DIFFA Dining by Design SF 2011 with the Academy of Art University

image DIFFA San Francisco Dining by Design Logo

I had the good fortune to be able to attend DIFFA’s Dining by Design 2011 at the San Francisco Design Center with a seat at the wonderful table of the Academy of Art University. Held this year on the 17th of November, it was a kaleidoscope of color, fun, beautiful tables, fabulous people, good food and all for a great cause.

DIFFA, standing for Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids, is the oldest and one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. providing:

• Preventive education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection
• Treatment and direct-care services for people living with AIDS
• Public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector efforts

Since 1993, when DIFFA’s Kansas City chapter produced the first Dining by Design event, local design communities seek to showcase stunning tabletops designed by leading community leaders in each city; providing an opportunity for the industry to come together for good food, a feast for the eyes and the opportunity to support this cause.

This year in San Francisco, the tables ranged from the natural and sustainable,

to the sublime,

and the metaphysical. I was lucky to be seated at the table designed by students from the Academy of Art University, school of Interior Architecture and Design. I was truly curious to see what they would come up with. Reportedly the largest art and design school in the country, these future designers are taught by current day professionals in their industry of choice. Well, they did not disappoint!

image thanks to Stuart Gilchrist

Their table, “one heART” went straight to the core meaning of this event. Their concept statement read as follows:

One is in everyone. One is the piece of the whole and the whole is comprised of the one. There exists an interwoven, interdependent and constantly evolving transformation from the one to the whole and the whole to the one. The power lies in the meeting of the ones to make up the whole, for without the one, the whole cannot be; and without the whole, change cannot be. We are one…heart.

To express their statement they used string in a stunning geometric portrayal of the interwoven and interdependence of the origin of us all; tying in the red, white and black color theme that also is represented in DIFFA’s logo.  I must say, I am proud to see the future of my industry in the hands of such an insightful and talent group of young people!

My thanks to Andrew Boepple; the Academy of Art team, Ernie Mariotto, Laura Blumenfeld, and Agustin Sanders; and my other table mates-Claudia Juestel, Stuart Gilchrist, Gino Castano, Antonio Martins and Crystal Gentilello for a delightful evening in your company!

Reporting live from DIFFA Dining by Design; Here I am with Andrew. thanks Andrew for this picture!

To see the full scope of the beautiful tablescapes as seen at our event, check out the video below. Enjoy, and cheers to a great holiday season!

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