The New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers gathered on June 3 at Maplewood Country Club for its annual Design Excellence Awards, an evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in design while supporting a meaningful community cause.
This year’s event benefited The Warehouse NJ, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families in need create new beginnings by providing household items and furniture. Attendees were invited to contribute through a QR code in the gala program, and early donors received floral centerpieces created by Jerry Rose Floral + Event Design.
Emmy Award–winning George Oliphant of NBC’s George to the Rescue served as emcee, bringing his trademark enthusiasm—and appreciation for the design profession—to the evening’s audience of 160 interior designers, sponsors, industry and affiliate partners, and friends and family. Throughout the program, 14 interior designers, one industry partner and five design students were recognized with a total of 33 awards across 19 categories.
“It was an extraordinary evening that celebrated the best of design and collaboration, truly reinforcing the quality of the work of our ASID NJ design community,” said Susan Farcy, ASID associate and New Jersey chapter president.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors across multiple levels. Royal Green Appliance participated as an Elite sponsor, while New Jersey Monthly joined at the Star level. Premier sponsors included Exceptional Flooring Concepts, Moe Distributors: Decorative Hardware & Bath Showroom, Schwartz Design Showroom and Wayne Tile Company. Additional support was provided by Aimee Photos, Amy Straub Design: Sophisticated Storage, AV Luxury Design: Your Smart Home Partner, Benjamin Moore, Dana Salzone Fine Art, Janus et Cie, Jerry Rose Floral + Event Design, Room & Board, Sherwin-Williams, TileBar, Town Appliance, and Virtue Tile + Design.
The 2026 DEA gala highlighted the strength of New Jersey’s design community, bringing together professionals, partners and emerging talents to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and collaboration.
