BLACK ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS GUILD

The Black Artists and Designers Guild collaborates with industry movers and shakers to execute events that highlight the revered work of black creative minds including artists, architects, and interior designers.

COLLABORATION WITH BLACK ARTISTS & DESIGNERS GUILD

54kibo participated in the Black Artists + Designers Guild’s Transcend Space, a part of the NY NOW Trade Show at the Javits Center in NYC. The space was designed and transformed with bold and creative pieces by interior designers Beth Diana Smith and Kiyonda Powell. Here are their reflections on the event.

BETH DIANA SMITH

A bold and eclectic interior designer with a degree from the New York School of Interior Design, Beth is making a statement in the interior design industry through her carefully-curated art and home decor pieces which have been featured in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, among others.

Her thoughts on creating the BADG Transcend Space: “This project was meaningful to me because of representation. Black designers are not often seen in these spaces, so we decided to be unapologetic in the design and in the narrative. Our space clearly showcased black design in a modern and beautiful way, which also won us the IFDA Award for Most Innovative Design.”

KIYONDA POWELL

With over 16 years of industry experience and a design studio in Washington DC, Kiyonda transforms residential and commercial spaces all across the U.S. into thoughtful and beautiful environments. Her work was recently featured in Business of Home and Curated Quarters Magazine.

Her edited thoughts on creating the BADG Transcend Space: “It was good exposure to introduce my design style in collaboration with Beth. I loved that we had this platform to share talented artists and designers from all over the African Diaspora and highlight their works in our space. From the textile designs of Yael & Valerie to the beautiful porcelain place settings of Fatyly Ceramics many of the curated pieces left our visitors swooning! We did what we came to do and the response was rewarding!”

For more design inspo, explore Kiyonda Powell’s and Beth Diana Smith