An Immersive Design Experience in New York City Celebrates Black Ingenuity

In 2018, artist and designer Malene Barnett founded the Black Artists and Designers Guild, a community-driven nonprofit, to increase visibility, equality, and entrepreneurship among the Black creative community. So far, it’s yielded plenty of success: Barnett unveiled a textiles collection with S. Harris, several BAGD designers launched an elevated home collection for Pottery Barn inspired by the concept of “Black joy,” and members have spoken at prominent art schools and high-profile industry events, including NYCxDESIGN. But the guild is just getting started.

“Interior Design is proud to be the media sponsor of the Black Artists + Designers Guild BADG of HONOR Awards, celebrating the extraordinary contribution that Black creatives bring to the growth and development of our industry,” notes Cindy Allen, editor in chief. “We’re grateful to BADG for supporting and shining a light on such amazing talent and are excited to feature and promote the next great generation of Black architects and designers.”

In a well-designed space, there should be room for everybody. “By creating immersive experiences,” explains Barnett, “we foster conversations on how space-making can form the foundation for Black creatives to maintain physical, social, emotional, and creative well-being.”