New York Design Center honors Kohler as visionary
Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, October 15, 2006
New York — As part of its year-long 80th anniversary celebration, the New York Design Center, also known as 200 Lex, presented its first Diamond of Design Visionary award for industry leadership to Rachel Kohler, group president of Kohler Interiors, parent company of manufacturers Baker Furniture and McGuire.
The building began its existence as the New York Furniture Exchange and was home to regional furniture markets until the mid-1970s. In 1981, it changed its focus to the interior design trade and now is home to about 300 lines in nearly 100 showrooms.
"We wanted to acknowledge and recognize a visionary person in the interior design world, and Rachel has done a lot to promote furniture for its design, quality and style elements rather than price," said James Druckman, New York Design Center president and CEO. "And she has done so much for young designers by fostering and using their talents."
The award presentation of a diamond ring from Bailey Banks & Biddle took place late last month in the McGuire showroom at the NYDC. "We hope to have this award as an ongoing event," Druckman said.
As part of its year-long celebration, the Design Center also published a commemorative book, "8 Decades of Design," with commentary on each decade from interior design notables and an introduction by designer Vladimir Kagan. Each decade is highlighted with a montage of products evocative of the period — and each piece is still available in the building's showrooms, Druckman added.
Although the book is not for sale, complimentary copies are available to industry professionals. Contact Leah Blank, 200 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016.
The NYDC also sponsored a Dorothy Draper retrospective at the Museum of the City of New York earlier this year.
