ASID Ones to Watch

Looking to Lead? We're Looking For You!

ASID recognizes the need to grow diversity and inclusion in the interior design profession. Through ASID Ones to Watch, the Society supports rising leaders to ensure that diversity is reflected at all levels of the industry.

Each year, the ASID Ones to Watch program identifies and recognizes rising leaders in the interior design industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a willingness to push the boundaries of the profession. They are poised to take the next step in their careers. Up to 20 applicants will be honored as ASID Ones to Watch Award Winners within four unique categories: Design Leadership, Education Leadership, Manufacturing Leadership, and Volunteer Leadership.

Emphasis will be placed on participants whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in management roles in the interior design industry, including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities.

From the 20 award winners, the Society will select up to eight ASID Ones to Watch Scholars to participate in an exciting leadership development training program. The two-year program teaches Scholars to lead with authenticity through experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring. In the first year, Scholars learn to leverage and embrace their unique perspectives and backgrounds to excel in their careers. During the second year, Scholars have the opportunity to serve as mentors to the next class of ASID Ones to Watch Scholars.

Supported by

The Ones to Watch program is open to both applications and nominations. 

Jury Process

  • All complete applications will be reviewed by a jury of diverse leading industry professionals.
  • After the reviewing all scores, the jury will collectively select a group of finalists for interviews.
  • Each finalist will be interviewed by at least two jury members in a call.
  • Following interviews, the jury will select all award winners and scholars.

Benefits for Award Winners

  • Establish new professional connections with peers and industry leaders
  • Gain national recognition
  • Expand participation at ASID events and conferences as invited guests
  • Access leadership opportunities with ASID and the design community

Additional Benefits for Scholars

  • Receive one on one and group executive leadership coaching 
  • Strengthen your network through curated connections and experiences 
  • Be positioned as a thought leader and subject matter expert in the industry at leading ASID national programs, virtually or in-person
  • Develop skills as coach and mentor for the next generation of leaders

Meet the Past Scholars + Award Winners

2021 Timeline

November 18, 2020
Applications and Nominations Open

January 13, 2021
Nominations Close

February 8, 2021
Applications Close

February 26, 2021
Finalists Selected

March 2021
Finalist Interviews Conducted

March 31, 2021
All 2021 Award Winners and Scholars Informed

Eligibility 

  • Active employment in the interior design industry
  • 5 - 15 years of experience in the interior design industry
  • On a path to a senior and/or executive-level position in the interior design industry
  • Applicants for the Design Leadership category must be employed by a firm with at least 25 employees
  • Belong to an under-represented group in industry management roles including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities
  • Current employees of Steelcase and their direct competitors are not eligible
  • ASID membership is not required to be apply. If selected as a ASID Ones to Watch Scholars, you must become a member in thirty (30 days)

Application Requirements 

  • Essay
    What will be your impact? Describe how your background and perspective has shaped your leadership and career goals to positively influence the design industry and profession. (750 word max) 
  • Portfolio – All portfolios are limited to maximum of 20 pages and 10 MB.
    • Design Leadership - Submit a portfolio of select projects that showcase your design process, skills and impact of design. 
    • Education Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing the strengths of your teaching and the scope, quantity, and quality of your educational contributions.
    • Manufacturing Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing your unique contributions to your organization(s) or the design industry, including program management experience, new initiatives and innovations. Images are encouraged, if applicable.
    • Volunteer Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing your volunteer efforts, including organizations, specific initiatives and leadership positions. Images are encouraged, if applicable.
  • Project Roles
    Detail your role(s) on each project included in your portfolio. (500 word max)
  • Resume/CV
    Provide a written overview of your employment and educayion background, as well as specific experiences and qualifications that you suited for ASID Ones to Watch. (2 MB max)
  • Letter of Recommendation
    Provide the name and email of a colleague, mentor or supervisor for a letter of recommendation. ASID will email your identified reference to upload their letter directly to your application.  
  • High Resolution Headshot 
  • Bio (150 word max)