An Evening to Remember

Splash Restaurant at the Inn at Longshore in Westport was filled to capacity on September 22 nd with over 120 attendees of ASID CT 's Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration. All enjoyed the opportunity to see new faces and catch up with old friends. After brief presentations from local Westport sponsors Steinway Piano Gallery, Devine Paints/Brandman's, Thomas DelSpina Fine Custom Frames, and Waterworks (an ASID Industry Partner), those present enjoyed a captivating slide show given by interior design legend Albert Hadley, who charmed the group with stories of various projects completed over the course of his distinguished career.

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Certainly an evening these students will long remember. Guest of honor and speaker Albert Hadley (center) surrounded by ASID CT student members and Alex Lanuk, ASID far left.

The chapter's webmaster, Bob Mass, (also an ASID Industry Partner) then gave a quick overview of our new website which is nearly complete. Among the highlights noted were the designer portfolios, which allow members to post resume photographs with descriptions in addition to their standard listing in the website's Designer Search engine. Designers upgrading to the portfolio (which is being offered at a discounted rate of $150/year for those signing up before January 1, 2005) will also have their names entered in rotation to be "Featured Designer" on the home page of our site.

Judy Swann, ASID, as outgoing chapter president, began the presentation of awards to dedicated ASID CT members, thanking them for their volunteer service over the course of the past year. Judy was joined by John Arabolos, ASID and Ken Deck, FASID to present a Chapter Medalist award to Alex Lanuk, ASID, whose long, untiring service to our chapter has contributed greatly to its current strength. Judy, in turn, was recognized and thanked by incoming president Terry Scarborough, ASID for service as president. Gifts given to Judy on behalf of the chapter were a framed print, featuring her namesake - a swan, and an autographed photo of Michael Bolton - a fellow Westport resident. Terry went to great effort to procure the latter from Bolton 's fan club for the occasion.

The gavel was passed from Judy to Terry, and members left feeling inspired and anticipating another great year for our chapter!

Maggie Cole

Maggie Cole Architectural Photography
ASID Industry Partner

Judy Swann, ASID Past President

A very positive aspect was getting to know the IIDA membership better and learning we could work together for mutual benefit at levels neither organization had experienced before. And the students and Covenant to Care also benefited. The best part was the realization we can be ASID and IIDA, separate, strong design organizations who meet the needs of our respective memberships within Connecticut and, on occasion, collaborate with each other in special ways. Plans have begun for our next joint Holiday Gala in December with great enthusiasm on the faces of last year's volunteers and on new faces as well. We've made the connection and I predict we will keep that connection by working together on events and projects we both feel are of value.

The Hartford area membership was recognized and heard from loud and clear. They are a source of future leadership and volunteer strength witnessed by the dedication they have given to the Covenant to Care project in their locale. They are determined, conquering one obstacle after another, to see the project through to the end. I anticipate being able to stand with the volunteers soon, in the handsome new space, and celebrate their accomplishment.

Working with IIDA, we put together one of the most dynamic student career nights ever. With greater attendance, more sponsors, and distinguished guest speakers, a tremendous interaction between designers and students occurred. The sharing of portfolio work, professional to student and then student to professional, was the high point of the evening and the seminal reason for it all. I look forward, as Student Affairs Chair in the coming year, to creating another memorable ASID/student connection.

We should all take pride in last spring's Design Matrix Fashion Show. During the sometimes painful design development, our fashion show teams (students, designers, Industry Partners) stuck together and 'worked it out' to present what was one of the most extraordinarily creative design programs ever held in Connecticut . ASID CT can't wait to do it again next year! Did we have fun or what! I can't begin to thank everyone who helped on the scores of details that made the Design Matrix evening so memorable.

The success of our chapter events was in no small part due to a dedicated, hardworking group of ASID Industry Partners christened the 'NKOBs' (New Kids on the Block). They supported our agenda from the first and ended in June with their very own ' Making Waves ' an Industry Partner event that was one of the most unexpected delights we experienced all year. My thanks to the Industry members who hosted, sponsored, and volunteered on so many occasions.

