Dallas Market Center announces the schedule of events for Lightovation Design + Build Day, taking place Tuesday, January 13, in partnership with SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, publisher of INTERIOR DESIGN and METROPOLIS magazines. This exclusive, full-day program brings together interior designers, architects, builders, and other trade professionals for a day of exclusive experiences, educational sessions with design thought leaders, and guided showroom tours with participation from the editor-in-chief from each publication.
“Design + Build Day is a must-attend event for the design and build community,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Our partnership with SANDOW DESIGN GROUP allows us to deliver meaningful content and experiences that inspire, educate, and connect the community with leading voices shaping design.”
This year’s Design + Build Day will be headlined by Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief of INTERIOR DESIGN, who will open the day with a keynote address and later sit down with acclaimed architect and designer Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio for a one-on-one conversation about creativity and innovation across commercial, residential, and hospitality design. Attendees will also hear from Avi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief of METROPOLIS, presenting “The Creative Power of ‘And’”, a keynote exploring five big ideas driving sustainable and forward-thinking design. The day rounds out with curated showroom tours, networking opportunities, and a celebratory cross-disciplinary closing reception bringing together the design and lighting communities.
EVENTS TO INSPIRE
From thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders guided tours throughout the Trade Mart, the day delivers education, inspiration, and connection at every turn.
Design + Build Day Schedule of Events – Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- 9 a.m. – Kickoff Breakfast Hosted by Crystorama | Crystorama - TM 3503
Start the day with a celebratory breakfast inside the newly renovated Crystorama showroom featuring morning bites, conversation, and a first look at the 2026 product introductions.
- 10 a.m. – INTERIOR DESIGN Keynote with Cindy Allen | TM 4 - Elevator Lobby
Cindy Allen, Editor-in-Chief of INTERIOR DESIGN, shares her insight on creativity, innovation, and the future of design leadership. Her keynote highlights the vision and talent shaping the next era of interior design.
- 11:30 a.m. – Design + Build Day Lunch Hosted by Hubbardton Forge | Hubbardton Forge - TM 3725
Experience the beauty of design and community at a special luncheon inside the Hubbardton Forge showroom. Enjoy great food, conversation, and inspiration as we gather in a setting full of creativity and craftsmanship.
- 12:30 p.m. – One-on-One with an Iconic Visionary with Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief, INTERIOR DESIGN Magazine & Lauren Rottet, Principal, Rottet Studio | TM 4 – Elevator Lobby
- Cindy Allen sits down with renowned designer Lauren Rottet to celebrate the transformative power of design. Together, they discuss creativity as the driving force for Rottet's commercial, residential, hospitality (and product design!), uncovering emerging trends that promise to inspire designers and clients alike.
- 1:30 p.m. – INTERIOR DESIGN Tour Led by Helene Oberman | Meet at TM 4 - Elevator Lobby
Join INTERIOR DESIGN Managing Editor Helene Oberman for a guided tour highlighting must-see decorative lighting destinations at Lightovation. Discover standout design resources that reflect the latest trends shaping the industry.
- 2:30 p.m. – METROPOLIS Keynote: “The Creative Power of ‘And’” with Avi Rajagopal | TM 4 Elevator Lobby
Join METROPOLIS Editor-in-Chief Avi Rajagopal for a keynote exploring how beauty, health, and sustainability can coexist in design and five big ideas transforming the spaces we create.
- 3:30 p.m. – METROPOLIS Tour Led by Avi Rajagopal | Meet at TM 4 Elevator Lobby
Explore cutting-edge architectural lighting resources and technologies that blend performance, sustainability, and design innovation, including the latest ceiling fans.
- 4:30 p.m. – Design + Build Day Closing Reception | International Pavilion – TM 4926
Meet editors from INTERIOR DESIGN and METROPOLIS while enjoying refreshments and networking with other design and lighting professionals.
ADDITIONAL DESIGN PROGRAMMING IN JANUARY
Total Home & Gift Market, January 7–13, and Lightovation, January 10–13, will feature special programming focused on interior design content. Complete event information is available on the January Design Events page https://dallasmarketcenter.com/januarydesignevents/. On Thursday, January 8, designers can look forward to a full day of programming including showroom tours, panel discussions, and special events. That evening, celebrations continue with expansion parties for Uttermost and MC Studio ahead of the 36th ARTS Awards Preview Party with 2026 HEARTS Award honoree Heart on Main Street. The ARTS Awards will take place on Friday, January 9, at the Hilton Anatole. Purchase ARTS Awards tickets here: https://dallasmarketcenter.com/artsawards/arts-reservations/.
During Lightovation, January 10, designers are encouraged to visit the new exterior lighting exhibit on the elevator lobby of the TM 3, Exteriorscape, to see a showcase of exterior lighting options from nine brands. Exteriorscape aims to inspire and educate attendees with panel discussions from top landscape design talent to share how trends in landscaping design and client preferences are impacting exterior lighting solutions in our daily life. The first day of Lightovation will be dedicated programming tailored to attendees learning more about outdoor lighting through tours, panels, and demonstrations.
Monday, January 12, will also feature Lighting programming of interest to designers in partnership with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Find out the latest trends for these lucrative rooms and enjoy related discussions and product tours.
Unmatched Hotel Offers
Dallas Market Center partner hotels are offering new hotel options to support a range of buyer travel budgets. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $149 per night. Rates valid until two weeks prior to Market, based on availability and are subject to change at any time so please reach out to Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.
For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gifts, home décor, gourmet and housewares, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting, and apparel and accessories. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.