Timeless Influence: How Antiques Shape Generational Design

duration: 1 hour
description: This engaging panel brings together the next generation of rising talent in the design world to explore how classic forms, craftsmanship, and collecting traditions are reinterpreted for today’s interiors. Through candid discussion, they will highlight the importance of mentorship, the exchange of ideas, and the ways in which younger designers are learning from and innovating alongside their experienced counterparts. Whether you are a longtime collector or just beginning to discover the beauty of antiques, this program will offer fresh perspectives on how the past continues to shape the future of design.

Panelists:

Alexander D. Wilson

Alexander D. Wilson is a boutique interior design and decoration firm based in New York City. Alex began his work in design a decade ago, and has become known for specializing in sophisticated and comfortable spaces that are characterized by an adept use of color, pattern, and references to the past. Each interior project is infused with a keen attention to modern sensibilities perfectly fusing tradition with contemporary living.
In 2024, Alex was named ‘Design Darling’ by Frederic Magazine with the publication of his own Upper East Side apartment which coincided with the launch of his namesake firm. Current projects range from private residences in New York, North Carolina, Colorado, Florida and Connecticut.
Originally from North Carolina, Alex studied Historic Preservation & Community Planning at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and completed graduate programs at Parsons School of Design and The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts’ Summer Institute. Alex’s southern roots inform his design sensibilities with an understanding of gracious living which is reflected in his work throughout the country. Prior to starting his own firm, Alex spent eight years working with
the renowned Ashley Whittaker Design, three of those as the firm’s Studio Director. Alex’s work has been featured in Frederic, Veranda, House Beautiful and AD Italia.

CeCe Barfield Thompson

CeCe Barfield Inc.. is a full service interior design firm based in New York City and San Antonio, Texas. CeCe Barfield Thompson, a former Senior Designer at Bunny Williams, Inc, launched her eponymous firm in October 2016. She holds a Master’s Degree from Pratt Institute in Interior Architecture and also completed course work in Historic Preservation.

Beginning her career at Vogue, CeCe specializes in crafting spaces that are high in style, but not in pretense. CeCe creates sophisticated, fresh and one-of-a-kind living spaces — using old, new, inherited and found pieces — that carefully marry the designer’s style with the client’s individuality.

Rudy Saunders
Rudy Saunders, Design Director of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., joined America’s oldest established and continually operating interior design firm in 2015. Based in New York, Saunders is involved with all aspects of the firm including designing colorful, bright, and fun residential interiors for discerning private clients across the US and internationally. Additionally, he oversees the design direction of hospitality projects, including The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. For each of these historic properties, the team constantly updates and creates distinctive environments, to continually offer world class interiors that inspire and delight generations of guests. Additionally, Saunders is involved with furniture, textile, lighting, product, and event design as well as buying and merchandising for Dorothy Draper Home retail at The Greenbrier, Grand Hotel, and online.

Originally from Cincinnati, Saunders attended University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) where he received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Rudy worked at Lilly Pulitzer focusing on retail design and visual merchandising and Bolce Interior Image concentrating on residential design prior to coming to Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc. in 2015. Saunders is involved with numerous charitable organizations including The White House Historical Association NextGen Leaders, The Fund For Park Avenue Young Friends Committee, Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Garden Club of America Young Associates
Board, Princess Grace Foundation Young Patrons Guild, Central Park Conservancy Greensward Circle, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, New York Botanical Gardens, and The Winter Antique Show Benefit Committee. A prolific needlepointer, Rudy launched an exclusive needlepoint collection, R! by Rudy, with Lycette Designs in 2020. This fun collection is available exclusively at Lycette Palm Beach, Lycette Newport, & online. He has taught needlepoint classes and is a co-founder of the Young Needlepointers of New York City.

Moderator:
Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt is a Charleston-based writer and editor, and author of three design books: At Home in the South, Simply Chic and Enchanting Gardens, all for Hearst Books under the Veranda brand. She writes design, travel and arts/culture features for a number of publications, including Veranda, Garden & Gun, LUXE, Coastal Living, Southern Living and FLOWER, and Charleston Magazine, where she is Editor at Large.

Friday, March 20th at 12:00pm at The Charleston Show, Festival Hall.