You all - members, volunteers, schleppers, leaders, greeters, creative spirits, good friends - made my year as president of the Chapter a joy, always exceeding expectations, helping us get over the rough and rocky spots, spreading your optimism and determination . you're the stuff of great chapters. I believe we are and will continue to be a great chapter under the able guidance of president Terry Scarborough, ASID. I can't wait to see what next year will bring - but whatever it is - it will be done well.

Thanks to all of you for giving me the opportunity to take an amazing journey this year as your president. I've loved it.

Judy Swann, ASID

September 22, 2004

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Terry Scarborough accepting the gavel from past president Judy Swann.

Albert Hadley - Design Legend

Keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration was the renowned interior designer Albert Hadley. From his Interior Design Hall of Fame biography:

"When it comes to designers of residential interiors endowed with savoir faire, elegance and livability there are few firms whose names come to mind so immediately as Parish-Hadley Associates. Albert Hadley, with his partner of twenty-five years and fellow Hall of Fame member "Sister" Parish, is responsible for transforming countless rooms of many houses into very personal, highly individual and eminently comfortable spaces. Among the firm's clients are numbered William S. Paley, Brooke Astor and Ann Getty. Parish-Hadley's work for them and for others has granted the firm a status akin to that of an institution."

Recently honored by Charles Cohen (President of the D&D Building) and the New York School of Interior Design with the exhibition ALBERT HADLEY: Drawings and the Design Process at the School's Gallery, Mr. Hadley described his work with these words:

"What you have seen in my exhibition is, in a way, my diary-not in words, but rather in 'line and color.' Each scribble has a story. I feel extremely fortunate and happy to have had the people, the friendships, support and trust that have filled my diary to the fullest."

A gallery reception and dinner highlighted the creation of the Albert Hadley Endowed Scholarship Fund at NYSID. In lieu of an honorarium, the Chapter will make a donation to the Fund meant to help the college's BFA students fulfill their dreams of becoming interior design professionals.

Speaking eloquently and extemporaneously, Mr. Hadley annotated a slide presentation of his work. Said Elaine Koufman, ASID "H ow cool is Albert Hadley's work . I was struck by his genius with proportions, both spatially and with the use of textiles. I could have watched another slide show and listened to his client stories for a few more hours!"

It was an interesting coincidence for Judy Swann, ASID who shared with Mr. Hadley that he was the commencement speaker when she graduated from NYSID and now the guest speaker at her own "swan song" event.

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Retiring chapter president Judy Swann (left) was thrilled Albert Hadley delivered a presentation at the '04 Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony. At right is Rainy D'Anchise.

To the delight of many, Mr. Hadley stayed for most of the evening and graciously spoke with all who introduced themselves or asked for a photo opportunity.

Kim Plavcan, ASID
Editor

Award Presentations

The Awards Celebration first congratulated interior design practitioners who recently passed the NCIDQ exam and advanced to professional membership. They are: Jan Albert, ASID; Kari Catullo, ASID; Hollie Sutherland, ASID; Lisa Foss, ASID; Susan Markow, ASID; Michele Martinez, ASID; and Melanie Ward, ASID.

As Judy Swann remarked in her introduction to the awards presentation:

"We have been blessed this year with a group of practitioner and Industry Partner members that has taken off. They are members who have jumped in with BOTH feet and given countless volunteer hours and lots of support to the chapter. Out of appreciation for their tremendous effort, an acronym was coined: 'NKOB' New Kids On the Block. Most are new members or re-awakened members that are becoming rising stars. They were given the opportunity to shine and they are on fire for ASID - representing a great future for the Chapter ."

She went on to note this year's Chapter Service Award Winner is just that - a winner. There is no doubt Maggie Cole has put Industry Partners back on the map. New Kid On the Block Maggie Cole's list of accomplishments on the board as Industry Partner Representative include: Assistant Newsletter Editor for layout, Photography Editor, Industry Partner Showcase Article coordinator, Holiday Gala Silent Auction donor, Design Matrix Fashion Show Team Sponsor (and 3rd place winner!), Industry Membership Meeting coordinator, Sponsor-a-Student coordinator, Website Development Committee member and all-around Roving Photographer.

