The ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers) is an organization that dates back to the early 1930’s. Their mission is to serve all sectors of the interior design profession and practice through the society’s programs, networks, and advocacy.
The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID NJ) hosted its prestigious 2025 Design Excellence Awards (DEA) on June 11th at the Maplewood Country Club, honoring standout interior design projects that redefine spaces and enrich lives.
With 39 awards presented across 18 categories, the evening brought together leading designers, industry partners, and media under one roof. Hosted by Emmy-winning George Oliphant of NBC’s George to the Rescue and HGTV’s Noel Gatts of beam&bloom interiors, the event radiated with creativity, camaraderie, and a shared passion for purposeful design.
Photo credit: Aimee Ryan
Gold Winners: Anna Maria Mannarino, ASID Allied, Mannarino Designs, Holmdel; Julie China, ASID Allied, Idea Space Architecture + Design, Maplewood; Tracey Stephens, Allied ASID, Tracey Stephens Interior Design, Montclair; Anastasia Harrison, ASID, AHD & Co, Westfield; and Alexa Ralff, ASID Associate, AHR Designs, Maplewood.
Not shown: Miriam Silver Verga, ASID Associate, Mimi & Hill, Westfield.
Photo credit: Middle Grey Studios / Business of Home
Pictured left to right: ASID NJ President Marilyn LaVergne, George Oliphant and Membership Director Paul Sarrubbo
Highlights & Winning Categories
From historic preservation and luxury kitchens to standout commercial showrooms, this year’s awards celebrated both residential and commercial achievements. Notable Gold winners included:
- Miriam Silver Verga of Mimi & Hill (Westfield) for a multi-space residential project over 5,000 sq. ft.
- Tracey Stephens of Montclair for a large residential kitchen and small kitchen design.
- Julie China of Idea Space Architecture + Design (Maplewood) for residential historic preservation.
- Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs (Holmdel) for showhouse interiors.
- Alexa Rallf of AHD Designs in Maplewood for a small kitchen
- Anastasia Harrison of AHD& Co of Westfield for a multi-space residential project 2501-5000 sq. ft.
Purpose Meets Precision
ASID NJ President Marilyn LaVergne emphasized that the winning projects demonstrated “purpose, integrity, creativity, and how exceptional design can transform spaces.” Judging was conducted by ASID members nationwide, exempting the New Jersey Chapter, following rigorous standards.
Designers from across New Jersey—including Essex, Bergen, Monmouth, Union, and beyond—showcased how interiors can be both beautiful and transformative. Student talent also shone brightly, with Kean University students taking home multiple awards in commercial categories.
The event’s success was made possible by key sponsors including Royal Green Appliances and Salzone Fine Art. A roster of supporting brands such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Janus et Cie, and Room & Board played a major role in making the evening a great success.
Photo credit: Aimee Ryan
The Winners of the 2025 (DEA) awards: Anna Maria Mannarino, ASID Allied, Mannarino Designs, Holmdel; Sarah Storms, ASID Allied, Styled by Storms, Maplewood; Jennifer Pacca, ASID Allied, Jennifer Pacca Interiors, Wyckoff; Julie China, ASID Allied, Idea Space Architecture + Design, Maplewood; Anastasia Harrison, ASID, AHD & Co, Westfield; Tracey Stephens, ASID Allied, Tracey Stephens Interior Design, Montclair; Beth Insabella Walsh, ASID, CID, INSABELLADESIGN, Little Silver; Alexa Ralff, ASID Associate, AHR Designs, Maplewood; Molly Miller, ASID Associate, Molly Miller Interiors, Maplewood; Diane Durocher, ASID, CID, Diane Durocher Interiors, Ramsey; Sheila Rich, ASID Allied, Sheila Rich Interiors, Monmouth Beach; and Linda Granert, ASID, Granert Interior Planning & Design, Midland Park.
Not shown: Yelena Gerts, Allied ASID, House of Style & Design, Holmdel; Malorie Goldberg, ASID Allied, Noa Blake Design, Marlboro; Kate Kennedy, ASID Allied, Katie Lynn Interiors, Manahawkin; Beth Diana Smith, ASID Associate, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, Kearny; Karla Trincanello, ASID Allied, CID, Interior Decisions, Florham Park; and Miriam Silver Verga, ASID Associate, Mimi & Hill, Westfield. Student ASID winners: Mildred Alvarado, Aubree M. Gerwich and Suha Jawad, all of Kean University.
Read more on Award Winning Interior Desginer Anna Maria Mannarino
