On a stormy evening at the end of January, members of the Bay Area residential and commercial design industry came out to celebrate the launch of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance’s Northern California chapter. The event was held in North Beach at Hilda and Jesse, a queer- and woman-owned restaurant designed by Noz Nozawa that was further embellished for the occasion with florals from Mister Lee Designs.

The three co-hosts—AAPIDA vice president of Northern California Nozawa, AAPIDA secretary of national board and principal of Studio Heimat Alicia Cheung and senior project manager at Ken Fulk Interiors Kevin Pong—welcomed more than 70 industry leaders, showroom owners, interior designers and architects to toast the opening and savor classic brunch staples. On hand for the festivities were Gioi Tran and Vernon Applegate, Catherine Kwong, Windy Chien, Maya Fuji, Tyson Lee, Emmi Lim and Will Nguyen.

“I’m so thrilled that we have officially launched the Northern California chapter of AAPI Design Alliance!” said Nozawa. “Our launch party really drove home for me how richly diverse our design community is here, from interior design business owners and our teams to showroom owners and artists. I felt such mutual love and support in how our industry came out to celebrate together.”

Looking ahead to the future of the organization, Nozawa continued: “Next up is to increase awareness and visibility of AAPI members in the design industry; forge meaningful connections that lead to student and new business-owner mentorships; and advocate for AAPI perspectives and voices when it comes to design topics and aesthetics where our points of view should be part of the conversation.”