presenting sponsor
As the NHA’s premier summer fundraiser, Nantucket by Design celebrated the island’s unique influence on American design with engaging lectures, an online antique show, and lively panel discussions live via Zoom from July 29- August 1, 2020.
After careful consideration, the NHA decided to present all events virtually in order to keep public health a top priority this summer season while still celebrating our events with islanders, summer residents, and visitors alike as well as connecting with a new global audience online.
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Kelly Williams, Chair
Nantucket by Design 2020
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Nantucket by Design
2020 Events
Virtual Design Luncheon
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Friends gathered for lunch via Zoom and enjoyed a live presentation with keynote speaker Alessandra Branca. Alessandra Branca is a vivacious and talented keynote speaker and world renowned designer who discussed how she creates “Sanctuary” in her designs. Alessandra’s interiors are anchored by classical details, rich colors, patterns and textures, paired with antique and custom furnishings, modern and European art, and distinctive accessories. Alessandra has launched her own line, called Casa Branca, which captures the elements of her amazing style.
Chaired by Stacey Bewkes
Sponsored by Centre Pointe
The Nantucket Summer Antiques Show Virtual Preview Party
Thursday, July 30, 2020
The NHA was pleased to partner with The Nantucket Summer Antiques Show through an online platform. All ticket purchasers received an exclusive first look at the collections of 32 dealers. Attendees also enjoyed an opening talk live via Zoom with renowned interior designer Alex Papachristidis, who discussed how to incorporate antiques into modern interiors.
Managed by The Antiques Council.
Chaired by Maureen and Edward Bousa with Honorary Chair, Kathleen Hay
Virtual House Tours
Friday, July 31, 2020
Ticket holders were given exclusive access to virtually tour three homes at their leisure with their designers, Susan Zises Green, Gary McBournie, and Andrew Kotchen, and experienced their creative inspiration while living in Nantucket.
Virtual Design Panel
Friday, July 31, 2020
Presented live via Zoom- Steele Marcoux, editor-in-chief of Veranda magazine, moderated an engaging discussion with designers Meg Braff, Young Huh, and Richard Keith Langham. The designers discussed how they create a sanctuary for their clients and how to work with historic interiors. They also shared engaging stories about their careers in interior design.
Chair Emerita Susan Zises Green

Virtual All-Star Designer Private Dinners
Friday, July 31, 2020
Diamond, Platinum, and Gold leadership level ticket holders were invited to join a virtual dinner party featuring one of our distinguished design luminaries as a special guest. Small groups joined together via Zoom for this unique opportunity to meet and dine with a leader in the field.
Chaired by Gary McBournie & William Richards
Sponsored by Magellan Jets
Saturday Seminar: Nantucket Design = Local Foundations + Global Infusions
Saturday, Aug 1, 2020
This special seminar was held live via Zoom with Ellen Fisher, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the New York School of Interior Design. Ellen explored the history of interior design on Nantucket, and the blending of local traditions with global influences. Participants learned how interior design has evolved throughout the years on Nantucket.
Sponsored by New York School of Interior Design

Virtual Night at the Museum Dance Party with DJ Mad Marj
Saturday, Aug 1, 2020
Friends joined together from all over the world for this exciting virtual dance party. DJ Mad Marj took us back to the late 1970s with a disco bash to remember.
This year’s event honored Phoebe and Bobby Tudor.
Chaired by Marla Sanford and Elizabeth Georgantas.
Sponsored by The Vault
Nantucket by Design Extras
Virtual Silent Auction
This year, we were excited to offer this online auction of carefully selected items and packages provided by our generous donors, including this Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Small Bag! All proceeds from this auction benefited the NHA.
Chaired by Olivia Charney and Liz Barnes
Virtual Pop-Up Shops
The NHA is pleased to announce our partnership with The Scout Guide—a network of city guides featuring thousands of exceptional local artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs in over 60 locations across the country—for our summer fundraiser, Nantucket by Design. Each year, Nantucket By Design works with various brands to create an exciting shopping experience for both ticket holders and the public, to benefit the NHA. This summer, we’ve collaborated with The Scout Guide to create an exclusive pop-up shop of curated brands that celebrates island living and the best of Nantucket. Shop the pop-up from July 24 through August 7.
Chaired by Alice Campbell
New York School of Interior Design Student Project
On display at the Whaling Museum starting Thursday, July 30. (Information about hours and tickets to visit the Whaling Museum can be viewed here.)
Learn more and view 2020 student projects here!
Click Here To Meet Our 2020 Design Luminaries
Exploring Nantucket’s Design History
For decades, Nantucket has been known for its natural beauty, its weathered clapboards, and its unique sense of place. So it is not surprising that this special island has made its mark on American design. Over the next few months, we look forward to sharing some of these influences with treasures and stories from our archives.
Nantucket Crafts–Furniture, Needlepoint & more! (May, 19, 2020)
Nantucket Lightship Baskets (July 21, 2020)
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For more information about Nantucket by Design and Sponsorship Opportunities for 2020, please contact:
Director of Corporate Development
Stacey W. Stuart
sstuart@nha.org
508-228-1894, ext. 130
View Photos from Nantucket by Design 2019