The Inaugural Gala
May 6, 2026
Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Los Angeles
On May 6, 2026, AAPIDA's inaugural gala opened AANHPI Heritage Month in style at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Koreatown, Los Angeles. The evening brought together our industry's most influential talents and premier brand partners, including designers on the AD100, ELLE Decor A-List, and LUXE Gold List, all united in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander pioneers in design.
We were also proud to recognize this year's honorees. Robert Kuo received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Benjamin Moore was recognized with the Industry Ally Award. Student scholarship awards were presented to Loren Brittany Cruz and Calvin Ma, representing the next generation of AANHPI design talent.
We are deeply grateful to our honorees, sponsors, members, and guests who made our inaugural gala so memorable.
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A Letter from the Co-Chairs
Dear Friends and Supporters,
What an extraordinary evening. It was with immense pride and gratitude that we welcomed you to the inaugural AAPIDA Gala, a night dedicated to celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander pioneers in design.
The evening was more than a celebration. It was a testament to the strength of community, the power of creativity, and the importance of representation across our industries. We are deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor, Benjamin Moore, whose generous support made this meaningful evening possible. We were honored to share the night with visionary designers, dynamic leaders, cherished collaborators, and dedicated allies who continue to champion visibility, connection, and excellence.
Our mission at AAPIDA has always been to mobilize, empower, and engage AANHPI professionals in the home and design industries and beyond. This Gala brought that mission to life in its fullest form, a night of inspiration, recognition, and shared purpose. We came together not only to celebrate the accomplishments of today's leaders, but also to invest in the next generation of creatives who will shape the future of design.
We hope you left the evening feeling a strong sense of belonging, the excitement of new connections, and the collective momentum of a community moving forward together. Thank you for your presence, your support, and your belief in AAPIDA's vision. The conversations sparked, the partnerships formed, and the memories made that night will carry us forward. Together, we honored our stories while continuing to build a more inclusive and vibrant future for design.
Whether you were a gala guest or are discovering AAPIDA for the first time, there is a place for you here. We invite you to become a member and be part of a community of talented, passionate professionals shaping the future of design.
With gratitude,
Jessica Davis
President, AAPI Design Alliance
Atelier Davis, Nest Studio Collection
Will Nguyen
Secretary, AAPI Design Alliance
Collective Form
A view of AAPIDA's “An Evening of Light”, photo by Vinh Pham
Hosted by
Dylan Adler
Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central
Honorees
Robert Kuo
Lifetime Achievement Award
Benjamin Moore
Industry Ally Award
Loren Brittany Cruz
2026 Student Scholarship Award
Calvin Ma
2025 Student Scholarship Award
Event Co-Chairs
Jessica Davis
President, AAPIDA
Will Nguyen
Secretary, AAPIDA
Host Committee
Alicia Cheung
Ben Reynaert
Bianca Chen
Brooke Gardner
Dabito
Kevin Pong
Linette Dai
Matt Tsang
Noz Nozawa
Peti Lau
Janice Barta
Jean Liu
Jon de la Cruz
Julie Benniardi
Karen Kuo
Renee Chiarelii
Tina Ramchandani
Will Nguyen
William Li
Young Huh
Debbie Ouyang
Edel Legaspi
Eric Chang
Go Kasai
James Fung
Our Sponsors
The AAPI Design Alliance Gala is made possible by our generous partners
Presenting Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Emerald Sponsor
Ruby Sponsors
Jade Sponsors
Pearl Sponsors
Alicia Cheung Design
ANDMORE
Babyletto
Baldwin Hardware
Elitis
Ferguson
Jean Liu Design
JP Morgan Chase
Kallista
Kneedler Fauchere
Kohler
Kravet
Marc Philips
Matthew Tsang
NB Design Group
NYDC/200 Lex
Snyder Diamond
Thomas Lavin
Custom Comfort Mattress
Young Huh Interior Design
Zephyr
Catalina Paints
Cowtan & Tout
Quintus
Saint Louis
Caracole x DecorX
Boyd Lighting
ReWeave
Resource Furniture
The Circle of Light
presented in partnership with
Design Leadership Network
Cadogan Tate
ABC Stone
Judith Lance, Inc
Hollywood at Home
BSH Gaggenau Thermador Bosch
Event Photos, Captured by Akashi Creative
Donate
Unable to join us? Please consider a donation! Every donation to the AAPI Design Alliance helps support our programming across the nation including our mentorship program.