A collective of mentors dedicated to addressing the
lack of diversity and inclusion in the design and creative industries.

DIVERSITY IS A GLORIOUS THING

By adding a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds to the wider design world, we will elevate businesses, and simply make them better.

Where diversity lives, something powerful happens.
Tash South, South Place Studio

MENTORS

Tash South

Owner & Creative Director of South Place Studio and Design Diversity Mentors
Areas of Expertise: Start Ups, Interior Design, Renovation Consultancy, Graphic Design, Blogging, Coaching Into Work
Current Status: Booked until December

I've had long career in the design industries, starting with 17 years in graphic design, in agencies in Cape Town and in London, before making the move over to property renovation consultancy and interior design. Growing up in a segregated and racially charged country has made me all too aware of the inequalities, lack of inclusion and systemic racism of the world we live in. Throughout my 20 years in the design industries I've seen the lack of diversity remain almost unchanged. This has driven me to start Design Diversity Mentors, our aim is to guide and support young people from the BAME and lower socio-economic groups into the wonderful world of design.
southplacestudio.com

Jennie Barham

Renovation Coach, owner of Barxonomy and creator of The Reno Guide
Areas of Expertise: Renovation Coaching, Interior Design, Course Writing, Music, Corporate Progession
Current Status: Available

I am a Renovation Coach based in London. I've built a website of resources and tools, including an online course. My background ranges from music, to marketing, to climbing the corporate ladder at a software company, to my current love of interior design and property renovation since 2018.
barxonomy.com

Mariana Ugarte

Co-founder & Director of Interior Fox
Areas of Expertise: Start Ups, Photoshop, Interior Design, Graphic Design
Current Status: Available

I am originally from the Philippines and studied Industrial Design with a focus on Furniture Design at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Once I graduated, I spent the first few years working in home styling in London. During this time I also met my now business partner and we have since launched our business, Interior Fox in 2016. Our business focuses on residential & commercial projects, and in the past four years this journey has taught me invaluable skills that I'm excited to share!

interiorfox.co.uk

Will Jeffreys

Chief Creative Officer at Symphony Talent Europe
Areas of Expertise: Strategy, Creative Direction, Copywriting, Employer Branding, Advertising
Current Status: Available

I’ve been in the creative industries for over 20 years. Starting straight from school, I worked my way up from an accounts role to artworker, copywriting and creative director. Realising that there is a real need for more diversity in the industry, I’m keen to give whatever advice I can to help people recognise the opportunities there are – and go about making the most of them.

Chris Bromfield

Founder of Chris Bromfield Design
Areas of Expertise: Commercial Interior Projects, Design Project Management, Design Business Start up, Retail and Leisure Expertise, Bespoke Fixture Design
Current Status: Available

Chris Bromfield has an array of global accolades in his portfolio which includes designing the lululemon flagship retail store on Regent Street and Jack Wills store in Hong Kong by his late twenties, which have been highly praised within the design industry.
To date Chris has collaborated with a host of clients across sectors ranging from small retail and leisure businesses to international well established brands, holding each project accountable for his successes over 10 years within the design industry.
In 2020, Chris now operates freelance and runs two design businesses, Chris Bromfield Design and Home Retreats UK.
Chris takes great pride in developing a unique partnership experience and in the delivery of bespoke client projects.

Carrie Jeffreys

Director of Carrie Jeffreys Photography
Areas of Expertise: Photography - Events, Portraits, Photo Journalism
Current Status: Available

I trained as a photographer 15 years ago after years of it being just a hobby. I originally focussed on product photography but I missed interaction too much so now photograph people (and sometimes animals) instead! Lots of families, events and head shots with both personal and corporate clients.

Natasha Gupta

Owner of Blue Feather Design Studio
Areas of Expertise: Interior Design, Eco Friendly Materials, Sustainable Design, Business Management, Interviewing and CVs, Interior Design Start-Ups, Restaurant Design, Retail Design
Current Status: Available

Founder of Interior design practice specialising in restaurant design. I have 10 years experience in the hospitality industry and have helped operators with their business model as well as design work. I have a strong focus on using eco-friendly materials in my designs.
www.bluefeatherdesigns.co.uk