Honorary Chair

Michael Payne

The host and interior designer of HGTV's Designing For The Sexes, obtained a bachelors degree in physics and mathematics from Southampton University in England. After ten years in the computer industry, during which he was transferred from England to the United States, he pursued a career in interior design and graduated from the UCLA interior design program in 1980.

While attending UCLA Michael gained design experience working with a Los Angeles-based design firm that specialized in high-end, international clients. He founded Michael Payne, Inc. in 1980, offering interior design services to clients on a national and international basis. Michael teaches an interior design seminar at UCLA. He has a furniture design/manufacturing partnership with the Powell Company and the initial Michael Payne Collection by Powell was introduced in April 2005 (the furniture is available in furniture stores nationwide). Michael has relationships with other corporate clients as a spokesperson.

Michael is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and is a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California.

In addition to Designing For The Sexes, Michael has been on numerous network television programs and on radio stations throughout the country, and has been the featured speaker at various national home shows, design events, museums, conferences, corporate events, and charity functions. He has also been the subject of newspaper and magazine articles across the United States and has authored Let's Ask Michael.  His latest project is chronicling his own extensive home remodeling project which will be published in a book entitled "House of Payne."

House Chairs

Gilbert & Kendall Spencer and Austin & Christine Forman, House Co-chair's would like to welcome you to the 2008 American Red Cross Designers' Show House.  It has been an honor to be part of such a unique and spectacular event.  While these houses, with the help of our very talented designers are so impressive, many in this community are not so fortunate.  The support of the American Red Cross is vital to our community here in Broward County. 

Design Chair

Mariel Rubin, Design Chair is an award winning, accredited Interior Designer and distinguished member of ASID. Mariel and Company, Inc., a Florida-licensed interior design firm, has over 25 years experience nationwide for residential and commercial design, as well as model merchandising. She has been published in numerous trade magazines throughout the years, highlighting her talent for creating comfortable, distinctive interiors for discriminating clients.

Project Manager

Monica Joyce, Project Manger worked as Manager of Vicunha Trading - Textiles in Sao Paulo, Brazil after receiving her BBA for International trade. She came to South Florida in 1990 and started to pursue a career in Interior Design, graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2000. Monica specializes in space planning, color and furniture selection, working in the development and furnishings of the Alvin Sherman Library and Research at Nova Southeastern University, City of Parkland Library, Harley Davidson stores and the Cardiology Associates offices at the Holy Cross Hospital Fort Lauderdale. She also has experience in residential projects, kitchen and bath remodels and turn-key projects.

Show House Committee

Bonnie Barnett
Vera Beran
Ann Burris
Renee Bush
Beverly DiNunzio
Ruth Epps
Ellen Gertz
Diáne Johnson
Jane Katterhenry
Kathryn Krause
Carol Harrison
Melinda Lee
Elaine Davis-Levine
JoAnne Lewis
JoLynn Lombardi
Bea Matiyow
Bernice Schwenke
Stella Siegel
Lorraine Thomas
Veronika Thorne
Michelle Tuggle
Paula Valad
Stacie Weisman
Barbara Winston
Paula Winston
Carola Woodworth