In an era of economic uncertainty and technological disruption, how do design studios stay resilient, relevant, and profitable? In conjunction with the 
NYCxDESIGN Festival
, we have assembled a panel featuring three of today’s foremost design leaders – Eddie Opara of Pentagram, Julia Zeltser of Hyperakt, and Peter Kang of Barrel – to take us inside their practice and discuss what it takes to run a successful studio in this moment. Each brings over 20 years of experience leading design studios, building and growing their business through shifting markets and industry disruptions.
We’ll go behind the scenes of each studio to discuss how they manage the business, develop long-term strategies, navigate change, and share learnings from decades of delivering world-class work. Whether you're an independent designer, studio founder, or creative leader, the discussion will provide real-world insights, hard-earned lessons, and strategic takeaways to help you future-proof your design career.
We’ll have plenty of time for Q&A, discussion and networking with design leaders.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Eddie Opara
 is a Partner of 
Pentagram
, the world's largest independently-owned design studio. Eddie’s work for clients including the Mellon Foundation, Nike and the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum merge strategy, design and technology to deliver groundbreaking experiences across media. He is a senior critic at the Yale University School of Art and a member of the distinguished design society Alliance Graphique Internationale.
Julia Zeltser
 is a Partner and the Operations & Growth Director of 
Hyperakt
, a branding studio for nonprofits and foundations. Julia has worked with some of the world’s most renowned changemakers, driven by her mission of using design to catalyze cultural change and create democratic opportunity. Founded in 2001, Hyperakt has delivered brand systems for clients including the Ford Foundation, DonorsChoose, the New York Community Trust, and Pete Buttigieg.
Peter Kang
 is co-founder of 
Barrel
, an e-commerce and web development agency delivering online storefronts for clients including L'Oreal Paris, KIND Snacks, and Cabot Creamery. After growing Barrel for 18 years, Peter and co-founder Sei-Wook Kim expanded to launch 
Barrel Holdings
, now a family of seven agencies with specializations ranging from branding to UX/UI design and development. He also runs 
AgencyHabits
, a website that provides resources and tools for agency operators.
Moderated by 
Patrick Durgin-Bruce
, Founder and Creative Director of 
Ultravirgo
, a strategy and design studio that helps mission-led brands expand their impact.
––
This event is made possible with the support of 
Squarespace Circle
, the partner program for professional website creators and agencies who design online experiences for their clients.
Information Source: Spark Design Professionals | eventbrite

New York

United States

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Empire State Building

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As I ascended the Empire State Building observation deck, the lights of Manhattan gradually illuminated the twilight, like a galaxy inverted on the earth. The cold wind jingled the love locks on the railings, and the streaks of light from the yellow taxis below reminded me of the time-traveling encounter in &quot;Sleepless in Seattle.&quot; On the 86th floor, in a corner, I spotted an elderly couple, their wrinkled wool scarves billowing like gentle sails in the night breeze, quietly embracing through binoculars. As neon signs flashed in the distance, I suddenly understood why this city forever attracts dreamers&mdash;not because of its height, but because behind every window lies an untamed yearning.

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The Museum of Modern Art

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Central Park

Jogging along the long paths of Central Park, every step feels like stepping to the city&#39;s rhythm. A boy plays guitar by the Bethesda Fountain, the melody of &quot;Imagine&quot; flowing from the strings, blending wonderfully with the clatter of horse-drawn carriages. In front of the star-shaped mosaic at Strawberry Fields, someone always leaves behind a dew-kissed rose, the air filled with the scent of onion hot dogs and fresh grass. My favorite spot is the skating rink near Bow Bridge, watching beginners tumble and fall like snowballs, while the skyline silhouettes silently behind the treetops&mdash;in this steel jungle, there lies a heart-warming oasis.

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Are you interested in NYCxDESIGN Special Event – The Business of Design: Navigating Change?

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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