Program highlights:
- Thermador builds on the Diversity in the Design Pipeline Initiative with the Interior Design Association, as it opens applications for the second year of its scholarship and mentorship program that promotes diversity in the design sector.
- Beautiful house Director of Special Editorial Projects Karisha Swanson and HGTV Design Alum star Justin Q. Williams returns to the Diversity Committee in selecting Design Pipelines, joining international designer Tyler Whistler, Design Director David Sharett, and award-winning Brazilian interior designer Juliana Oliveira.
- Five recipients receive a scholarship package including $10,000, a one-year mentorship program with acclaimed interior design professionals, IDS membership, and access to exclusive business events, training and professional resources.
IRVINE, CA, April 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Thermador, the popular American luxury home appliance brand, is opening the application period for the second year of its Diversity in Design Pipeline initiative, which in partnership with the Interior Design Society (IDS) aims to empower a new generation of talent Design from underrepresented communities. Along with a comprehensive awards package that includes a $10,000 tuition grant, five students entering their final year of an accredited interior design program will receive personalized, year-round mentorship from esteemed design experts to advance their thriving careers in the industry. Invitations to key industry events, exclusive training, and a one-year student membership to IDS complete the package.
“As a brand that continues to be at the forefront of design and innovation, it is equally important for us to focus on diversity in an industry that is an important part of our brand,” said Beatrice Sandoval, Thermador’s Director of Brand Marketing. “Thermador identified the need to promote inclusivity in the space, and we consider it a great honor to be able to foster an environment for deserving students and to have the opportunity to reveal the depths of their talents, interests and creativity in their desired career field. We want to help ensure that when they are ready to enter the job market They feel supported and encouraged by our brand and our partners in this initiative.”
Experienced industry leaders will also participate in diversity in the Design by Service pipeline on the Student Selection Committee. Selected by Thermador and IDS, the panel will select five recent college seniors for this opportunity to start their careers with the tools needed after graduation. The esteemed jury includes: Beautiful house Special Editorial Project Director Karisha Swanson, HGTV Design Alum star Justin Q. Williams, international designer Tyler Wisler, David Charette, founding director of Britto Charette, and award-winning Brazilian interior designer Juliana Oliveira.
“I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Design Diversity Grants Program,” said Justin Williams, Jury Member and HGTV Design Star Alum. “This program is the key to initiating diversity and representation for those often overlooked. I look forward to candidates and review their applications.”
To provide recipients with the necessary knowledge they will need to successfully embark on their rising careers in the industry, Thermador and IDS invite professional designers to participate in the program by lending their expertise as a mentoring resource to winning students. Five trade mentors will be hand-selected by the same judging panel and will serve as subject matter experts throughout the year as identified by Thermador, and will be invited to attend industry events hosted by the brand and IDS.
“As we approach our inaugural year for this initiative, IDS is pleased to once again give a voice to help pave the way for the next generation of rising talent,” said Jenny Cano, Executive Director of the Interior Design Association. “Being a part of this journey alongside Thermador, judges whose remarkable work inspires future leaders of interior design, is not only rewarding but also an invaluable experience. Providing this design foundation as well as impactful networking opportunities for deserving students is why we at IDS what we do.”
Interior design students from underrepresented communities interested in diversity in the design pipeline, along with certified designers interested in becoming program mentors, can apply via the IDS online application portal now through May 30, 2022. Applicants will be reviewed from Before the IDS Selection Committee, prior to the announcement of the winners and selected mentors in July 2022.
For more information on the Diversity Initiative in the Design Pipeline, please visit the Thermador website.
About the judges
Karisha Swanson
Beautiful house Director of Special Editorial Projects
Karisha Swanson was born in Georgia and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. After receiving her BA honors degree in American Studies, she returned to Atlanta, Georgia to work for publisher WW Norton & Co. She then left for Connecticut to continue her book publishing work with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. During this time, her passion for design led her into the world of retail management and magazine publishing. Simultaneously she began working as a manager of retailer Crate & Barrel and worked as a freelance market editor for Muffly Media, publisher of six regional magazines and a luxury lodge in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Over the next five years, she will become a full-time editor at Moffly Media, help launch two new titles, and serve as lead on several dedicated projects, including the annual luxury gift portfolio and beauty book.
In 2013, Karisha joined Hearst as Market Editor for Hearst Design Group, which included Beautiful houseAnd Balcony And ELLE Décor, with a focus on kitchen, bathroom, construction and technology. She was later promoted to Market Editor, and in 2018, became Market Director for Beautiful housePrint and digital properties. In 2022, her title changed to Director of Special Editorial Projects, focusing on brand partnerships, consumer-facing programming, and 360-degree editorial content creation. The brand ambassador continues to lead the design conversations globally.
