WOD - Women in Office Design

What WOD - Women in Office Design does

WOD - Women in Office Design is a UK-based non-profit professional networking organization founded in May 2018 by interior designer Harsha Kotak to connect, support, and elevate women working across the global workplace design industry. The organization operates international chapters in the United Kingdom, Italy, India, Spain, and Germany, and runs an in-person programming slate that includes studio tours, project tours, speed mentoring, panel discussions, round tables, workshops, and curated design tours hosted at partner showrooms and venues across cities such as London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cologne, Munich, and Berlin.

Its core product is a community-led networking platform with 2,000+ members that individuals join at no cost by subscribing to the WOD newsletter through woduk.com. The organization generates commercial value through in-kind and sponsored support from a broad partner ecosystem of architectural firms (Gensler, Perkins+Will, BDP, M Moser Associates, MCM, Conran & Partners, Grimshaw, tp bennett, Oktra, Peldon Rose), furniture manufacturers (Steelcase, Actiu, Andreu World, Orangebox, Bene, Teknion, Herman Miller, KI, Sedus, Vitra, Flokk, Arper, Humanscale, Sunon, Orluna), real estate services firms (JLL, Knight Frank), and surface/materials suppliers (Shaw Contract, Cosentino, Kvadrat, Gabriel Fabrics, Interface, APE Grupo, Milliken, Ocee, Align, K2 Space, MF Studio, Salt & Pegram, MAA Architects, Woodalls Design, The Furniture Practice, White Red Architects), plus event organizers (Clerkenwell Design Week, Orgatec, Workspace Design Show, Media10) and media partners (Design Insider, darc media).

WOD extends its offering through wholly owned sub-brands and initiatives: the Sustainable Design Collective (SDC), a sustainability think tank that operates the Sustainable Design Academy learning platform, the Sustainable Design Forum & Awards, and the Sustainable Design Magazine; WOD New Wave, launched in 2025 for early-career designers; and the Power Women of Design Awards series. The organization has no disclosed external funding, operates with approximately 12 employees out of a London headquarters, and was recognized as 'Best Women's Organisation 2024' by SME News Greater London Enterprise Awards.

Name

WOD - Women in Office Design

Legal name

Women in Office Design

Website

https://woduk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WOD is a London-based non-profit global networking organization founded in 2018 that connects 2,000+ women across the workplace design industry through chapters in the UK, Italy, India, Spain, and Germany via events, mentoring, and education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Networking & Industry Association

akta.pro primary industry

Meeting & Conference Planning & Coordination (HSACADAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Virtual, Hybrid & Livestream Event Coordination (HSACAAAO)

Keywords

• Professional networking events
• Workplace design community
• Industry association services
• Professional development workshops
• Design industry membership

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscription: WOD generates revenue through membership subscriptions where individuals join the network by subscribing to the mailing list. Members receive notifications about events and activities and gain access to the global network and knowledge-sharing events.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

WOD operates a global, membership-based networking platform for women architects, designers, manufacturers, specifiers, and workplace strategists. Its primary activities are organizing in-person and partner-hosted educational and networking events — including seminars, panel discussions, studio and project tours, speed mentoring, workshops, and round tables — across chapters in the UK, Italy, India, Spain, and Germany. Complementary offerings include the Sustainable Design Collective (SDC) think tank with its Academy, Forum & Awards, and Magazine, plus the Power Women of Design Awards and WOD New Wave early-career initiative.

Product overview

WOD (Women in Office Design) operates as a global networking platform rather than a traditional software product. The core offering is a membership-based networking service that provides access to events, seminars, workshops, studio tours, and panel discussions across international chapters in the UK, Italy, India, Spain, and Germany. The organization extends its reach through the Sustainable Design Collective (SDC) initiative, which functions as a sustainability think tank offering the Sustainable Design Academy (learning platform), the Sustainable Design Forum & Awards, and the Sustainable Design Magazine. Additional programs include the Power Women of Design Awards series and WOD New Wave for early-career designers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sustainable Design Collective (SDC): A think tank group committed to acting as a collective within the workplace design community to identify developments and best practice relating to sustainability. Includes the Sustainable Design Academy, Sustainable Design Forum & Awards, and Sustainable Design Magazine.
• Sustainable Design Academy
• WOD New Wave

