United in Design is a new charitable initiative with a mission to address the lack of diversity in the Interior Design Industry - specifically the lack of representation of Black, Asian, Ethnic minority and low socio-economic communities. Founded by Sophie Ashby and Alexandria Dauley, the new platform aims to provide resources to businesses and empower designers to pledge their support.
Together with an esteemed steering committee of leading editors and designers in the field, United in Design's core objective is to deliver an equal opportunity pathway to entry into the Interior Design industry by creating a UK-wide movement with an actionable roadmap for increased diversity in all sectors of the industry - from design studios, makers and suppliers to individuals and magazines.
Through meaningful partnerships with established educational programs, industry professionals and sponsors, the United in Design movement will be driven by those businesses and people who are willing to lead by example, pledging their support and making a commitment to take positive action.
As a rich reference center for anyone wishing to enter the Interior Design industry, the United in Design website will be home to The Resource Hub, managed by former BIID International 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 issues of inequality and diversity across the interior design industry need to be addressed - the situation needs to change and the time to instigate that long-lasting, tangible change is now," Dauley commented. "We need to make Interior Design an accessible and obtainable career choice for people from diverse backgrounds. United in Design will be working with the industry to tackle the obstacles preventing this- correcting the balance and levelling the playing field."
more: unitedindesign.com (45)