Design Legends On The Lasting Legacy Of Hall Of Fame

Editor’s note: In part II of our mini series celebrating Interior Design’s Hall of Fame gala and its return to the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, we connected with inductees spanning the decades. Learn more about the hotel’s monumental renovation in part I.

Interior Design‘s Hall of Fame gala—an unparalleled event honoring esteemed creatives in design—is generating an extra buzz of excitement this year given its return to the Waldorf Astoria’s grand ballroom in Manhattan. The art deco gem, updated by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and PYR, offers a timeless backdrop for the gala, and the magazine’s 2025 inductees.

“Our legacy for the Hall of Fame is deeply connected to the place where we celebrate,” shares Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen, recalling the grandeur of past galas, most of which were held at the Waldorf Astoria. Allen also has a way of transforming the formal affair into an intimate gathering among friends, in part due to the short documentary films she pioneered decades ago, which spotlight each inductee and remain part of the event’s DNA. “Tapping into the personal, in a place thats so big and so grand—that works! It brings people together.” she says.

From heartfelt moments on stage to inspiring narratives captured on film, championing creatives in design remains at the heart of the event. “Hall of Fame brings together the industry and celebrates the people who are changing our world,” Allen adds, emphasizing the power of design.

In honor of the Hall of Fame’s return to the Waldorf Astoria, we connected with inductees from past years, who shared what the honor means to them and how it continues to impact their careers as well as the larger design industry. “Hall of Fame is not just about one project or one moment… it celebrates a journey, a way of contributing to the field over time,” says 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Jouin. “And because Interior Design is such a respected voice worldwide, this recognition resonates far beyond the United States. It carries a lot of weight within the design community. For peers and colleagues, it says ‘you’re part of this story.’ That’s what makes it special.”

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Don’t miss an opportunity to join Interior Design at the 2025 Hall of Fame gala. Explore event information here!

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The Vast Impact And Reach of Interior Design’s Hall of Fame Gala

Interior Design Hall of Famers consider the accolade one with immense weight. In the words of David Rockwell of Rockwell Group, it’s “completely life-changing.” “The award gave me a huge sense of validation, and made me feel like I was part of a larger design community and family,” he shares, recalling his 2002 induction. “It confirmed that what we were doing at Rockwell Group was having a meaningful impact. It inspired me to keep going and keep exploring as a designer and leader.”

As for Jouin, his Hall of Fame induction came as a surprise—the best possible kind. “At that time, I felt almost too young for such a distinction. I saw it as something for designers who had already completed a lifetime of work, while for me it felt like everything was just beginning,” the French designer says, noting that within the industry, the accolade offers a boost of confidence and recognition. “It felt like a way of saying ‘we see you; we value what you’re doing,'” he adds. “That kind of recognition from peers gives you confidence… It validates your work and allows you to believe that your voice as a designer can carry.”

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From the Archive: Snaps From the Hall of Fame Gala Over the Years

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Clive Wilkinson, a 2005 inductee, shares a similar sentiment while noting that the honor also garners support for innovative design concepts. “It was a wonderful validation of work that pushed the boundaries of accepted practice, especially within what had been a soulless office landscape of cubicles [at that time],” he reminisces. “We saw that office work had become a prison sentence, and the walls needed to be broken down. Interior Design magazine helped lead the charge to humanize the workplace and was a great ally in the push for change. Induction into Hall of Fame signaled to the design community that this disruption had become a new normal.”

An even earlier inductee, Clodagh, class of 1997, says the award continues to shape her career nearly 30 years later. “Being inducted to the Hall of Fame was a huge honor. It jump-started my belief in myself as, like many people, I suffer from imposter syndrome,” Clodagh shares. “Also it reinforced my resume, especially with the corporate world.” And attending the glamorous gala remains as meaningful as being on stage accepting the award, she adds. “I love to see new people being honored, the joy is tangible at these wonderful events.”

Recalling the Glamour of Past Galas at the Waldorf Astoria 

Tim and Peter O’Kennedy, Clodagh’s sons, even surprised their mother by flying from Dublin, Ireland, to attend the her Hall of Fame induction in New York, donning wigs to remain hidden until the big reveal during the gala. “We will always remember the look on our mother’s face as it transitioned in milliseconds from deep confusion to intense shock to pure joy,” the two share. “Well worth all of the subterfuge and disguises we went through to surprise her. We were so happy to be there that evening and proud as though we were the parents!”

Inductees over the decades agree that the Waldorf Astoria is a fitting venue for the gala—one many are eager to revisit. “We are thrilled that the Hall of Fame is coming back to the Waldorf Astoria, which adds veritable old New York glamor to the most glamorous Interior Design event of the year,” offers Wilkinson. “What is unique about Hall of Fame is it’s elevating of a small number of diverse designers and design gurus, and showcasing their achievements over the years. This allows one to see, what we do not as a frozen picture frame, but as story of continuous creative intention and evolution.”

With its ornate details and opulent atmosphere, the refreshed Waldorf Astoria will set the stage for what’s sure to be the most memorable Hall of Fame gala yet. “The Hall of Fame Gala is an incredible reminder of how far design has come, and the role we all play in shaping its future,” offers 2012 Hall of Famer Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig. “Reflecting on my induction in 2012, I remember the feeling of community and shared purpose. It’s a truly special evening that brings everyone together—not just to honor individual achievements, but to celebrate the collective progress of our field.” That still holds true.

Importantly, as 2006 inductee Rand Elliott of Rand Elliott Architects, asserts: “It is a fun, inspiring event. We all need that today.” We couldn’t agree more!