Press release

Final-year college students from around the country applied to join this program that helps propel interior design students with diverse perspectives into the highly competitive design industry. The group of winners will receive a tailored, year-long mentorship program with highly acclaimed subject matter interior design professionals, and $10,000 to go towards tuition.

Applicants shared personal stories about their decision to pursue this career path and how they could bring a unique perspective to the design industry. This year’s winners, who are entering their senior year of college, include Ibrahim Al-Mohanna (Indiana University), Yasmin Boone (Northern Arizona University), Isai De La Barrera (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro), My (Amy) Grumbling (Russell Sage College), and Madison Svoboda (Kansas State University).

“Heading into the third year of our partnership with Thermador, the momentum for this first-of-its-kind initiative has never been stronger,” said Jenny Cano, Executive Director for IDS. “We’re excited to see this new class flourish and take the learnings from this year-long opportunity into their future careers, transforming the design industry for the better.”

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, product training and events

• Interior Design Society (IDS) membership and other design industry perks

• Career resources and support

• Access to exclusive trade events

The esteemed panel of judges for this year’s competition included: House Beautiful Director of Editorial Special Projects Carisha Swanson, HGTV Design Star Alum Justin Q. Williams, International Designer Tyler Wisler, David Charette, Founding Principal of Britto Charette, and Award-Winning Brazilian Interior Designer Juliana Oliveira.

The roster of mentors, chosen for their expertise and contributions to the design industry, include: Bolkar Acikkol, PhD(c), AIA, LEED AP and Senior Project Architect at Johnston LLC; Jessica Bantom, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) & Interior Design Consultant; Brenda Geler, Founder and Creative Director at Casa Blanca Studio; Ellen Lopez, Founder and Creative Director at EL Design Studio and Certified Master and Kitchen Bath Designer; Lisa Mende, Founder and Creative Director at Lisa Mende Design.

“The future of the design industry relies on the talents of students who aspire to transcend what’s come before them. We are thrilled to be able to play a role in their quest to launch their design careers,” said Beatriz Sandoval, Head of Brand Marketing for Thermador. “We welcome each of the selected students, and we are proud to help them make an impact and be part of their design journey."

Past winners of the Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative have gone on to earn various degrees in the design and architecture fields and earn NCIDQ design certification and other relevant certificates. For more information on the program, explore the Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative on Thermador's official website.

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, @Thermadorand @ThermadorHome, respectively.

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.

Media Contact:

Will Bartholomew

wbartholomew@golin.com

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