What United in Design does

United in Design (UiD) is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1192413) founded in 2020 by interior designers Sophie Ashby and Alex Dauley to address the severe lack of racial and socioeconomic diversity in the British interior design industry, where ethnic minorities represent approximately 10% of the workforce and 79% of professionals come from privileged backgrounds. The organisation delivers three core programmes: a year-long Career Pathway Internship Programme that places underrepresented talent in 3-month rotations across 53 partner luxury interior design studios; a Mentorship Programme that matches emerging designers with industry professionals via a digital platform on three-month cycles; and an Education and Outreach Programme that delivers school workshops and career fairs in under-resourced UK constituencies, reaching 3,500 school learners in 2025. Supporting these are a Guide to Makers and Creators directory, an online Resource Hub, and flagship events such as fireside chats, roundtables, and graduation ceremonies.

UiD operates as a non-profit with 9 staff, headquartered in London (currently at The Africa Centre, 66-68 Great Suffolk St). It does not build proprietary technology; its platforms are a Squarespace website, a Mailchimp newsletter, and off-the-shelf matching software for the mentorship scheme. The business model is donation-based, with revenue drawn from corporate studio partners, individual donations, and event-based fundraising — most notably its role as charity partner for WOW!house at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, where all ticket proceeds are donated. Outcomes are measured in human-capital terms rather than financial returns: 98% employment and 96% retention rates for Career Pathway Cohorts 1-4, 53 studio partners, 5 cohorts delivered, and 3,500 school learners engaged in 2025. The only disclosed external monetary award is a £10,000 DBACE bursary from Deutsche Bank and MeWe360 in 2023, which included 12 months of mentoring.

Name

United in Design

Legal name

United in Design Charitable Trust

Website

https://unitedindesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

United in Design is a UK registered charity running a year-long internship programme, mentorship scheme, and school outreach to increase racial and socioeconomic diversity in the interior design industry, placing underrepresented talent with 53 luxury studio partners across the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Charity Programmes

NAICS

Interior Design Services (54141), Interior Design Services (541410)

akta.pro primary industry

Interior Design Services (BPAHAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial/Product & Furniture Design (BPAHAKAM)

Keywords

• Interior design diversity
• Design internship programme
• Mentorship matching programme
• Design career outreach
• Industry inclusion charity

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Funding: United in Design operates as a registered charity (No. 1192413) funded through donations, corporate partnerships with design studios, and support from subscribers. The organisation receives financial support from partner businesses and fundraising events.
2. Event-based Fundraising: As charity partner for WOW!house at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, UiD receives proceeds from ticket sales. The 2024 event ran from 4th June to 4th July featuring 19 rooms, with all ticket proceeds donated to the charity.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

United in Design is a UK registered charity that runs three free programmes to increase diversity in the interior design industry: a year-long rotational Career Pathway Internship Programme placing underrepresented talent in luxury design studios; a three-month Mentorship Programme matching mentees with industry mentors via dedicated software; and an Education & Outreach Programme delivering school workshops and career talks. Supporting assets include the Guide to Makers & Creators online directory and a Resource Hub of career and inclusion content.

