Interior Design Society Announces Scholarship Recipients

November 26, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

The initiative aims to create an inclusive and  educational environment in the interior design industry by offering support to students with diverse perspectives through a national scholarship and mentoring program. With this new class of recipients,  Thermador has now provided a total of 20 design students with access to key industry experts and opportunities since launching the program in 2021.

Final-year college students nationwide applied to this program, which helps launch interior design  students with diverse perspectives into the highly competitive design field. The selected winners will  benefit from a customized year-long mentorship with renowned interior design experts, receive 3 years of IDS membership, and be awarded $10,000 to support their tuition. 

In their applications, students shared personal experiences about what led them to choose this career path and how they could contribute a unique and diverse perspective to the design industry. This year’s chosen recipients, who have just entered their senior year of college, include Han Bui (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Aidryann Lyman (Maryville University), Neriah Johnson (Eastern Michigan University), Phung Gia Kieu (Georgia Southern University), and Hannah Keim (Central Michigan University).  

“IDS is proud to have been able to work with Thermador on this important initiative for four years now,” says  Maddie Landers, IDS Marketing Director. “Our mission at IDS has always included using our voices to impact our collective communities. It is exciting to see what our students and mentors alike have gained  from this program through financial support, industry connections and mentorship.”

In addition to professional mentorship and scholarship money, winners have access to several exclusive programs and learning opportunities throughout the year, including: 

• Program-exclusive panel discussions and product training 

• An invitation to Thermador’s Experience & Design Center in Chicago for hands-on training, and time  to network with all program students and mentors 

• Interior Design Society (IDS) membership and access to exclusive trade events • Career resources and support 

The esteemed panel of judges for this year’s competition included: Kathy Kuo, Founder & CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, Antonio DeLoatch, Global Designer & Founder of Antonio DeLoatch Design + Interiors, Cassandra  Brunson, Professor and President & Design Principal of Design+, Brenda Geler, Professor and Founder &  Creative Director of Casa Blanca Studio, and Rick Campos, Design Podcast Host and Founder of Design Biz Survival Guide. 

The lineup of mentors, selected for their expertise and impact in the design industry, includes: Allie Mann, Senior Designer at Case Design; Bethany Adams, Founder and Principal Interior Designer at Bethany  Adams Interiors; Elizabeth Lord, Founder of Built4Design Residential Academy, and Owner and Principal  Designer at Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC; Justin Q. Williams, television personality, residential designer, and Owner at Trademark Design Co.; Sally Mellinger, Principal Designer and Owner at SD Blinds & Design. 

“I was thrilled to meet this year’s Diversity in Design group,” says Tracy Haugh, Thermador Marketing  Manager, A&D. “The accomplishments of the mentors and aspirations of the students is inspiring. I am proud that Thermador, along with IDS, provides a program that allows designers and design students to  teach and learn together to shape the future of design.” 

Previous recipients of the Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative have pursued degrees in design and  architecture, obtained NCIDQ certification, and started careers at design firms across the nation. For more  information on the program, explore the Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative on Thermador's official website.