ASID ONES TO WATCH 

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 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 ASID Ones to Watch Scholars to participate in an exciting leadership development training program. Learn more. 

There is no fee to apply. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

The following items are required for your submission. We recommend having these materials ready for upload when begin your submission. 

• Essay (750 word max) 

  • What will be your impact? Describe how your unique perspective has shaped your leadership and career goals to positively influence the design industry and profession. 

• Portfolio (All portfolios are limited to a maximum of 20 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 (500 word max) 

  • Detail your roles and contributions on each project included in your portfolio.

• Resume/CV (2 MB max)

  • Provide a written overview of your employment and education background, as well as specific experiences and qualifications that make you suited for ASID Ones to Watch. 

• 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.

• Bio (150 word max)

• High Resolution Headshot (300 dpi) 

2023 ONES TO WATCH TIMELINE 

ELIGIBILITY

• Active employment in the interior design industry 
• 5-15 years of experience in the interior design industry 
• On a path to senior and/or executive-level position
• Belong to an under-represented group in industry management roles including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities 
• ASID membership is not required to be considered for the ASID Ones to Watch Awards but is required for those selected as ASID Ones to Watch Scholars. Applicants do not need to be members to apply
•  Current employees of program sponsors and their direct competitors are not eligible
• Fully committed to participating in the Ones to Watch Scholars program if selected and have employer’s support