In Bloom: Celebrating Design, Creativity, and Community
This spring, Creative Office Resources (COR), MillerKnoll, and Muuto partnered to host In Bloom, a three-city event series celebrating the creativity and unique identities of interior design firms through the lens of an iconic Muuto vase.
From a bustling evening in Manhattan to intimate gatherings in Connecticut and New Jersey, In Bloom invited designers to create one-of-a-kind installations using the Muuto vase as their creative vessel. The challenge? Represent their firm “in full bloom” without altering the vase’s structure. The result? Stunning, expressive works that reflected the ethos of each team. Whether tactile, minimalist, colorful, or conceptual, each piece offered a unique reflection of the studio behind it.
At its heart, In Bloom was not only about creativity, but also about community. Each event supported Team IMPACT, a nonprofit that connects children facing serious illness or disability with collegiate sports teams. Through raffle participation and generous donations, the series raised funds to support this life-changing mission. The opportunity to give back added a deeper layer of meaning to the celebrations, reinforcing the power of community.
In Bloom NYC
May 15, 2025 | MillerKnoll Showroom, 251 Park Avenue South
The largest of the three events, In Bloom NYC, was hosted at the stunning MillerKnoll showroom and brought together 12 design firms for an unforgettable evening of artistic expression and friendly competition. Each team submitted a Muuto vase installation ahead of the event, thoughtfully crafted to represent their firm’s identity.
The showroom came alive with bold ideas, textural experimentation, and unexpected material combinations, transforming the space into a gallery of vision and voice. Guests mingled over cocktails and participated in raffles, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Laura Cadge, Regional Development Officer at Team IMPACT, delivered a powerful message about the organization’s mission and the meaningful impact of each donation. Mid-event, designers faced a surprise twist element they had just 30 minutes to incorporate, testing their adaptability and imagination.
Teams shared reflections on their concepts, materials, and creative processes, providing insight into the stories behind each piece. A neutral panel of judges—Helene Oberman, Managing Director at Interior Design Magazine, Ghislaine Viñas, Owner & Interior Designer at Ghislaine Viñas, LLC and Jon Otis, Professor at Pratt Institute and Founder & Creative Director of Object Agency —awarded prizes in Originality and Materiality, while attendees voted live for the People’s Choice award. Congratulations to our winners: Rockwell for Creativity, Perkins & Will for the Materiality award, TMA for earning the People’s Choice, and HDR for receiving Honorable Mention.
Following the event, the Muuto vase installations were showcased in a public exhibition at the Muuto showroom on 251 Park Avenue South, 9th floor. Presented in partnership with MillerKnoll and Creative Office Resources for NYCxDESIGN, the exhibition invited visitors to explore Muuto’s vase creations through the lens of New York’s vibrant design community.
Participating NYC Design Firms: Corgan, HDR, HOK, MKDA, NBBJ, Perkins & Will, Rockwell Group, Spector Group, Studios Architecture, The Switzer Group, Ted Moudis Associates, Vocon
In Bloom CT
May 8 | Haven Beer Company, Hamden, CT
At the cozy and creative Haven Beer Company, In Bloom CT took on a lively, real-time format with eight design firms. Designers built their Muuto creations on-site, using locally grown and sustainably farmed florals sourced by Shannon Carey, and reacting quickly to the surprise element introduced mid-event. The venue buzzed with energy as teams crafted thoughtful designs that reflected their studio’s identity. Attendees cast their votes for People’s Choice, while judges— Mark Goetz, Owner of TZ Design and Shannon Carey, Owner of Three Roots Floral Design —awarded a standout with Judge’s Choice honors. Congratulations to JCJ Architecture for winning Judge’s Choice and Silver Petrucelli & Associates for being selected as the People’s Choice!
Participating Connecticut Design Firms: Amenta Emma, Atelier Cho Thompson, CPG, JCJ Architecture, Locus Design, Patriquin, Silver Petrucelli & Associates, Tecton Architects
In Bloom NJ
June 18 | COR Showroom, Edison, NJ
As the final stop in the series, In Bloom New Jersey brought together four design firms for an intimate and inspiring evening at COR’s Edison showroom. Muuto vase installations were unveiled during the event, where the surprise material introduced that evening sparked a final round of quick, collaborative enhancements. Judging was led by Georgina McWhirter, Senior Editor at Interior Design Magazine, and Olesya Smith, Project Manager at Batska Consulting, who selected the evening’s top design. Congratulations to Gensler on their well-deserved win!
Participating New Jersey Design Firms: ENV, Gensler, Mancini Duffy, NK Architects
“In Bloom highlighted the incredible creativity and collaboration within our design community. Each installation told a story and witnessing that level of expression was incredibly inspiring. We’re already looking forward to making In Bloom an annual tradition.”
- Kim Pinkerton, Managing Principal, COR
We’re grateful to MillerKnoll, Muuto, the incredible design firms, and every guest who brought In Bloom to life. Across three cities, the series was a powerful reminder of how design can inspire connection and give back in meaningful ways. We look forward to carrying that spirit into future collaborations.