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Industrious Industry Partner Maggie Cole (left) is congratulated for her outstanding service to the chapter by Judy Swann.

Her spirit was contagious among Industry members; they have been the most active and involved group ever.

Pewter Industry Partner pins were awarded to the following 'NKOB' Industry Partners:

Regina Sirico (Panorama Designer & Safety Films ) volunteered on the Holiday Gala Silent Auction and Welcome Committees, was a Design Matrix Fashion Show Team Sponsor and Making Waves Program Chair and Sponsor.

Rick Friswell ( A World of Color, LLC. ) in addition to serving on the Welcome Committee was a Holiday Gala Silent Auction donor, Design Matrix Team Sponsor, and Making Waves Program Planner/Sponsor. His exceptional service as the Greenwich Academy Tour bartender was cited.

Mile Djuric ( Decorative Art & Design ) was a Holiday Gala Silent Auction donor and Making Waves Program Sponsor.

Alix Perrachon ( Alix Unlimited ) was a Making Waves Program Planner/Sponsor. In addition, her Holiday Gala Silent Auction donation was an extraordinary field trip to NYC to assist the bidder in selecting an Oriental rug.

Elizabeth Clark ( Artifact Design Group, LLC ) served on the Strategic Planning Committee along with being a Holiday Gala Silent Auction donor and Making Waves Program Planner/Sponsor.

Christine Galanopoulos ( Wolf-Gordon, Inc ) deserved recognition as Career Night Sponsor, Design Matrix Team Sponsor, Green Design Program Sponsor, and Student Liaison for the University of New Haven .

Bob Mass ( Mass Solutions ) has spent hours being the Grand Almighty Webmeister creating the website of our dreams, enhancing website portfolio sales, implementing the ASID brand identification graphics while being an Industry Partner Guru to many.

Angela Cunningham ( Waterworks ) was an Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration Sponsor and New Member Gathering Host. She volunteered to coordinate gift gathering for Covenant to Care at last year's Holiday Gala.

Our design practitioners have also stepped up the volunteer pace with the following members recognized for exceptional volunteer efforts:

Lynette Edmonds, Allied Member ASID is a New Kid On the Block who filled a void on the board and will be Communications Director starting in October. She was the Design Matrix Fashion Show coordinator along with being a Hospitality greeter.

Ken Deck, FASID (no New Kid he) was Chair for that great Greenwich Academy Tour. He continues to serve on the Membership Committee as Fairfield County qualification interviewer, but he really lit up as the Design Matrix Fashion Show lighting technician.

Fran Wilson, FASID continued to be an active volunteer this year serving as Chair of Lapham House - a community service project where Ivan Schmidl-Simandi, ASID was an outstanding volunteer. In addition to being a Search Task Force member, Fran was a Design Matrix Gold Sponsor in her role as an Industry Partner.

Martina Doshan, ASID earned recognition as Continuing Education Program Chair - organizing an afternoon and evening program on green design.

Diane Pritt, ASID, who has worked on the Covenant to Care community service project since inception, was cited especially in light of finding time to be the Hartford Membership Outreach Chair

Martina Doshan, ASID earned recognition as Continuing Education Program Chair - organizing an afternoon and evening program on green design.

Diane Pritt, ASID, who has worked on the Covenant to Care community service project since inception, was cited especially in light of finding time to be the Hartford Membership Outreach Chair.

Joan Nemirow, Allied Member ASID had been taking a well earned rest after many years of volunteering until called upon to spearhead the New Member Event held in September at Waterworks. She did her typically thorough job as coordinator for a very successful meeting.

Patti Guerra, Allied Member ASID is another New Kid on the Block. Along with her sister Rainy D'Anchise, Patti worked with Judy Swann on the Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration. (By the way, Rainy was responsible for convincing Albert Hadley to speak.)

