The votes are in and the finalists are set. These are the people, studios, and organizations shaping design in Philadelphia and beyond, recognized by their peers for the work they've put into this city and their fields. Join us to celebrate them and kick off the festival season together!

Local Community/Social Impact
Jared Beck, Alain Locke School
Lindsay Bedford, Reading Assist
Tazianna Footman, Community Design Collaborative

Global Impact/Practice
Mira Nakashima, Nakashima Woodworkers
David Rossenwasser, Rarify

Sustainable Designer
Scott Kelly, Re:Vision Architecture
Adeniyi Onanuga, Drexel University
Sara Pevaroff Schuh, SALT Design Studio

Artist Collaborator of the Year
Alexa Colas, Clubfriends Radio & Records
Nicole Marengo, Madison Art Consulting
Sydney Welch, The Maker's Table

Technology Innovator
Arefeh Ahmadi, Drexel University
Taj Rauch, Wherehouse

Rising Entrepreneur
Cimone Berman, Argent Mirror
Stacy Thorwart, The Intelligent Designer

Design Advocate
David Rosenwasser, Rarify
Paul Steinke, Preservation Aliiance for Greater Philadelphia

Company of the Year
Cloud Gehshan
Philadelphia Table Company
Scout

Emerging Professional
Kody Cheung, Gnome Architects
Kamal Rhodes, Intersection Design Studio
Anjelica Soesanto, WRT

Lifetime Achievement
Brian Phillips, ISA
Virginia Gehshan & Jerome Cloud, Cloud Gehshan
Marguerite Rodgers, Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design

Celebrate With Us at the Kickoff Party

2026 Festival Kickoff Party + Awards Celebration
Forman Arts Initiative Campus, 219 W Susquehanna Ave
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

This is where the DesignPhiladelphia Festival begins! Join us at the brand new Forman Arts Initiative Campus for a first look at the space and a night honoring the finalists above. Expect music, cocktails, and a crowd that represents the best of Philadelphia's design community.

RSVP now to secure your spot.