The last few years have thrown the lack of diversity across several industries into harsh relief. Within each of these, conversations have been taking place surrounding what can be done to increase awareness of the problem, and ensure that more opportunities are afforded to its black, asian and ethnic minority members, as well as those from lower income backgrounds. Two interior designers who are spearheading the movement within the world of design are Sophie Ashby, the founder of Studio Ashby, and Alexandria Dauley, of Dauley Design. In 2020, wanting to tackle the problem head on, they set up United in Design, a charity which supports emerging and established designers, makers and aspiring design journalists: finding work placements, providing guidance and mentorships, a platform to showcase their work and – in its latest venture – highlighting their work though the United in Design Guide to Makers and Creators, published on the website this week.

‘United in Design has always been about opening doors, shining a spotlight, and creating opportunities to improve inclusivity and diversity in our industry’, says Sophie. ‘This guide is the embodiment of that sentiment’. The digital guide, written by the journalist Busola Evans, includes 64 creatives whose work spans glassblowing, furniture making, textile design and photography. In fact, there are few disciplines missing from the guide – a testament to the breadth of talent available in the UK. What unites those included is not just the fact that they belong to an ethnic minority, but that their work, be it the carefully restored vintage furniture from Abisola Omole’s Studio Arva, or the fluid, colourful glass vessels created by Jahday Ford, represents lovingly made, useful objects that could be incorporated into any design scheme.

‘We recognised a significant gap in accessible, curated resources that highlight the contributions of diverse talents in the design world’, says Alexandria. ‘We wanted to create something that ensures that underrepresented makers and creators are seen, supported, and celebrated by design professionals, educators, students, and anyone passionate about championing diversity in design’. The plan, explains Busola, is that while this first edition of the guide is limited to UK-based makers, future editions will incorporate those based across the world, making the guide a comprehensive and valuable tool globally.

For all of us – whether an interior designer, a brand or a journalist – the guide represents not just an indispensable resource but a responsibility. Something to refer to again and again when asking ourselves the all important question: what can I do to help? The hope, of course, is that in doing so, the day will come when such a guide will not be needed at all.