This year’s A&D Building Market Day took place on the hottest day Manhattan has seen since 2012 – the temp hit 108º. But the cool products and chill designer discussions were an effective antidote to the heat. Here’s some takeaways from the day’s 21 sessions.
SMEG
Retro and contemporary refrigerators at SMEG
SMEG hosted a panel of city-savvy designers who shared strategies for navigating the notorious NYC building codes, overseeing GCs and managing client expectations, as well as a comparison of gas and induction appliances. An ice-breaking opening question – what’s the most unusual client request you’ve had – elicited some curious stories, including one about a homeowner who handed the designer a set of floor plans, stating the kitchens in all her homes have been and must be exactly the same and that nothing could be changed. Cost, of course, was no object.
Artistic Tile
Casinio Royale, Donghia x Artistic Tile
In the glittery jewel-box of the Artistic Tile showroom, a new collaboration with Donghia was previewed. AT’s chief product officer, Zachary Epstein and VP of design Jill Cohen were on hand with David Toback, VP of design at Donghia, for the first look at Casino Royale and Decadence collections, which will be offered in several stock versions, with customized treatments available.
Bilotta Kitchen & Home
La Dolce Estate, Bilotta Kitchen & Home
A new kitchen collection by architect Sarah Witkin, La Dolce Estate, debuted at Bilotta Kitchen & Home. Warm woods, cool metals and bold stone are worked into a design that tips its hat to Italian post-modernism. The signature detail, a hefty wood bullnose, frames glass cabinets, caps open shelves and lines wall-mounted wine storage.
Hastings Bath Collection
Pam McNally, A+D industry strategist for Houzz Pro and Bob Gifford, director of business development, Hastings Bath Collection
As luxury becomes increasingly commonplace, high-end clients are no longer satisfied with what’s simply expensive or exclusive. Houzz Pro’s Pam McNally led a provocative discussion on how the definition of luxury is evolving and what designers must do to stay ahead, with Hastings’ Bob Gifford adding a brand-side perspective. Audience participation was particularly robust!
Dacor
Over the course of a tasty demo by chef Jean-Bernard Villarreal of induction and sous vide cooking modes, we learned from Alessandro Ledesma, senior manager, product marketing at Dacor that the brand will be updating its cooktop line in 2026 and introducing a 36-inch induction range in Q1 2026.
Miele
The Miele HR-1432-3 I 36-inch induction range (available July 2025). Image: Miele
The news from Miele: It’s releasing a new 36-inch induction range (two models, two price points) on July 1 and a third-generation MasterCool refrigerator – the first with two drawers – in October. While the overview of the appliances was presented via video, the showroom is expecting to have models on the floor in late summer.
True Residential
From left: moderator Chris Abbate, founder/CEO, Novita PR; Samantha Berezow, regional business development manager, Room & Board; Christopher Peacock, CEO/ founder, Christopher Peacock; Julie Schuster, principal, Julie Schuster Design Studio; Jamie Keel, residential A&D rep Manhattan, Cambria; Kay Trulaske, brand manager/sales, True Residential
A timely topic – how made-in-America brands influence the design landscape – was explored by a panel of representatives from furniture, cabinetry, design services, surfacing and refrigeration brands. The discussion touched on how local craftsmanship, innovation and manufacturing shape trends, drive sustainability and inspire authenticity in design across various sectors.
Eggersmann Kitchens
From left: Jennifer Rusch, principal, Narofsky Architecture; Stuart Narofsky, principal, Narofsky Architecture; Robin Kramer, Robin Kramer Garden Design; moderator Chandler Pibl, interiors market editor & New York digital editor, Modern Luxury Interiors
This thoroughly engrossing panel hosted by Eggersmann brought together a garden designer and architects, who engaged in wide-ranging observations on the intersection of architecture, nature and lifestyle. Pools that span interior and exterior, outdoor room creation and curation, the balance between site and structure, seasonal plantings, designing recreational features (pa-DELL ball, anyone?) and more were discussed.
JennAir
NextGen 36-inch Induction Downdraft Cooktop, JennAir. Photo: JennAir
An up-close demonstration of JennAir’s just-released NextGen Induction Downdraft Cooktop drew a crowd of hands-on observers. Developed in tandem with Bora, the extraction system (either external vent or recirculating) was the subject of much interest. The curving, faceted baffle covers a cylindrical metal mesh filter.