Tyler Whistler
international designer
Tyler Whistler is a world-class designer, influencer, and in-demand. He has appeared on successful shows including HGTV’s Design Star, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s George To The Rescue, and Lifetime’s The Way Home. Most recently, Tyler starred as a judge and mentor in Asia’s largest design competition, “The Apartment” where he is known for his wild love and sound practical advice. His work has been seen in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Elle Décor and Better Homes and Gardens. Tyler is currently Senior Designer and Creative Leader at Point 21, Malaysia’s premier source for luxury furniture, lighting, accessories and lifestyle goods.
Justin Keogh Williams
HGTV Design Star Cast and Founder of Trademark Design Company
Justin Keogh Williams is an Atlanta-based interior designer whose passion for decor and design developed into starting his business at the age of 21, Trademark Design Company. Besides appearing in magazines like HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, Atlanta Magazine, AM HOME, Modern Luxury Interiors, and many others, he’s also featured in Picture Perfect Party, a Rizzoli International cookbook packed with stylish solutions to entertaining.
Born in the small town of Opelika, Justin is now a highly sought after interior designer with a great deal of exposure to all design elements, including photo design. As a photo designer, Justin worked on the interiors that decorated the pages of many publications. Justin hopes to create modern and functional spaces for the people who are looking for him. His work in his life has helped others live better and will continue to do so by raising spaces, each home individually.
David Sharett
Award-winning designer and founding director of Britto Charité
David Sharett is an award-winning licensed interior designer with extensive international experience, and has completed attractive design projects all over the world. David’s progressive design initiatives include corporate, GSA, higher education, commercial, retail and multi-million dollar campuses. David holds a BA and MA in Architecture from the University of Detroit and has more than 20 years of experience in urban planning, master planning, zoning, street planning, and interior design. As director of his own company, Brito Sharett, he specializes in ultra-luxury interiors. Charette’s cutting edge designs have won the international press and numerous awards, including interior design The magazine’s best year award, while his integrity and work ethic have earned him the respect of his clients, team and peers in the design industry.
Juliana Oliveira
Award-Winning Brazilian Interior Designer
Juliana Oliveira is a Brazilian interior designer and owner of Beyond Interior Design, a full-service interior design firm based in Dallas, Texas. With over ten years of experience, its business is rooted in modern luxury with the international influence of residential and commercial real estate. With a background in wellness design, the award-winning interior designer co-founded Athlete Centric Design™, a design and experience concept that turns professional athletes’ homes into recharge stations centered on health and wellness elements.
With community improvement at the forefront of her work and as a former member of the IDS Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Oliveira aims to advocate for the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry for the current and next generation of interior designers and creators.
Oliveira has been recognized as Texas Designer of the Year 2020 for 50 State Business Home Project and Best Home Designers of 2022 list. Lives her work and experience at Forbes, AD PRO, Rue Magazine, House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, The Dallas Morning News, D Home, Modern Luxury, and more .
About Thermador
Since 1916, Thermador has made innovative breakthroughs – from the world’s first wall ovens and gas hobs with the patented Star® Burner, to the Freedom® Induction Cooktop, the first full-surface induction cooktop, as well as the Freedom® range, the first combined units for fresh food and freezers and wine preservation columns. Thermador products include two completely redesigned collections: Masterpiece® and Professional. These groups establish a true connection with consumers through Home Connect™, which provides access to personalized content, unique partnerships, and personalized product guidance. Thermador is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, the largest manufacturer of home appliances in Europe and one of the leaders in the industry worldwide. For more information, visit www.thermador.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at: www.facebook.com/thermador, Thermador and ThermadorHome, respectively.
About the Interior Design Society (IDS)
The Interior Design Society (IDS) is one of the nation’s largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry. It is a group of like-minded professionals interested in expanding their network, professional development, and continuing education. IDS offers its members a place to belong to a supportive and welcoming design community through local chapters across the country, and a new virtual chapter! IDS was initially founded in 1973 by the National Home Furnishing Association (NHFA) with the goal of supporting interior designers working in furniture stores. IDS has long strengthened and expanded its focus to provide support to professional interior design entrepreneurs nationwide. The national headquarters are located in High Point, North Carolina, the home furnishings capital of the world. For more information, visit interiordesignsociety.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at: https://www.facebook.com/IDSNational/,IDSnational respectively.
Media contact:
Alison Field
[email protected]
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