Robin McGarry, ASID was responsible for recruiting most of the New Kids on the Block into ASID Industry Partner membership. As Program Chair, Robin has been pitching in at every occasion; always there to lend a hand or do whatever it took to make a program work. Amazingly generous with her resources, she exemplified the term 'to share' by getting her personal trainer to donate his services to the Holiday Gala Silent Auction. In addition, she has served on the Strategic Planning and Advertising Committees.

Coordinating all those volunteers in fulfilling the strategic plan are the dedicated directors of the board.

Lynda Saraceni, ASID returned to interior design long enough to serve as interim Director of Communications last year. Her contributions included working on the Newsletter Committee and Design Matrix program.

MaryAnn Howell, ASID was board replacement for the Director of Government Affairs, Ethics & Appellation and as such is the CCID Board Liaison. Her additional activities included Advertising Committee Chair and Holiday Gala gift coordinator.

Alex Lanuk, ASID concluded her term as Past President by serving as Chair of Student Affairs and Career Night and Co-chair for the Holiday Gala and Design Matrix Fashion Show.

Terry Scarborough, ASID changed her President Elect hat for President at the Annual Meeting. She leaves behind serving as Strategic Planning Chair and on the Holiday Gala Committee. As part of everything ASID did this year, she even volunteered her husband John to photograph the Design Matrix Fashion Show. She will be spending next year as another exceptional president for the chapter.

Additional acknowledgements went to Gail Ingis, ASID who stepped down as Newsletter Editor after 9 years. The chapter has enjoyed her transformation of the publication from newsletter to magazine.

Emiko Nomoto is a new Allied Member ASID advancing from student. She will receive a special service award in-absentia to be sent to Japan where she now resides. We wish her much success and happiness there and will miss her volunteer efforts as graphics consultant and strategic planning scribe.

Finally - from time to time there are ASID members who consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to the Chapter, ASID, and the interior design profession. They have achieved professional recognition in the design field and continue on to contribute to the community through charitable work, to promote the interior design profession, and to further the abilities of its current and future practitioners. This balance of achievement is recognized by ASID through Chapter Medalist Awards; these are the highest acclaim a chapter can bestow. We were pleased this year to acknowledge a worthy candidate for this Award.

Alex Lanuk, ASID has made ASID an important part of her life, has devoted much time and energy to securing the right to practice interior design for all CT designers and has earned the respect of countless government and construction industry leaders. As a champion of students, she has made an impact on the design education at several universities.

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Chapter Medalist Award recipient Alex Lanuk is surrounded by John Arabolos, Judy Swann, and Ken Deck at moment in the evening she will remember.

In the end, it is the many volunteers who work so hard and care so much about programs and projects that make each ASID year unique and special.  This recognition list would be five times as long if every member who volunteered in any way was mentioned. They spent time, showed interest, and their dedication continues to build our chapter activities. You can be a part of the picture too - look under 'About ASID' on the chapter website: www.ASIDCT.org for committee and board contacts.

Judy Swann, ASID
Past President

And Now We Need to Thank .

ASID CT Chapter would like to thank the sponsors and donors of the 2003-04 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration:

Barbara Bennett Oligino and husband Ron of the Steinway Piano Gallery,
Dennis Dougherty from Devine Paints at Brandman's Paint,
Thomas Del Spina representing Custom Frames, and
Angela Cunningham of Waterworks , an ASID Industry Partner.

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Outgoing chapter president Judy Swann, ASID with left to right Barbara Oligino (Steinway & Sons), Thomas Del Spina (Fine Custom Frames), (Judy), Angela Cunningham (Waterworks of Westport), and Larry Curry (Brandman's representing Devine Paints).

We would like to recognize m edia guests Dina Modianot-Fox from Moffly Publications publishers of atHome in Fairfield County , which provided take-home copies of recent issues and Gabriella Mays, Associate Publisher, and Cristin Marandino, Executive Editor, of Westport Magazine .

In addition to a tHome issues, each designer departed with a bag of 'goodies' - soap from Waterworks, coupons for the newest Devine paint samples, an Albert Hadley Wallcovering Collection book from Hinson & Company, and crystal tea candles from The Classic Room in Southport.

