NYCxDESIGN Special Event – The Business of Design: Navigating Change

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.

Last year's NYCxDESIGN event sold out, so be sure to reserve your ticket early!

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 Holdings, a portfolio of specialized agencies focused on design, development, and marketing for ambitious brands. What began as Barrel, an e-commerce and web agency serving clients like McCormick, Stanley Black & Decker, and Cabot Creamery, has grown into a group of agencies with expertise spanning branding, UX/UI, Amazon, and more. Peter also runs AgencyHabits, a platform offering tools, templates, and frameworks to help agency leaders build smarter, more sustainable businesses.

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.