Design Students Selected for the Fourth-Annual Program Will Receive Professional Mentorship, Monetary Scholarship, IDS Membership, and Industry Development
High Point, NC (November 20, 2024)– In collaboration with Thermador, the iconic American luxury home appliance brand, the Interior Design Society announces the five 2024 student scholarship recipients of their fourth-annual Diversity in Design Pipeline initiative. The initiative aims to create an inclusive and educational environment in the interior design industry by offering support to students with diverse perspectives through a national scholarship and mentoring program. With this new class of recipients, Thermador has now provided a total of 20 design students with access to key industry experts and opportunities since launching the program in 2021.
Final-year college students nationwide applied to this program, which helps launch interior design students with diverse perspectives into the highly competitive design field. The selected winners will benefit from a customized year-long mentorship with renowned interior design experts, receive 3 years of IDS membership, and be awarded $10,000 to support their tuition.
In their applications, students shared personal experiences about what led them to choose this career path and how they could contribute a unique and diverse perspective to the design industry. This year’s chosen recipients, who have just entered their senior year of college, include Han Bui (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Aidryann Lyman (Maryville University), Neriah Johnson (Eastern Michigan University), Phung Gia Kieu (Georgia Southern University), and Hannah Keim (Central Michigan University).
“IDS is proud to have been able to work with Thermador on this important initiative for four years now,” says Maddie Landers, IDS Marketing Director. “Our mission at IDS has always included using our voices to impact our collective communities. It is exciting to see what our students and mentors alike have gained from this program through financial support, industry connections and mentorship.”
In addition to professional mentorship and scholarship money, winners have access to several exclusive programs and learning opportunities throughout the year, including:
- Program-exclusive panel discussions and product training
- An invitation to Thermador’s Experience & Design Center in Chicago for hands-on training, and time to network with all program students and mentors
- Interior Design Society (IDS) membership and access to exclusive trade events
- Career resources and support
The esteemed panel of judges for this year’s competition included: Kathy Kuo, Founder & CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, Antonio DeLoatch, Global Designer & Founder of Antonio DeLoatch Design + Interiors, Cassandra Brunson, Professor and President & Design Principal of Design+, Brenda Geler, Professor and Founder & Creative Director of Casa Blanca Studio, and Rick Campos, Design Podcast Host and Founder of Design Biz Survival Guide.
The lineup of mentors, selected for their expertise and impact in the design industry, includes: Allie Mann, Senior Designer at Case Design; Bethany Adams, Founder and Principal Interior Designer at Bethany Adams Interiors; Elizabeth Lord, Founder of Built4Design Residential Academy, and Owner and Principal Designer at Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC; Justin Q. Williams, television personality, residential designer, and Owner at Trademark Design Co.; Sally Mellinger, Principal Designer and Owner at SD Blinds & Design.
“I was thrilled to meet this year’s Diversity in Design group,” says Tracy Haugh, Thermador Marketing Manager, A&D. “The accomplishments of the mentors and aspirations of the students is inspiring. I am proud that Thermador, along with IDS, provides a program that allows designers and design students to teach and learn together to shape the future of design.”
Previous recipients of the Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative have pursued degrees in design and architecture, obtained NCIDQ certification, and started careers at design firms across the nation. For more information on the program, explore the Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative on Thermador’s official website.
About the Interior Design Society
The Interior Design Society (IDS) is one of the country’s largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry. IDS is committed to helping interior designers grow their businesses, develop their talents, inspire each other, and impact their communities. Headquartered in High Point, NC, the organization was founded in 1973 by the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) to support interior designers based within furniture stores. The Interior Design Society has long since expanded its focus to provide support to professional interior design entrepreneurs nationwide.
About Thermador
Since 1916, Thermador has introduced innovative breakthroughs – from the world’s first wall ovens and gas cooktops with the patented Star® Burner, to the Freedom® Induction Cooktop, the first full-surface induction appliance, as well as the Freedom® Collection, the first modular built-in fresh food, freezer and wine preservation columns. Thermador products span two distinctive luxury collections: Masterpiece® and Professional. These collections establish a true connection with consumers through Home Connect®, which provides access to personalized content, unique partnerships, and customized product guidance. Thermador is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of BSH Home Appliances Group, headquartered in Munich, Germany, the largest manufacturer of home appliances in Europe and one of the leading companies in the sector 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.