ASID Pasadena Postpones Inaugural Design Gala Amid Aftermath of Devastating Local Wildfire

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Pasadena chapter announced the postponement of its First Annual Best in Design Awards Gala until 2026, citing the recent Eaton Fire devastation. 

“After careful consideration, ASID Pasadena has made the difficult decision to postp the First Annual Best in Design Awards Gala until 2026,” the organization said in a statement on its website. 

The organization explained its decision was influenced by “recent losses within o community,” emphasizing the need to “focus our support where it is most needed – helping those impacted by the fire devastation 

The $150-per-person event, originally scheduled for the Pasadena Elks Lodge, will now take place at Pez Coastal Kitchen on Feb. 20, 2026. 

The Eaton Fire, which began Jan. 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, has destroyed 9,418 structures and burned 14,021 acres, reaching 95% containment by Jan. 22.

The fire’s devastating impact includes 17 civilian fatalities and nine firefighter inj with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) estimating damages exceeding $250 billion, ranking it among America’s costliest wildfire 

More than 100,000 residents faced evacuation orders, with phased repopulation beginning Jan. 22, according to official reports from emergency managem authorities. 

The design community has rallied to support victims, with The Soft Landing Project collecting over 2,000 donated furnishings for those affected by the disaster. 

Local designer Jobst Blachy of Quintus Home exemplified the widespread impact  the design community, reporting the need to rebuild studios “from scratch.” 

ASID Pasadena officials confirmed all ticket holders have already received full ref while design competition participants will have the opportunity to re-enter when the event is rescheduled. 

Since the devastating fire, the Pasadena Community Foundation has raised $7 milli for fire relief efforts, distributing $533,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations  support recovery initiatives. 

Federal authorities have approved a disaster declaration, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid distribution, while the Pasadena Unifi School District has resumed operations with modified schedule 

ASID’s 2025 Trends Report highlights ongoing industry focus on neuro-inclusive design, multigenerational workforce dynamics, and smart technology integration. 

For questions about refunds, email finance@capas.asid.org, or visit https://capas.asid.org/events/best-in-design-awards-gala.