Last week, a new Cody Gallery exhibit and a full day of workshops brought the heart of the interior design industry to Marymount’s Ballston Center.
The School of Design and Art within Marymount’s College of BILT teamed up with designers from Kravet, an industry leader in trade home furnishings, to host the Kravet Design Workshop. A full day of events featuring expert panels, presentations and interactive sessions provided insights on industry trends, client relationships and brand building.
“This workshop supports the core mission of the Interior Architecture and Design program, which is to connect students with industry leaders to inspire, educate and elevate their interior design journeys,” said Moira Denson, Associate Professor of Interior Design and co-coordinator of the Kravet Design Workshop.
The workshop welcomed several influential figures to campus. They included renowned local designer Thomas Pheasant, who served as the event’s keynote speaker, and Home & Design editor Sharon Dan, who moderated a panel discussion.
Many Interior Architecture and Design alumni returned to Marymount for the workshop. They included Karen Bastidas ‘17, an associate interior designer at Ayers Saint Gross, and Viviane Pedruco ‘22, a designer at Perkins&Will. Both participated in a panel on industry influences and inspiration.
“Participating in the Kravet Design Workshop was an incredible experience,” Pedruco said. “Sharing insights with students and paying it forward is so rewarding. I encourage students to take full advantage of these events, build connections and embrace the support available to them.”
The workshop also featured a presentation by Kravet archivist Lina Forrester, who shared a selection of fabrics from Kravet’s extensive archival collection. Forrester worked with Marymount professors Sal Pirrone and Susan Hergenrather for several months to curate the ‘Threads of Time: An Archival Textile Journey’ exhibit, which opened at the Cody Gallery on November 14.
‘Threads of Time’ explores the evolution of textile design and production, using rare textiles and pieces to tell rich stories of tradition, identity and artistry across eras. A notable highlight is ‘Tree of Life,’ a 1920’s fabric by Harry Wearne that showcases intricate, hand-blocked designs that bring history to life. Another stand-out piece is the Japanese embroidered silk kimono that “embodies the perfect balance of artistry, technique and cultural resonance.”
Forrester says working with Pirrone and Hergenrather to curate the exhibit was an “incredible experience” that allowed them to contribute based on their unique expertise.
“The collaboration was fluid and inspiring,” Forrester explained. “Each of us brought unique skills to the table. Susan’s deep historical textile knowledge added rich context and authenticity, while Sal’s expertise in design and spatial curation ensured every piece was displayed to enhance its story and visual impact. We pushed each other to think creatively about how to present these works in a way that honors their legacy while connecting them to contemporary audiences.”
Forrester also emphasized how Marymount’s collaboration with Kravet demonstrates a shared commitment to honoring and advancing the art of textiles.
“Marymount’s academic perspective and creative energy align perfectly with Kravet’s legacy of design innovation and respect for history. The Cody Gallery provides a unique space to showcase this partnership where education, design and preservation intersect.”
Denson added that the Kravet workshop and Cody Gallery exhibit exemplify Marymount’s efforts to enrich the local design community through partnership and collaboration.
“We are grateful to our partners at Kravet for bringing these opportunities to our students and the DMV design community, fostering connections that will shape the future of our field.”
