The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is pleased to announce Susan Szenasy, publisher and editor-in-chief of METROPOLIS magazine, as the 2017 Design for Humanity Award winner. This award honors an individual or institution for contributions made to improve the human experience through environmentally friendly and health-focused interior design projects or activities that demonstrate a far-reaching impact.

“Susan Szenasy is the epitome of what this award embodies,” said ASID CEO Randy Fiser. “Through her work at METROPOLIS and her extended work in the design community as lecturer, author, and advocate on the power of design, she is indeed a humanitarian. Shas dedicated her career to sharing the power of design with millions through METROPOLIS magazine’s rich editorial and superior coverage of the best in interior design.”

Szenasy began her career with Interiors magazine, rising from an editorial assistant to senior editor, and became chief editor of Residential Interiors, the shortlived offspring of Interiors. Since 1986, she has served as publisher and editor-in-chief of METROPOLIS, the award-winning New York City-based magazine of architecture and design at all scales. Szenasy is the author of several books on design, including “The Home: Exciting New Designs for Today’s Lifestyles,” and “Light: The Complete Handbook of Lighting Design.” She has taught design history and ethics at Parsons School of Design and is a frequent lecturer and panel moderator on a broad-range of design topics. She is a pioneer in connecting environmental stewardship with design, and a tireless advocate for human centered design. A book of her writings and talks, “Szenasy, Design Advocate,” was published in 2015. Szenasy is the co-founder of R.Dot (Rebuild Downtown Our Town), a coalition of New Yorkers who came together after the 9/11 tragedies to provide solid research and information for those charged with the difficult task of rebuilding New York City.

The ASID National Award winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of professional members, ASID Fellows, and representatives from the design community. This year’s prestigious panel of judges included: Bill Browning, LEED AP, Hon. AIA, founding partner, Terrapin Bright Green; Khoi Vo, Allied ASID, chair, interior design, Savannah College of Art and Design; Philip Kennicott, art and architecture critic, The Washington Post; Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, FASID, LEED Fellow,  senior associate, MSR; and Suzanne Tick, founder, Suzanne Tick, Inc.

Susan Szenasy will receive her award at Celebration – The ASID Awards Gala, on July 15, 2017, in San Diego, California along with the Designer of Distinction, Design Innovation, and Nancy Vincent McClelland Merit award winners and the new inductees to the ASID College of Fellows. Purchase tickets to Celebration.