For the last three years, I’ve been under a fitness spell. Daily workouts, sessions with my personal trainer, and a steady commitment to showing up (even on the days I’d rather not) have made me stronger and healthier, inside and out. So, when the owner of my gym approached me about redesigning the space, I agreed to lend my expertise and help bring his vision for the new gym to life. It was an opportunity to bring my professional experience into a world I’ve grown passionate about.
It turned out to be the start of something bigger. That initial collaboration led to an invitation to help design exhibition space at Strong New York, an annual fitness event celebrating its tenth year. The event brings together highly acclaimed speakers, over 35 workouts, fitness competitions, and some of the biggest brands and names in the industry. Stepping outside my usual world of hotels and multifamily design felt a bit daunting, but fitness and wellness have become such an important part of my life, that I couldn’t pass it up.
Designing for Energy
My goal was to create an experience that captured the energy of Strong New York while bringing a thoughtful, hospitality-driven approach to the exhibition space. Every element needed to feel intentional, from the overall atmosphere to the way merchandise was displayed and encouraged guests to engage. I was fortunate to partner with Bernhardt Hospitality, who generously provided the furniture, while an incredible lineup of exhibition vendors added to the excitement and helped make the event such a success.
The design came together through three distinct areas. The speaker stage took on the warmth and comfort of a residential living room, with leather seats and a coffee table creating an inviting setting for conversation. A subway-inspired backdrop and bold billboards brought the unmistakable character of New York City into the space, while the Strong New York merchandise area was designed with a retail mindset, balancing visual impact with functionality to encourage guests to explore and shop. Together, these elements created an environment that felt energetic, welcoming, and distinctly New York.
What I Saw on the Ground
There’s nothing quite like seeing a vision become reality. Everyone arrived in workout clothes, ready to sweat and ready to listen. The vendors were innovative, and the energy was contagious.
One of my favorite moments was seeing how each of the six speakers interacted with the living room-inspired stage. Some stood, others paced, while some were joined by their peers, sitting down for engaging conversations. Each brought a different energy to the space, making it their own. It was a reminder that design is only part of the equation. It’s the people and the way they experience a space that truly bring it to life.
Of course, no event comes without a few unexpected challenges. Some details didn’t go quite as planned, and a Nor’easter forced us to rethink our original outdoor setup and bring everything indoors. It required some quick adjustments and flexibility, but in the end, the event came together beautifully, and the enthusiasm of the crowd never wavered.
Strong New York reminded me that the same principles that guide my fitness journey — show up, stay consistent, and adapt apply to design, too. I’m already looking forward to next year!