The Decorative Center Houston will shine the spotlight on some of the industry’s leading design pros and up-and-coming talent with the annual Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise Awards, to be held at the design center in conjunction with spring market on Wednesday, May 1.

President of the design center, Charles S. Cohen, will present the following awards to the winners in multiple categories:

Lifetime Achievement—William W. Stubbs, IIDA

Interior Design—Eleanor Cummings, Eleanor Cummings Interior Design

Architecture—Jay Baker, FAIA, Jay Baker Architects

Landscape Design—Mark Scioneaux, Tellepsen Landscaping

Art—Terrell James

Jewelry Design—Gina Cartwright, Charmed Circle

Photography—Julie Soefer

Graphic Design—Aimee Heimbinder & Kristen Moses, Deuce Creative

For the second year, the DCH will also recognize some of the up-and-coming talent in the industry with the Stars on the Rise Awards:

Ashley Goforth—Ashley Goforth Design

Sally Wheat—Sally Wheat Interiors

Mark Schatz—M+A Architecture Studio

Kristen Nix—Kristen Nix Interiors

Nadia Palacios Lauterbach

The 2013 Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise winners were selected by a noteworthy panel comprised of creative icons who are experts in the fields of interiors, architecture, art and design. The distinguished panel of judges and contributors includes: Maria Bordelon, Bill Curtis, Richard Payne, James M. Evans, Jared Meinkowsky, Chandos Dodson, Julie Dodson, Laura Umansky, Courtney Hill Fertitta, Amy and Elizabeth Munger.

The awards ceremony will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the close of market in the ground floor gallery. Here is a look at the schedule of events taking place throughout the rest of the day:

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Bernardaud, Suite 1060, Creating Breathtaking Centerpieces—Houston-based interior design and special events veterans Jennifer Burgess Loh and Janet Gust, principals of their new collaborative company, JenniferJanet, will be sharing pearls of wisdom when creating breathtaking table centerpieces for special events. Using pieces from the 2013 Spring Bernardaud Collection, they say the focus of their centerpiece will be around the theme "A tribute to the Limoges region," birthplace of Bernardaud. Join the dynamic design duo as they share tips on how to plan your next special event table with a presentation discussing the use of shape, form, color and design. Please RSVP to kbrito@bernardaudna.com.

Mary McDonald and Charles Pavarini III

Keynote: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., Ground Floor Gallery, Building Your Brand—Join Bill Stubbs, AD 100 interior designer, author and esteemed host of the Emmy-nominated TV series, Moment of Luxury as he moderates a dynamic panel discussion on “Building Your Brand." Acclaimed interior designer and star of Bravo's Million Dollar Decorator Mary McDonald; the venerable Charles Pavarini III, founder and president of Charles Pavarini III Design Associates Inc,; and product designer and author of John Robshaw Prints, John Robshaw will share their tips on distinguishing their brand and influencing the design industry.

Progressive receptions will follow the keynote panel at Duralee/Highland Court, Suite 132 for lunch and a signing of John's new book and a meet-and-greet with Mary for refreshments at Schumacher, Suite 4017.

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Kravet, Suite 150, Kravet Furniture from the Ground Up—Join Susan Lorenz, vice president of sales for furniture and showrooms, and get up-close and personal with Kravet Furniture. Join their master upholsterer as he constructs a chair in the showroom. During this interactive demonstration you will see first-hand all the quality features that go into each piece of furniture. There will be a raffle of a Pelham chair at the end of the demonstration. You must be present to win.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Donghia, Suite 1000 Perfecting the Designer-Client Relationship—Join Carolyn Reed, Donghia’s VP of Residential Sales and renowned designers Marlys Tokerud, Lucia Harness and Laura Umansky as they share their secrets on what to look for in an ideal client, plus how to identify personal style and cultivate a successful working relationship. Please RSVP to bandrews@donghia.com.

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Courtney & Co. Showroom, Suite 130, American Made Lighting Design—Inspired by classic European and early North American designs, Studio Steel creates one-of-a-kind custom wrought-iron fixtures for private homes and public spaces. Luxurious hand-rubbed finishes and exquisite crystal appointments add splendor and brilliance to the unique designs. Presented by the president of Studio Steel, Spencer Hardy.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eggersmann Kitchens | Home Living, Suite 250 Free CEU Credit—Illuminate with LED—Join Eggersmann for a myth-busting CEU on the new technology of LED lighting. Speaker Richard Alan will share a brief history on energy efficiency and an overview of the technology while dispelling some of the misconceptions about LED lighting. Enjoy this complimentary CEU with light bites, drinks and a tour of the newest showroom location.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Bernardaud, Suite 1060, 150th Anniversary Celebration Bernardaud—The world’s most celebrated manufacturer of French Limoges tableware launches a special collection of artist-designed dinnerware by internationally renowned contemporary artists in celebration of its 150th anniversary celebration. Artists include Marco Brambilla, Sophie Calle, Jeff Koons, Nabil Nahas and Sarkis. The imagery ranges from colorful Greek gods or Surrealist dreamscapes to monochromatic patterns inspired by personal stories or iconic images from the artist’s oeuvre. Bernardaud's North America Vice President of Sales and Marketing Corinne Oats will share the story of the company’s 150 years of porcelain-making and gives us a glimpse at its exciting new collection.

4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Cabinet Innovations, Suite 219 Pre-Party Celebration Cabinet Innovations will be hosting a small pre-party reception to get you ready for “Stars of Design.” There will be a signature drink and hors d’oeuvres.

John Brooks, Suite 2001, Connect with the Red Vault—The Red Vault and John Brooks invite you to enjoy a glass of wine and relax after your busy market day schedule. Sheilla Boudreaux-Daniels from the Red Vault will be available to discuss how their designer program helps designers connect with high-end clients. John has recently joined their “to the trade” showroom program and is anxious to share their Red Vault site with designers and their clients. Wine and light refreshments will be served.

The following showrooms will be hosting open houses all day: Brunschwig & Fils, Lee Jofa, Robert Allen | Beacon Hill and Pindler & Pindler.

For more information on these events, visit the website or contact the showrooms individually.