Linda Fontaine, Allied Member ASID won the gorgeous raffle basket which included Waterworks bath products, a Steinway book and an ASID monogrammed robe - for the designer who can't stop designing no matter where.

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Linda Fontaine (far right) is joined by other Westport designers (left to right) Patti Guerra, Robin McGarry, Judy Swann, and Mary Ann Howell.

Of course, the evening would never have been as much fun or enjoyable without you. Thanks for coming - we hope you had a great time.

Robin McGarry, ASID
Program Chair 2003-04

And Speaking of Winners .

Congratulations to former Connecticut Chapter member Jack Crowley, ASID. Jack, now living and working in Florida , won a "Designer's Challenge" on HGTV.

According to an article in the DCOTA News , Jack competed with two other designers on the remake of a client's master bedroom, bath and closet. He created a stunning 'Zen Spa' retreat for the young professional parents of two. The show will air in early 2005.

Locally...

This tidbit is the start of a new feature entitled just that: Tidbits: what your colleagues are up to. Have an accomplishment to share: a bit of bragging to do? Or a book or art exhibit to publicize? Send your news notes to Kim121@earthlink.net to be included.

The Chapter will verify news notes submitted on behalf of more modest members. Please remember this information should be in keeping with the purpose of ASID or the good of the profession.

Kim Plavcan, ASID
Editor

Photo by John Savarese Photography.com

Silhouetted against a list of past chapter presidents in attendance at the Annual Meeting, Judy Swann's gesture appears as an open invitation to encourage member involvement.

From the Chapter Archives

Well, we couldn't start this column with a better picture than the 1985 press clipping of Charlotte Jay, ASID receiving her Chapter Medalist award from Fran Wilson, FASID at of all places - the Inn at Longshore!

The caption is titled Decorator Decorated.

In the photo below, Fran (who has been Chapter president several times) is at the podium again in this undated shot from an Annual Meeting at Yankee Silversmith. I can only identify Kim Graham, FASID at right. If you know who the gentlemen are let us know and we'll add the information to the archives.

In 1992 the annual Meeting was held at the Graduate Club in New Haven .

At left, then president

Roz Cama, FASID presents an award to David Murray, ASID.

At right, Lorraine Davis, ASID in her debut tap dancing performance that night. Lorraine brought the house down, but she never gave up her day job as an interior designer.

Left to right are Fran Wilson, FASID; John Arabolos, ASID; Ken Deck, FASID; Jeannette Ward, ASID; an unidentified gentleman and Elaine Koufman, ASID from either the 1993 or 1994 Annual Meeting where Jeannette received her lifetime membership.

This montage of award recipients is from 1984 when Dianna DeCherney, ASID was Chapter president.

Ted Pappas, ASID (left) receives an award from Ken Deck in 1989.

Ken's enthusiasm for ASID puts him in the foreground of many Chapter events (and photos). He has earned recognition as a Chapter Medalist and as a national Fellow of the Society.

Lastly, Barbara Ebstein, FASID is shown at center below receiving her national Fellowship in this 1986 ASID National Conference press release. Also pictured are from left to right Roi Nevaril, Charles Gandy, Boris Kroll, and Hal Birchfield.

Thank you Linda Scinto, ASID our Chapter historian for scanning these great memories into digital images.

Tidbits -
What your Colleagues are Doing.

Cathy Glass, Allied Member ASID (president of Construction Concepts Corp. of Stamford ) is the first East Coast interior designer to be chosen for the Home & Garden network's Designers' Challenge. Cathy's interior renovation of a Wilton home will be broadcast on New Years Day. Watch the HGTV listings - it may be aired about 9:30 PM. The project won two HOBI awards (sponsored by the Home Builders Association); one for best interior design 2004 in CT and one for best remodeling under $250,000.00.

and after shows the dramatic transformation.

Visit Cathy's website ( http://www.constconceptscorp.com/ ) for more renovation pictures and a complete write-up on the project.

Congratulations Cathy!