Unlocking Your Potential: Insights from AD100's Newest Stars
The Esteemed AD100: A Career-Defining Achievement for Design Professionals
Securing a spot on the AD100 roster, Architectural Digest's annual compilation of the world's premier design talents, represents a pivotal career milestone. This prestigious recognition can unlock doors to collaborations with influential clients, lucrative brand and licensing agreements, and foster a deeper connection with the entire Architectural Digest community. It validates a designer's exceptional skill and vision, positioning them at the forefront of the global design landscape.
AD PRO LIVE Event: Conversations with the 2026 AD100 Fresh Faces
In a recent AD PRO LIVE session, we convened with three emerging design luminaries making their debut on the 2026 AD100 list. Architect Tal Schori of GRT Architects, alongside acclaimed interior designers Jessica Helgerson and Darren Jett, shared their unique narratives. They delved into the strategic decisions and fortunate coincidences that led them to grace the pages of Architectural Digest, recounting both the challenges and triumphs encountered throughout their professional journeys. Their candid discussion provided invaluable guidance for today's aspiring designers, offering a roadmap to navigating the complexities of the industry.
Inside the Selection Process: A Glimpse from AD's Global Editor
Adding an exclusive dimension to the discussion, Alison Levasseur, Architectural Digest's Global Interiors and Garden Editor, offered an insider's perspective on the meticulous selection process behind the highly anticipated annual AD100 list. Her insights illuminated the rigorous criteria and discerning eye required to identify and celebrate the most innovative and impactful design professionals globally, providing attendees with a rare peek behind the curtain of this esteemed accolade.
Introducing Jessica Helgerson: A Visionary in Interior Design
Jessica Helgerson, the principal and design director of Jessica Helgerson Interior Design and a celebrated 2026 AD100 debutante, exemplifies a remarkable blend of adaptability and artistic insight. With a portfolio showcasing diverse projects that consistently emanate an understated elegance and comfort, her firm, established in 2000 and operating from offices in Portland, Oregon, and Paris, demonstrates an exceptional ability to rejuvenate historic residences. She brings forth thoughtful and imaginative solutions, infusing these spaces with contemporary flair while respecting their inherent character, ultimately delivering projects of profound style and sensitivity.
Introducing Tal Schori: Architectural Innovation from GRT Architects
Tal Schori, a founding partner of GRT Architects and a distinguished 2026 AD100 inductee, shares a unique origin story with co-founder Rustam Mehta. Their friendship began in third grade, leading them through similar academic paths at Brown University, artistic apprenticeships, and master's degrees in architecture from Yale. Before establishing GRT in Brooklyn in 2014, both honed their skills at leading firms; Schori at Michael Maltzan Architecture and Deborah Berke, and Mehta at Pelli Clarke & Partners. This shared history and creative synergy are evident in their practice's distinctive and assured work, which masterfully blends cutting-edge material innovation with a profound respect for historical context.
Introducing Darren Jett: Crafting Captivating Interiors at Jett Projects
Darren Jett, the design principal of Jett Projects and a noteworthy 2026 AD100 newcomer, launched his firm in 2020 and has since created a series of unforgettable spaces. His designs are celebrated for their visual allure and their capacity to uplift the spirit. Whether crafting a 1970s-inspired Manhattan bachelor pad or an Ohio Tudor estate that respectfully nods to his clients' Indian heritage, Jett's methodology is deeply rooted in comprehensive research. He draws inspiration from cinema, music, and historical design masterpieces. Yet, the core of his creative expression lies in his innate passion for luxury and pleasure, skillfully manifested through a sophisticated and traditional decorator's expertise.