It's been two decades since New York-based billionaire developer Charles Cohen embraced the design field by orchestrating the first Stars of Design awards program at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, he hosted the sixth annual Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise event at the Decorative Center Houston, which is part of his vast real estate holdings nationwide.
Nominated and selected by their peers, eight individuals with established careers received the top honors and an additional five designers were recognized as up-and-comers in the field.
The CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty presented the awards in ceremonies that preceded a cocktail reception attended by several hundred design aficionados.
Interior design leader, blogger, TV starBill Stubbs, head of William W. Stubbs and Associates, took bows for receiving the Stars of Design Lifetime Achievement award.
Stars of Design award recipients were Jay Baker for architecture, Terrell James for art, Deuce Creative for graphic design, Mark Scioneaux for landscape design, Julie Soefer for photography, Gina Cartwright for jewelry design and Eleanor Cummings for interior design.
Stars on the Rise awards were presented to Ashley Goforth, Kristen Nix, Nadia Palacios Lauterbach, Mark Schatz and Sally Wheat.
Design fans and friends of the award recipients included Hiram Butler, Lee Nix, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Laurie Dykoski, Josh Pazda, Britttany Cassin, Emily Duff, John Lauterbach, Sam Abraham and Leo Jaimes.
Interior designer Bill Stubbs, left, and developer Charles Cohen at the Decorative Center Houston Stars of Design event.
