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.  

The 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. Emphasis is 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. 

Each year the Ones to Watch honors up to 20 applicants as Award Winners representing the industry, including design practitioners, educators, volunteers and manufacturers. From the 20 award winners, the Society selects 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 are elevated and positioned as a thought leader in the industry.  

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

2023 Timeline

March 1, 2023 – Nominations and Applications Open

March 29, 2023 – Nominations Close

April 12, 2023 – Applications Close

Late April 2023 – Jury Review

Early May 2023 – Finalists Informed

Mid-April 2023 – Mandatory Interviews for Finalists

June 2023 – 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
  • 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 program sponsors 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 education 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)