The New York Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) is pleased to announce the 2012 honorees of its Circle of Excellence Awards. This prestigious awards program was created in 1992 to recognize outstanding leadership, vision and dedication in the furnishings and design industry. A rigorous member voting system selected luminaries in four important categories, and this year these honorees will be feted at an Evening of Distinction on Tuesday, May 8th from 6 - 8PM. at The Union League Club, 38 E. 37th Street, New York City:
 
Education: The BardGraduateCenter
Susan Weber, Director and Founder

Industry Resource/Product Design: Kravet Inc.
Cary Kravet, President

Interior Design: Charlotte Moss, LLC
Charlotte Moss
    
Media: The Hearst Design Group
Elle Decor, Michael Boodro and Barbara Friedmann

House Beautiful, Newell Turner and Kate Kelly Smith
Veranda, Dara Caponigro and Jennifer Bruno

Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler are this year's Circle of Excellence Masters of Ceremonies. In addition, Claire Coleman, the founder of the IFDA, will be recognized with special announcements and proclamations as the organization celebrates its 65th year. A portion of the evening's profits will benefit the IFDA's Educational Foundation, which distributes grants and scholarships for students and professionals in the furnishings and design field.                         

Former recipients of the IFDA's Circle of Excellence Awards include Cindy Allen, Clodagh, Eric Cohler, Jamie Drake, Louis Gropp, Larry Laslo, Chris Madden, Charles Pavarini lll, Karim Rashid, Margaret Russell, John Stark and Raymond Waites.

IFDA, founded in New York City, has 16 chapters worldwide. Providing a professional forum for communication and interaction among its high-profile members, the IFDA promotes career advancement and educational opportunities. Now celebrating its 65th year, the association is structured to increase public awareness of the furnishings and design industry through specialized programming and service to the community. IFDA-NY gratefully thanks its 2012 Gold Level Chapter Sponsors - 3M, FortyOne Madison, Hunter Douglas Inc. and the New York Design Center (NYDC).