and design program, Learning by Design:NY, while networking with other young professionals and exploring New York City’s built environment. This talented group is comprised of up-and-coming designers from a variety of disciplines. Committee members hail from Robert Silman Associates, Arenson Office Furnishing, Gensler, Ingram Yuzek Gainen Carroll Bertolotti, Cone Denim, Marvel Architects, Rogers Partners, Herman Miller, Knoll, and Sciame.
Thanks to the hard work of our committee and the generosity of presenting sponsor Arenson and host sponsor Knoll, the Young Patrons’ first event raised more than $1,300 for Learning by Design:NY. The committee is already planning its next event, so stay tuned for more exciting news from CFAF’s Young Patrons!
Christian Murphy is the Development and Communication Coordinator at the Center for Architecture Foundation.