NYCxDESIGN Grown Folks Ice Cream Social
A SWEET NIGHT OF MATERIALS, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION WITH NYCxDESIGN
During NYCxDesign and the AN News After Dark Flatiron Showroom Crawl, the Robin Reigi Materials showroom transformed into something more than a materials library. It became a gathering place.
FLATIRON SHOWROOM CRAWL
More than 70 architects, designers, students, manufacturers, librarians, and industry colleagues joined us for our first-ever Grown Folks Ice Cream Social, creating an evening filled with conversation, discovery, and new connections.
The goal was simple: bring great people together around great materials in a welcoming and memorable environment.
The result exceeded our expectations.
A SHOWROOM DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY
Throughout the evening, guests explored our latest collections from Decospan, Plyboo, and Slalom while enjoying boozy ice cream from Aubi & Ramsa, cocktails, and delicious bites from Sophie’s Cuban.
Visitors experienced materials the way they are meant to be experienced: in person.
Guests touched the latest Shinnoki and Querkus wood veneer collections from Decospan, explored the sculptural surfaces of Plyboo’s Pleat & Weave collection, and discovered Slalom’s colorful, design-forward acoustic systems. Conversations moved easily from sustainability and specification to design trends and material innovation.
For many attendees, it was their first visit to the Robin Reigi showroom. For others, it was a chance to reconnect with colleagues and discover what’s new.
GREAT PEOPLE MAKE GREAT EVENTS
What made the evening special was the mix of people in the room.
Experienced design professionals mingled with students just beginning their careers. Manufacturers shared expertise with architects and interior designers. New introductions led to future conversations, collaborations, and opportunities.
The atmosphere was relaxed, convivial, and energetic. The kind of environment where networking happens naturally rather than feeling like work.
Adding to the experience was a soundtrack powered by SuperFreq Hi-Fi speakers, creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection.
WHY EVENTS LIKE THIS MATTER
Design is ultimately about people.
While materials, products, and technology continue to evolve, our industry remains rooted in relationships, shared knowledge, and community. Events like the Grown Folks Ice Cream Social create opportunities to strengthen those connections and welcome new voices into the conversation.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us, shared ideas, sampled materials, enjoyed some ice cream, and helped make the evening such a success.
Thank you for being part of it.
We look forward to seeing you again soon in the showroom.
Until next time.
FEATURED ARCHITECTURAL MATERIALS
Throughout the evening, we featured:
- Decospan — wood veneer collections including Shinnoki prefinished panels, the newly elevated Querkus oak line, and the rich, expressive Nuxe walnut collection
- Plyboo — Pleat & Weave panels, where sculptural form, light, and shadow come together in dimensional surfaces
- Slalom — color-driven acoustic systems in velvet, bouclé, and felt, designed to bring softness, performance, and atmosphere into interior spaces