Surely it was a miracle! In spite of storm warnings, the sun shone on the 250 attendees at HC&G’s second annual Innovation in Design Awards. The garden at East Hampton’s Guild Hall, furnished by Room & Board, was the scene of much exuberance before the awards ceremony inside the theater. ■ Judges Sherrill Canet and Kerry Delrose mingled with the crowd, but kept mum about the results, and nothing could top the joy of the winners: West Chin Architect PLLC for Architecture, James Michael Howard, Inc., for Interior Design, Stelle Architects for Bath Design, Martin Architects for Kitchen Design, R. G. Shuster & Co. for Garden Design, and Rutigliano Custom Inc., who won our new Builder Recognition Award. (See page 43 for our IDAs coverage.) ■ Jack Lenor Larsen wowed the audience with his introduction of designer Stephanie Odegard, who received this year’s Innovator Award. Her stunning handmade rugs have revolutionized the carpet industry and carry the promise of a better life: She is a founding board member of GoodWeave, which works to end child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in Nepal, India, and Afghanistan. A percentage of Stephanie Odegard rug sales goes to GoodWeave, so we can all feel even better with one of her rugs under our feet! ■ After-party talk centered on how HC&G can top this year’s event. Editor in Chief Kendell Cronstrom would be happy to hear all suggestions and feedback. See you next year!