October 15, 2021

Thermador’s inaugural Diversity in Design Pipeline (DDP) Initiative to empower a new generation of talent from underrepresented communities has kicked off with the announcement of student winners and the pairing of students with mentors. The program resulted from the findings of a survey commissioned by the home appliance brand that found mentorship and financial support were the biggest obstacles for students of underrepresented backgrounds to become professional designers.

The initiative is a partnership with the Interior Design Society (IDS) and was created to support students in their senior year at an accredited interior design program to assist them in transitioning to a successful career.

Five student winners were chosen by a panel of industry judges, and the five mentors were hand selected by IDS from a wide pool of professional designers from across the U.S.

The mentorship program pairs students and mentors who will meet on a monthly basis, and both are invited to attend Thermador brand-immersion experiences and seminars about kitchen and bath trends. Students also receive $10,000 toward tuition and a student IDS membership.

“These students have exceeded our expectations and demonstrated an invaluable perspective for the design community,” said Beatriz Sandoval, head of brand marketing for Thermador. “In learning about their ambitions and goals, it is our responsibility to make an impact and pave the way for the future of design and to provide key opportunities for this young group as they embark on their own careers.”

As this program begins, KBB asked students and mentors why they got involved and what they are most looking forward to.

Student Recipient Aleah Mazyck, UNC Greensboro

• Why did you apply to the DDP program?
  • I applied to this program because I am fascinated by both the business and design sides of the industry and aspire to change lives through design and solve problems in a way that addresses human behavior, emotion and overall quality of life. I believe design is a complex field that challenges one to not only design based on aesthetics but also to restore civility and the experiences that affect us as individuals.
• What are you most excited about with this program?
  • I am most excited about the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge of kitchen and bath design, as well as Thermador immersion experiences and seminars. I look forward to the opportunity to network with fellow scholarship recipients and key players of the industry and to become a student member of the IDS. I am beyond grateful and honored to have received this scholarship, mentorship and professional development package.

• How do you think mentorship will benefit you and your career goals?
  • My design mentor is Bria Hammel of Bria Hammel Interiors. As someone who wants to open my own firm one day, having a mentor who has accomplished this achievement is truly inspiring. She has provided me with incredible insight and anecdotes on how she began her own firm and  line of home decor. With Bria as my mentor, I know I will have the toolkit necessary to build a successful business.

Mentor Liz MacPhail, founder of Liz MacPhail Interiors 

• Why did you decide to be a mentor for this program?
  • You’d have to be living in a hole, I think, not to be enlightened by the disparities that exist globally, especially for underrepresented communities and individuals. And having children of my own only exacerbates my awareness of what an impact the people in our lives can have on us all. I’ve had so many opportunities in my life to help me grow and find success and aim higher. Instead of talking about what should be, I wanted to find actionable programs that could help me give back with the greatest asset I have – my experience and position as a successful, female entrepreneur and business owner. I couldn’t apply fast enough to this IDS/Thermador program when I heard about it.
• Did you have a mentor early in your career?
  • Yes, yes and yes. Throughout my career, as I started in the NYC ad world to now in design, I’ve been blessed with some incredible professional mentors. When I started my career shift to interior design I self-appointed Fern Santini in Austin – after meeting her at an industry event – to be my mentor. She has been an invaluable resource for ideas, client referrals and encouragement. I encourage everyone to find someone in the industry – and in life! – who can share their experiences and lessons to guide you along your own career path.
• What are the benefits of mentorship for the mentor?
  • Learning to reach out to others for support, guidance, questions, as well as sharing successes is a major part of becoming successful in anything we do. I’d love to help set the norm of that behavior, reaching out and seeking support from others for our mentees. We have so much to gain from sharing with each other – I’m very confident my mentee Raquel Rodriguez has a thing or two to share with me as well!

Mentor Jonathan Savage, Nashville designer & founder of Savage Interior Design 

• What are some of the program outcomes you hope to see?
  • I hope to be able to be a contact for my mentee, frankly all mentees, if they need any help or guidance in their future. I enjoy being of help.
• Did you have a mentor early in your career?
  • I was fortunate enough to know Albert Hadley, and he steered me into my career as a designer. He helped me gain NYC design experience with a top designer and was always there when I needed advice.
• What are the benefits of mentorship for the mentor?
  • It’s always rewarding to stay in touch with my mentee as he grows his career. It’s very rewarding to be able to give back to up-and-coming designers.