Coral Gables launches inaugural Day of Design with 687 guests

Coral Gables’ first Day of Design drew 687 attendees on Sept. 22 across four design destinations, bringing together city leaders, international brands, architects and design editors. The event was positioned as a new fixture for South Florida’s design calendar and a continuation of the city’s century-long design legacy.

Why it matters: - The inaugural Day of Design gave Coral Gables a citywide platform to showcase its design district, businesses and creative talent. - The event connected civic leaders, designers, showrooms and national media in one program, signaling broader visibility for the local design economy. - Organizers framed the debut as a foundation for a recurring event that could become part of South Florida’s design calendar.

What happened: - Coral Gables’ first Day of Design took place Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, and drew 687 guests. - Cordero Consulting produced the event, which moved across Maison Mischief, the Coral Gables Museum, Scavolini and Maison & Co. - The day opened with a ribbon cutting at Maison Mischief. - Katie and Ruben Gutierrez of Errez Design joined Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Gloria Baez of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and JP Faber of Coral Gables Magazine at the opening. - The event continued with workshops, a panel discussion and a closing reception.

The details: - Maison Mischief hosted the “Artistry Atelier” workshop, which included live painting by muralist and decorative artist Grahame Ménage. - The Coral Gables Museum hosted “Materials, Mastery, & Meaning: The Art of Enduring Design,” a conversation moderated by Harriet Mays Powell of Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens. - Panelists included Luciana Fragali of Design Solutions Miami, Jacqueline Gonzalez Touzet of Touzet Studio, Jorge L. Hernandez of JLH Architect and Jorge Bernal of Perkins & Will Miami Studio. - The panel focused on how materials, craftsmanship and meaning shape long-lasting design. - Scavolini hosted “The Art of the Italian Kitchen” workshop. - Maison & Co. closed the event with “Beyond Illumination,” a reception centered on lighting as art and atmosphere. - Maison & Co., Modern Luxury, Moniomi, Subzero Wolf and Hudson Valley Lighting Group hosted the lighting conversation. - The discussion tied to the Moniomi x Corbett collaboration and Moniomi’s new La Sala gallery concept. - Jesse Bratter of Modern Luxury moderated the panel. - Panelists included Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez of Moniomi, Sarah Speck of Hudson Valley Lighting Group and Elizabeth Ortiz of Maison & Co. - Notable guests included Giorgio Ricco, chief executive officer of Scavolini USA, and Daniele Busca, creative brand director of Scavolini. - Other guests included Tiffany Young and members of the design media. - Media attendees included Jesse Bratter of Modern Luxury Interiors South Florida, JP Faber and Amy Donner of Coral Gables Magazine, and Harriet Mays Powell of Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens.

Between the lines: - The event blended civic branding with industry networking, using architecture, showrooms and media attention to position Coral Gables as a design destination. - Byron Cordero, founder and principal of Cordero Consulting, said the goal was to bring the city’s design community together and make Day of Design a lasting fixture. - Coral Gables’ design identity gave the program a built-in narrative, from George Merrick’s 1920s “City Beautiful” vision to the city’s Mediterranean Revival architecture and themed villages. - Mayor Vince Lago said the city’s architecture and thoughtful planning have long shaped Coral Gables’ identity, and that the event helps introduce more people to local talent and businesses. - Gloria Baez said the Day of Design is an opportunity to showcase the city’s exceptional businesses and creative talent.

What's next: - Cordero Consulting wants to build Day of Design into a recurring South Florida event. - The inaugural edition sets a template for future programming across Coral Gables showrooms, museums and design venues. - Organizers are using the city’s design history and current business community to support future growth for the event.

The bottom line: - Coral Gables used its first Day of Design to turn the city’s design heritage into a live, multi-venue industry showcase.