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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Exterior view of Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles, venue for AAPIDA Gala 2026 celebrating AANHPI designers
Interior view of Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles, venue for AAPIDA Gala 2026 celebrating AANHPI designers

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

image of dylan adler, the host of the inagural aapida gala

Honorees

Robert Kuo
Lifetime Achievement Award

image of robert kuo, an honoree of the inagural aapida gala

Benjamin Moore
Industry Ally Award

image of benjamin moore logo, an honoree of the inagural aapida gala

Loren Brittany Cruz
2026 Student Scholarship Award

image of Loren Brittany Cruz, an honoree of the inagural aapida gala

Calvin Ma
2025 Student Scholarship Award

image of calvin ma, an honoree of the inagural aapida gala

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

logo for aapida gala media sponsor, AD Pro

Emerald Sponsor

Ruby Sponsors

aapida gala sponsor, hudson valley lighting group

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

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