Like any interior design project, a visit to Design ADAC is best executed with a bit of planning. Starting tomorrow and running through Thursday, the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center’s spring event is a whirlwind of networking events, book signings, meet-and-greets, and collection unveilings. “This is a time when all aspects of the design industry gather together. We welcome not only designers and design enthusiasts to the market, but also showrooms, manufacturers, creative directors that are flying in to introduce their new lines, and many more,” ADAC general manager Katie Miner tells AD PRO. “It’s a unique opportunity for holistic engagement of the industry.” Here’s how to make the most of one of the South’s biggest design events of the year.
The Basics
Design ADAC is the three-day summit dedicated to bringing designers together at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center to see all that's new for the coming season and year ahead. Notable designers touting new books, brands showing off their latest collections, and designers at every level will converge on the ADAC, located at 351 Peachtree Hills Ave NE, over the next few days to check out all that's new for the industry. It's free to attend and no advanced registration is required.
Plan Ahead
There's a lot on offer at this year's gathering. In addition to the shoppable markets, there are also 19 scheduled events. They range from talks with notable designers to networking lunches and more. While the events are open to the public, they do require a reservation, which you may need to make before things are booked to capacity. The list of scheduled events and where to RSVP to them is available through the ADAC's website.
Don't Sleep on the Showrooms
Not every showroom is offering some kind of special event or talk for Design ADAC, but there are still tons that will be open and exhibiting their best pieces. “I’d suggest saving some time to explore the showrooms while you are here,” Miner says. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to see the Center’s latest offerings.” In between the panels and scheduled events, block off time to peruse your favorite showrooms or get to know brands that you're not as familiar with.
Meet the Designers
“Design ADAC is a chance to create special experiences and bring awareness of high design to not only the design community but also design enthusiasts who are interested in meeting and hearing from their icons,” Miner notes. Particularly for those newer to the field, Design ADAC can be a great way to learn from established industry talents. On April 24 at 3 p.m. in Suite 106, Suzanne Kasler will talk with Jennifer Boles on how she approaches projects, as well as her new collection with Lee Jofa called Riviera. After the talk, she will sign copies of her latest book, Sophisticated Simplicity. Kerry Joyce will also be hosting a book signing for his latest, The Intangible, on April 25 at noon in Suite 120. At the Masters of Design panel, on April 24 at 1 p.m. in the first floor atrium, Ellen McGauley will speak with Los Angeles designer Peter Dunham and New York designer Jessica Schuster on how the two coasts are similar and different in their design aesthetics. For those going for a more-is-more look, Bunny Williams, Ashley Whittaker, and Matthew Carter will talk about the design style on April 25 at 1 p.m. in the first floor atrium.
Have a Drink, It's a Party
All of the talks, panels, and networking opportunities will be supplemented with plenty of parties and cocktail socials. Notably, the grand opening reception for Baker's new showroom on April 23 at 4 p.m. in Suite 206 will showcase the brand's handcrafted wares over cocktails and canapés. On April 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Suite 211, Pindler is also opening a new showroom to showcase the brand's new fabric collections; hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served.