Products and services

• WOD Networking Membership & Events Platform A global, membership-based networking platform for women architects, designers, manufacturers, specifiers, space planners, and workplace strategists, providing access to thought-provoking learning and networking events across five international chapters to connect, collaborate, and create. Members subscribe to the newsletter via the website to receive event notifications and join the global community.
• Sustainable Design Collective (SDC) A think tank initiative by WOD functioning as a collective within the workplace design community to identify developments and best practices relating to sustainability, operating through forums, awards, a digital magazine, and an academy, and co-hosting events with WOD.
• Sustainable Design Academy A learning and skills development platform focused on the environmental and social impact of the design and architecture industry, structured around seven focus areas of sustainability and delivered as part of the Sustainable Design Collective.
• Sustainable Design Forum & Awards An annual forum incorporating presentations, workshops, and panel discussions for architects and designers focused on sustainability, paired with an awards program recognizing excellence in sustainable workplace design.
• Sustainable Design Magazine A digital publication from the Sustainable Design Collective designed to share knowledge and inspire change in sustainability practices within the workplace design community.
• Power Women of Design Awards An awards series celebrating and recognising the work of women designers and corporate real estate leaders in the workplace design industry, hosted in partnership with sponsors across WOD chapters.
• WOD New Wave An initiative for early-career designers providing a dedicated platform to connect with peers, share experiences, and find belonging within the architecture and interiors community.

Named customers10 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• APE GrupocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2025Spanish manufacturer partnering with WOD and Actiu for trend reports on 'The New Habitat' exploring work-hospitality experiences and trends reshaping workspace design.
• FutureacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2025Trends research organization collaborating on 'The New Habitat' trend reports presented at WOD events, providing insights on social, cultural and technological shifts.
• GenslercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor architectural firm and key event partner hosting WOD studio tours, speed mentoring events, and panel discussions. Gensler has opened its offices for WOD's largest networking events and contributes speakers to WOD events.
• ActiucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish furniture manufacturer and WOD Spain co-founder partner. Actiu, a 2017 National Design Award winner, hosts WOD events at its showrooms in London and Spain. Co-founders Soledat Berbegal Roque serves as WOD Spain co-founder.
• OrangeboxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA&D consultant for Orangebox hosts WOD events at their showrooms. Lauren Thompson, WOD's A&D consultant for Orangebox, serves as WOD's UK Core Team member.
• Andreu WorldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer partnering extensively with WOD across India, UK, and Spain chapters. Hosts showroom launches and panel discussions on workplace and hospitality design trends.
• BenecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffice furniture manufacturer hosting WOD events at showrooms in Milan and London, including wellness, neurodiversity, and biophilic design discussions.
• TeknioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer and CDW partner hosting WOD's 'Power Women of Design' events and design workshops during Clerkenwell Design Week.
• SteelcasecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor furniture manufacturer partnering with WOD India chapter, hosting events at showrooms in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore, including the inaugural Power Women of Design India event.
• Clerkenwell Design WeekcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor annual design exhibition in London where WOD curates insightful experiences, panel discussions, workshops, and tours as an official partner.
• Sustainable Design Collective (SDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn initiative by WOD, SDC is a 'think tank' group committed to acting as a collective within the workplace design community to identify developments and 'best practice' relating to sustainability. WOD and SDC co-host events including Christmas parties.
• Perkins+WillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitectural firm listed as a partner, participating in WOD events including discussions on diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity in workplace design.
• M Moser AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal architecture and design firm hosting WOD studio tours and participating in panel discussions on sustainability, neurodiversity, and workplace design.
• KIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer hosting WOD events including neurodiversity seminars and Clerkenwell Design Week panel discussions.
• MCMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture firm hosting WOD studio tours and participating in panel discussions, demonstrating B Corp values in workspace design.
• SedusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman furniture manufacturer hosting WOD Germany chapter launch event at the Sedus Hub as part of WIA Festival 2025.
• Herman MillercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer hosting WOD Italy events including neuroscience discussions and early WOD learning events dating back to 2018.
• JLLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate services firm listed as a partner, participating in WOD events on workplace strategy and design.
• BDPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture and design firm hosting WOD studio tour events and participating in sustainability discussions.
• Conran & PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture firm hosting WOD studio tours at their London headquarters, discussing workplace design and interiors.
• EdelmanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal communications firm whose award-winning London HQ was the subject of a WOD project tour in collaboration with Gensler and BW: Workplace Experts.
• Peldon RoseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterior design firm participating in WOD events and hosting workplace discussions.
• OktraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffice design firm participating in WOD panel discussions including AI in design.
• InterfaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer hosting WOD Italy sustainability events during Milan Design Week.
• Gabriel FabricsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFabric manufacturer hosting WOD Italy workshops and accessory making events.
• Square FootminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndian furniture and flooring distributor hosting WOD India events including sustainable materials workshops and awards.
• HumanscaleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErgonomics manufacturer hosting WOD India events on workplace wellness and ergonomics.
• SunonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer hosting WOD India events on evolving office design.
• FlokkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer hosting WOD Italy launch event at Milan showroom.
• GrimshawminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture firm participating in WOD events including 'Power Women of Design' discussions.
• tp bennettminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture and design firm participating in WOD events and studio tours.
• Shaw ContractminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer hosting WOD events on neurodiversity and workplace design at London showroom.
• CosentinominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSurface materials manufacturer hosting WOD events on sustainable materials specification.
• ArperminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer hosting WOD Italy events on inclusive workplace design.
• VitraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFurniture manufacturer listed as a partner of WOD.
• KvadratminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTextile manufacturer hosting WOD Germany 'Impact of Women' events.
• Knight FrankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate consultancy participating in WOD India events.
• Workspace Design ShowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUK's leading workspace interiors exhibition where WOD hosts curated panel discussions and design tours.
• Media10minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent organizer supporting WOD's Clerkenwell Design Week tour.
• OrgatecminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor office furniture exhibition where WOD hosts events, including Orgatec Cologne 2024.
• CoreNet GlobalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate real estate network inviting WOD Founder and India member to present at APAC Summit in Singapore.
• Design InsiderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign industry media partner for WOD events and Clerkenwell OPEN events.
• darc mediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLighting media organizing panel discussions on women's groups where WOD participates.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Lean In: Global women-focused professional networking and community platform. Not a direct competitor in design but shares WOD's women-in-STEM/professions mission and community-led GTM.

