IDS and Thermador Open Applications for 2022 Diversity in Design Pipeline

May 4, 2022  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Along with a comprehensive prize package that includes a financial scholarship of $10,000 toward tuition, five students entering their senior year at an accredited interior design program will receive a tailored yearlong mentorship from revered design experts to further their burgeoning careers within the industry. Invitations to key industry events, exclusive training, and a one-year student membership to IDS round out the package.

“As a brand that remains at the forefront of design and innovation, it is equally important to us that we focus on diversity in an industry which represents a critical segment of our brand,” says Beatriz Sandoval, director of brand marketing for Thermador. “Thermador has identified a need to promote inclusivity in the space, and we consider it an honor to be able to foster an environment for deserving students and to have the opportunity to further uncover the depths of their talents, interests and creativity in their desired career field. We want to help make sure that when they are ready to enter the workforce, they feel the support and encouragement from our brand and our partners in this initiative.”

Experienced industry leaders will also participate in the Diversity in Design Pipeline by serving on the student Selection Committee. The panel, chosen by Thermador and IDS, will select five incoming college seniors to receive this opportunity to jumpstart their careers with necessary tools upon graduation. The esteemed panel of judges includes: House Beautiful Director of Editorial Special Projects Carisha Swanson, HGTV Design Star Alum Justin Q. Williams, International Designer Tyler Wisler, David Charette, Founding Principal of Britto Charette, and Award-Winning Brazilian Interior Designer Juliana Oliveira.

"I'm absolutely pleased to be a part of the Diversity in Design Scholarship Program,” said Justin Williams, panel judge and HGTV Design Star Alum. “This program is key to initiating diversity and representation for those who may often be overlooked. I am looking forward to the candidates and reviewing their submissions."

To further provide the recipients with the necessary knowledge they will need to successfully embark on their up-and-coming careers within the industry, Thermador and IDS invite professional designers to participate in the program by lending their expertise as a guiding resource to student winners. Five trade mentors will be hand-selected by the same panel of judges and will act as subject matter experts throughout the yearlong program as outlined by Thermador, and will be invited to attend industry events hosted by the brand and IDS.

“Coming off our inaugural year for this initiative, IDS is thrilled to once again lend our voice to help pave a pathway for the next generation of up-and-coming talent,” said Jenny Cano, executive director for Interior Design Society. “To be a part of this journey alongside Thermador, and the judges whose own remarkable work is inspiring the future leaders of interior design, is not only rewarding but also a truly invaluable experience. Providing this design foundation as well as impactful networking opportunities to deserving students is why we at IDS do what we do.”

Interior design students from underrepresented communities interested in the Diversity in Design Pipeline, along with certified designers interested in becoming program mentors, can both apply via the Interior Design Society (IDS) online application portal now through May 30, 2022. Applicants will be reviewed by the IDS Selection Committee, before the winners and selected mentors are announced in July 2022.