United in Design (UiD) is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The award-winning charity was founded in 2020 by interior designers Sophie Ashby and Alexandra Dauley in response to the lack of inclusion in the industry. Recognising the significant barriers that people of colour face in accessing opportunities within the field, they established a programme including paid apprenticeships and internships, industry collaboration, mentoring, and outreach in order to create meaningful career opportunities for talented people from underrepresented communities.
They quickly built a network of support within the industry including a stellar steering committee of knowledgeable insiders such as former House & Garden editor Hatta Byng. In the first 18 months of the programme, they had created an incredible initiative which gave five apprentices the chance to work in 20 businesses for three month stints. In October, the initiative welcomed a new cohort of 18 interns for 2025.
In 2024, the organisation launched the United in Design Guide to Makers and Creators on the website, in partnership with Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. The list, curated by The World of Interiors former executive editor Busola Evans, serves to highlight exceptional talent in the design industries and support creators at all stages of their careers.
In the five years since its founding, UiD has also partnered with 53 of the UK’s leading luxury interiors studios and companies to create opportunities for the next diverse generation of designers. With the flagship Pathway Internship Programme, 98% of the cohorts have secured employment and 96% have stayed within the interiors industry.
'At United in Design, we view disparity as an opportunity — an opportunity to build a more inclusive and innovative design industry in the UK, strengthen global competitiveness, and contribute to meaningful economic growth. We remain committed to working tirelessly to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for all,' says Eman Akbar, Director of United In Design
The charity marked its five year anniversary with a celebratory gathering in NW1, bringing together alumni, current interns and supporters from across the industry. Looking to the future, the charity plans to relaunch its Mentorship Programme across the UK and have designed, in partnership with a new digital platform, a brand new mentorship model. Applications to be a mentor or a mentee in are open now.
‘We want to open doors and create a truly inclusive industry that celebrates people from all ethnic and socio economic backgrounds. Design is for everyone—and all should be welcome,’ says co-founder Alex Dauley.