Product overview

United in Design is a UK-based charity operating three interconnected core programmes focused on closing the gap between education and employment in the interior design industry. The Career Pathway Internship Programme provides year-long rotational placements with luxury design studios; the Mentorship Programme matches emerging talent with industry professionals through a digital platform; and the Education and Outreach Programme delivers school workshops. Supporting these are the Guide to Makers and Creators directory and Resource Hub content platform. All programmes aim to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing access to knowledge, networks, and real-world experience for underrepresented talent.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Career Pathway Internship Programme A year-long internship programme that places underrepresented talent in luxury UK interior design studios for 3-month rotations, providing real-world experience, paid work, and industry access. Cohorts 1-4 achieved 98% employment and 96% retention rates; Cohort 5 (2025/26) tripled placements to 25 interns. Provided free of charge to beneficiaries.
• Mentorship Programme A three-month mentorship matching programme that pairs emerging designers with experienced industry mentors via dedicated software, enabling nationwide accessibility. Three-month cycles deliver focused, goal-oriented collaboration. Provided free of charge to mentees.
• Education and Outreach Programme School outreach initiative delivering career insight talks and workshops in partnership with KLC School of Design, targeting pupils from under-resourced UK constituencies to inspire and inform about interior design career paths. Reached 3,500 school learners in 2025.
• Guide to Makers and Creators An online directory built with Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour that amplifies visibility of diverse makers and creators across disciplines including sculpture, ceramics, and textiles. Updated and built on annually as a free resource for the UK and globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% employment rate and 96% retention within the industry for Career Pathway Programme graduates (Cohorts 1-4)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour (Makers & Creators Guide)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 November 2024As part of WOW!house initiative, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour generously offered sponsorship for UiD's Guide to Makers and Creators. The directory amplifies visibility of diverse creators in the interior design industry across disciplines from sculpture to ceramics and textiles. The guide is updated and built on annually as a resource for the UK and globally.
• Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour / WOW!houseflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024UiD has been announced as the official Charity Partner for WOW!house 2024 and 2025. WOW!house is the world's most influential design and decoration destination at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Monies from all tickets purchased are donated to UiD. The partnership includes sponsorship of the Makers and Creators Guide and prominent visibility at the annual event.
• KLC School of DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2021KLC partnered with UiD to launch an annual design competition spotlighting emerging talent from Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority backgrounds. The winner receives a sponsored place on KLC's Full or Part Time Certificate Residential Interior Design course. KLC also collaborates on the School Outreach Programme, with teaching staff delivering workshops to inspire and inform pupils about interior design careers.
• Invisible CollectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvisible Collection, the first B-Corp certified company in the online gallery industry, partners with UiD on the Graduate Internship Scheme providing practical, hands-on experience in luxury design. They hosted the Cohort 4 Welcome Breakfast and participate in the Apprentice Breakfast forum connecting aspiring designers with industry leaders.
• Accouter GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccouter, a B-Corp certified design studio, participates in UiD's internship scheme offering emerging talent from underrepresented backgrounds a platform for growth and learning. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers aligns perfectly with UiD's mission.
• House & GardencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHouse & Garden (Condé Nast), with a heritage spanning over 75 years, supports UiD by participating in the internship programme and providing valuable opportunities for burgeoning designers from underrepresented groups. The partnership advances shared objectives of nurturing inclusivity in design.
• ELLE Decoration UKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerELLE Decoration UK (Hearst) has been an active participant in UiD's internship programme, providing invaluable opportunities and mentorship to interns. Their ongoing support enhances UiD's efforts to promote diversity in the design industry.
• Eggersmann DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEggersmann Design, a luxury kitchen design company dating back to 1908, actively contributes to UiD through participation in the Graduate Internship Program. Notably, they hired a past UiD graduate, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity.
• Porta RomanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPorta Romana, a global icon in lighting and furniture design known for craftsmanship and artistry, supports UiD through financial contributions and participation in the internship programme. They provide hands-on experience and mentorship to emerging designers from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Natalia Miyar AteliercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNatalia Miyar Atelier, renowned for bespoke interior design integrating refined aesthetics with practical elegance, actively contributes to UiD's mission through participation in the internship programme. The partnership cultivates emerging talent and promotes industry evolution.
• Bryan O'Sullivan StudiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBryan O'Sullivan Studio, a renowned London interior design firm, demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and diversity through active involvement in UiD's internship programme supporting emerging talents from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Rachel Allen InteriorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRachel Allen Interiors, founded by renowned designer Rachel Allen, has generously supported UiD through active participation in the internship programme. They offer invaluable real-world experience to diverse aspiring designers, helping pave their way in the design industry.
• Carden CunietticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarden Cunietti, a female-owned business and staunch advocate for equal opportunities for women in design, aligns with UiD through mentoring and offering internships. Their 25+ year history of providing internships to individuals from underrepresented groups underscores their commitment to accessibility.
• Hubert Zandberg InteriorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHubert Zandberg Interiors, known for eclectic and refined interior design, demonstrates commitment to social responsibility through active support of UiD's internship programme. Their involvement cultivates emerging talent and promotes diversity within the industry.
