Looking to Lead? We're Looking For You!
ASID recognizes the need to grow diversity and inclusion in the interior design profession. Through ASID Ones to Watch, the Society supports rising leaders to ensure that diversity is reflected at all levels of the industry.
The Ones to Watch program identifies and recognizes rising leaders in the interior design industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a willingness to push the boundaries of the profession. Emphasis is placed on participants whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in management roles in the interior design industry, including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities.
Each year, the Ones to Watch program honors up to 20 applicants as Award Winners representing the industry, including design practitioners, educators, volunteers, and manufacturers. From the 20 award winners, the Society selects up to eight Scholars to participate in an exciting leadership development program. The program teaches Scholars to lead with authenticity through experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring.
Supported by
The Ones to Watch program is open to both applications and nominations.
Jury Process
- All complete applications will be reviewed by a jury of diverse leading industry professionals.
- After the reviewing all scores, the jury will collectively select a group of finalists for interviews.
- Each finalist will be interviewed by at least two jury members in a call.
- Following interviews, the jury will select all award winners and scholars.
Benefits for Award Winners
- Establish new professional connections with peers and industry leaders
- Gain national recognition
- Expand participation at ASID events and conferences as invited guests
- Access leadership opportunities with ASID and the design community
Additional Benefits for Scholars
- Receive one on one and group executive leadership coaching
- Strengthen your network through curated connections and experiences
- Be positioned as a thought leader and subject matter expert in the industry at leading ASID national programs, virtually or in-person
- Develop skills as coach and mentor for the next generation of leaders
2026 Timeline
January 29, 2026 – Nominations and Applications Open
March 11, 2026 – Nominations Close
April 2, 2026 – Applications Close
April 6-24, 2026 – Jury Review
May 1-8, 2026 – Finalist Interviews
Late May 2026 – Award Winners and Scholars Informed
Eligibility
- Active employment in the interior design industry
- 5 - 10 years of experience in the interior design industry
- On a path to a senior and/or executive-level position in the interior design industry
- Belong to an under-represented group in industry management roles including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities
- Current employees of program sponsors and their direct competitors are not eligible.
- ASID membership is not required to apply. If selected as an ASID Ones to Watch Award Winner or Scholar, you must become an ASID member in thirty (30 days).
Application Requirements
- Essay
What will be your legacy? Tell us how your background and perspective have helped to shape your goals and values as a leader in the design industry. (750 word max) - Portfolio – All portfolios are limited to maximum of 12 pages and 10 MB.
- Design Leadership - Submit a portfolio of select projects that showcase your design process, skills and impact of design.
- Education Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing the strengths of your teaching and the scope, quantity, and quality of your educational contributions.
- Manufacturing Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing your unique contributions to your organization(s) or the design industry, including program management experience, new initiatives and innovations. Images are encouraged, if applicable.
- Volunteer Leadership - Submit a portfolio detailing your volunteer efforts, including organizations, specific initiatives and leadership positions. Images are encouraged, if applicable.
- Project Roles
Detail your role(s) on each project included in your portfolio. (500 word max) - Resume/CV
Provide a written overview of your employment and education background, as well as specific experiences and qualifications that you suited for ASID Ones to Watch. (2 MB max) - Letter of Recommendation
Provide the name and email of a colleague, mentor or supervisor for a letter of recommendation. ASID will email your identified reference to upload their letter directly to your application. - High Resolution Headshot
- Bio (150 word max)