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New Diversity Initiative, United in Design is Launched

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Created to address the lack of diversity in the UK Interior Design industry.

Founded by BIID Registered Interior Designer Sophie Ashby and Alexandria Dauley, United in Design was created to address the lack of diversity in the UK Interior Design industry, specifically the lack of representation from the black, Asian, ethnic minority and low socio-economic communities. Through partnerships with established educational programmes, industry professionals and sponsors, the intention is to provide a clear road map for increased diversity in all sectors of the industry —design studios, makers, suppliers to individuals and magazines.

Future Ambition

United in Design intend to become a financially-supported and sponsorable entity such that it can fully support, nurture, coach, develop the potential and promote the progress of those participating in its various programmes. They also plan to launch a United in Design Apprenticeship Scheme which will provide a year of work experience to successful applicants. And later down the line, to fund scholarships and bursaries to further support the educational journey of their programme participants.

The Resource Hub

This hub is managed by former BIID Director and interior design career coach, Simon Hamilton. It will support businesses, students and individuals all over the UK by providing guidance, information, support, opportunities and advice on how to enter the interior design industry and access training. Crucially, it will also help them to find and secure employment. The intention is for this to become a major one-stop portal for anyone looking to train or recruit staff across the breadth of the interior design sector. 

 

BIID Members

Even in these early stages many BIID members have already signed up to the initiative. These members include: Beata Heuman, Eleanora Cunietti, Kate Earle, Rachel Laxer, Rachel Winham, Verity Coleman, Louise Holt and Lucy Barlow.

Riviere are our first Industry Partner to sign up and Marketing Manager Monique Stamp tells us why. 

"As a company we are fortunate to be one of few who have a diverse workforce. We currently support ethnic minority and low socio-economic communities globally and have done for many years now. 

We decided to take the pledge to become a partner as we believe it is time to champion diversity and inclusivity.  It is our view if we join forces to lead by example, we can open many doors to those who may have given up hope to enter the industry. Together we can take action to generate positive change."

The Pledge

To become an accredited partner of United in Design organisations must commit to at least 3 of the seven actions.

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1. Actively Push for Diversity

By joining United in Design, you pledge as a business to endeavour to use your press and PR platforms to promote and support diversity in all that you do, whether that be panel discussions and talks to magazine articles and events.

2. Join the United in School Outreach Programme

School Outreach provides inspiration and advice to those potentially interested in a career in Interior Design, as well as those who might think the world of Interior Design is not open to them. Outreach could take many forms from offering webinars and talks in schools, career counselling sessions to 1:1 calls with young people. Outreach will be targeted at a mix of Secondary school, GCSE/A-Level/BTEC students. 

3. Embed the Core Tenets of Diversity Training within your Ogranisation 

Develop key skills in coaching and leadership with a focus on becoming more mindful of inclusion issues and commit to review your recruitment processes and strategies. Working in collaboration with the Creative Mentor Network.

4. Open Days and Work Experience

Welcome students aged 16 -18 into your place of work to offer either a 1 day Career Insight Day or Work Experience for a minimum of 1 week. United in Design will help you to organise this through opportunities announced via the resource hub.

5. Provide Advice and Guidance Through Mentorship

United in Design aim to offer mentoring to all ages of mentee in order to target a wide range of people — from those starting out in the industry to those returning to work after maternity leave, or wanting to change role. The expectation would be for you to meet with any mentee at least quarterly in person or by 1:1 video call. 

6. Provide Professional Insight into the Practising World of Design 

Offer your experience and expertise to Art Schools, Design Colleges and Universities in order to actively promote a career in Interior Design and share what various roles might look like. Interior Educators have developed strong relationships with over fifty degree and MA courses at design schools and universities across the UK.

7. Be a Part of the Apprenticeship Scheme

Commit to offering an individual a minimum of a 3-month paid apprenticeship. The intention being for each successful applicant to split 1 year of continuous employment across four different companies. Salary to be above living wage. Applicants will be selected from a pool of diverse talent of Interior Design graduates.

Those interested in partnering should read the pledge in detail. United In Design is a not for profit and will be funded by subscription fees, sponsorship and fundraising.