Broad incumbents

• RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects): UK chartered body for architecture with extensive events, awards, and policy work. Comparable to WOD as a UK-based built-environment community but operating at significantly larger scale and broader scope.
• Design Council (UK): National strategic body for design in the UK. WOD's founder sits on its Experts Board, making it a natural institutional peer focused on design community and policy.
• AIA (American Institute of Architects): Large, established US professional association for architects with chapters, conventions, and member programs. Overlaps with WOD's workplace design community but operates at far broader architectural scope.

Direct peers

• IIDA (International Interior Design Association): Global commercial interior design association that builds community, hosts events, and advocates for the profession. Highly comparable to WOD as a membership-driven industry body serving interior designers across multiple countries.
• Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID): UK-based professional accreditation body for interior designers that runs events, awards, and education. Comparable to WOD in serving UK interior designers and offering continuing professional development.
• BIID (British Institute of Interior Design): UK professional body for interior designers that runs awards (where WOD's founder has judged), training, and member events. Comparable as a UK-anchored interior design community organization with overlapping partner ecosystems.
• Architecture Foundation: UK charity that runs public programs, debates, and tours on architecture and urban design. Comparable to WOD as a non-profit community programming organization for design professionals and the broader public.
• CoreNet Global: Global corporate real estate network that hosts summits, chapter events, and learning programs. Already a WOD partner (APAC Summit invitation), making it the most directly comparable peer in mission and event format.
• US Green Building Council (USGBC): Membership organization advancing sustainability in the built environment through education, certifications (LEED), and events. Comparable to WOD's SDC and Sustainable Design Academy in mission and community-building model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/wod_uk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/women-in-office-design

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 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 WOD - Women in Office Design