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.
Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our email list to stay connected with AAPIDA.
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
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.