• These White Walls StudiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThese White Walls Studio, a London design innovator known for customised and immersive settings, partners with UiD through their internship scheme. The collaboration reflects shared values of diversity, creativity, and mentorship, providing invaluable opportunities for emerging talents.
• Sims HilditchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSims Hilditch, one of the UK's leading interior design practices, shares UiD's values of diversity and inclusivity. They mentor, support, and provide opportunities for aspiring designers from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring the future of design is diverse.
• Tom Faulkner LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTom Faulkner Ltd, celebrated for handcrafted furniture with striking simplicity, supports UiD through significant donations and by offering internships to individuals from underrepresented groups. This provides essential firsthand experience in bespoke furniture design.
• Redbook AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRedbook Agency, renowned for innovative approach and promoting exceptional talent in design and architecture, plays a pivotal role in UiD's internship programme, helping bridge the gap in the design industry for diverse talent.
• Dodds & ShutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDodds & Shute champions sustainable design with eco-conscious furniture and lighting, aligning with UiD's mission to diversify design. Their participation in the internship programme opens doors for emerging talents passionate about sustainable design.
• PookycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPooky, known for vibrant, artisanal lighting with commitment to sustainability and ethical production, is a key supporter of UiD's internship programme. Their participation provides industry exposure and mentorship to equip interns with skills for the design world.
• Nicola Harding & CocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNicola Harding & Co, renowned for distinctive design blending beauty with functionality, is among UiD's most supportive partners. Their mentorship and internship participation provides emerging talents from diverse backgrounds opportunities to learn and thrive.
• Nefarious Design StudiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNefarious Design Studio, known for innovative approach pushing design boundaries, plays a crucial role in UiD's mentorship scheme, offering guidance and support to the next generation of designers.
• Studio AshbyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudio Ashby, founded by UiD co-founder Sophie Ashby, is the original host organisation for UiD's registered address. The studio actively participates in hosting interns and supports all major UiD events including graduation ceremonies.
• The Rug CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Rug Company, a luxury rug manufacturer, has hosted UiD interns and provided positive testimonials about the programme's impact on their team.
• De Rosee SaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Rosee Sa has participated in UiD's apprenticeship scheme, hosting intern Isaac Nwaku as part of his year-long rotation through multiple design practices.
• Brady Williams LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrady Williams London participated in UiD's apprenticeship scheme, hosting interns as part of their year-long rotation through multiple design practices.
• Clare Gaskin InteriorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClare Gaskin Interiors has hosted UiD apprentices and long-standing supporter who has participated since Cohort One, now welcoming Rebecca as part of Cohort Five.
• World of InteriorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWorld of Interiors (Condé Nast), renowned design publication, supports UiD by participating in the internship programme and providing opportunities for designers from underrepresented groups. The collaboration promotes inclusivity within the design community.
• Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair (WCPF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUiD collaborated with WCPF in October 2023. UiD graduate Yeji Son designed a booth showcasing her work and UiD's mission to bring inclusivity to the interior design industry. The partnership helped spread awareness to print art enthusiasts and industry contacts.
• Carl Hansen & SønminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCarl Hansen & Søn hosted the Cohort 3 Graduation ceremony at their beautiful London showroom, providing an elegant venue for celebrating UiD graduates.
• Lockdown LiquorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLockdown Liquor served as the drinks sponsor for the 2022/23 Graduation Ceremony, supporting the celebration event.
• Olivia Outred StudiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOlivia Outred Studio participated in UiD's first Roundtable event, sharing experiences about getting into the interior design industry and how Olivia created her studio from the ground up.
• LIPR (Lucy Irby PR)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLIPR (Lucy Irby PR) provided event management for UiD's Cohort 4 Welcome Breakfast and other events.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Creative Industries Federation: UK membership body representing the broader creative industries, including a diversity and inclusion remit relevant to UiD's mission and partner ecosystem.
• D&AD: Global design and advertising body with a New Blood programme for emerging diverse talent, providing a broader-scope comparator for DEI initiatives in the creative industries.
• The Prince's Foundation: Larger UK charity running skills programmes for young people across multiple creative disciplines including interior design and craft, offering a comparable operating model at greater scale.

Direct peers

• KLC School of Design: UK interior design education provider that partners with UiD on outreach, runs the annual design competition for emerging minority talent, and is the closest comparator in size, mission and geography.
• Article 25: UK-registered charity focused on increasing diversity in the built environment through education and outreach, operating a similar mission-structure to UiD but within architecture rather than interior design.
• Creative Access: UK charity placing young people from underrepresented backgrounds into creative-industry roles, the closest structural peer in mission, programme design and beneficiary cohort.
• Create (arts charity): UK charity using the creative arts to empower disadvantaged young people, comparable in scale and charity-structure to UiD while addressing adjacent creative-industry access barriers.
• British Institute of Interior Design (BIID): The UK professional body for interior designers, addressing the same industry demographic gap UiD targets and previously co-published the diversity survey referenced in Dezeen coverage of UiD.
• Design Can: Industry-led initiative advancing racial equity in the UK design industry, founded in 2020 in the same post-George-Floyd context as UiD and tackling an overlapping audience of designers and employers.

Emerging players

• New Designers: Annual UK showcase for emerging design talent that serves as a pipeline feeder for the same studios UiD places interns with; relevant comparator on the talent-discovery side of the industry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/united_in_design
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-in-design

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United in Design