For more than 20 years, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) has catered to the design community, attracting an international scope of architects, decorators, dealers and design enthusiasts. I’m one of them, so it was a tremendous thrill to receive a call announcing that I will be honored during the 2013 Stars of Design event on January 30th, 2013.

The ceremony will take place at the design center during its annual Winter Market on day one of two days of phenomenal programming.

The list of this year’s honorees reads like a Who’s Who in design. Jonathan Adler is being recognized for his achievements in product design, while Stanley Matz will be honored for his work in landscape design; Eric Cohler for interior design; Bernardo Fort-Brescia for architecture ; Jorge Blanco for art; and Seth Browarnik for photography. Emilia Karram is receiving the well-deserved lifetime achievement award, and I’m joining Gage Hartung, Alfred Karram Jr., Laura Kirar, Matthew MacDonald and Sabrina Vela in the 2013 Stars on the Rise category, honoring five young designers who have already made a significant mark on the design world.

It’s especially gratifying to know that all award recipients are selected by a noteworthy design panel of renowned professionals and members of the national, regional and South Florida media. What a wonderful way to start the New Year!