Cohort 5: Career Pathway - Interiors Graduate Programme (For more information please visit our website www.unitedindesign.com)

The Career Pathway Programme is a 12-month engagement designed to support aspiring interior designers from underrepresented minority and economically disadvantaged communities as they take their first steps into the industry. The programme offers:

• A full-time, paid internship (minimum of four months), providing hands-on experience with leading interior design firms.

• A series of training workshops, mentorship sessions, coaching, and community events (runs throughout the 12 month period), delivered during evenings and weekends—designed to fit around full-time work or other commitments.

The programme pillars:

• Industry Placements (minimum 4 months - full time)

  • Real-world experience through internships with top firms in interior design

• Training & Workshops

  • Hands-on sessions with industry experts on skilling and up-skilling

  • Access to cutting-edge design tools and techniques.

• Mentorship

  • One-on-one guidance from experienced professionals.

  • Career coaching to help participants navigate challenges and opportunities.

• Community & Support

  • A supportive network of peers and mentors.

  • Resources for personal and professional growth.

  • Networking events to connect with potential employers.

Who can apply?

• You hold a graduate qualification, diploma, or certificate in interior design or a related subject? (If your qualifications are in a different field but you are passionate about interior design, please use your CV to show how you have actively pursued this interest through relevant experiences, projects, courses, or other means).

• You must be available to take part in a full-time paid  internship lasting a minimum of 4 months in either the October 2025 intake (full time).

• You must be available for an online and an in-person interview in July (total of two interviews).

• You must be available to attend a two-day workshop on the 24th and 25th of September

• You are from an ethnic minority group – for the purpose of this programme.

• You have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Please note we cannot sponsor work visas for these internships.

Guidelines for a Strong Application

• Most importantly, be yourself and enjoy the application process. If you’re passionate about the interior design industry, we’re confident that your enthusiasm and potential will shine through.

• Important: The CV and portfolio will need to be submitted together in one document. CV and Portfolio Criteria:

  • Applicants must submit a CV no longer than one page. The CV should be the first page of the document, followed immediately by a portfolio of work, which must not exceed ten pages in length.

  • Project Range: Include 3–5 of your strongest projects. These can be academic, self-initiated, professional, or conceptual.

  • Imagination & Originality: Choose work that shows bold thinking, personal flair, or a fresh approach to conventional design challenges.

  • Innovation: Demonstrate how you problem-solve through design—whether through sustainable material choices, inclusive design thinking, spatial experimentation, or unexpected creative solutions.

  • Process & Development: Show your thinking through sketches, concept boards, material palettes, or diagrams. Don’t just show final visuals—let us understand how you got there.

  • Visual Quality: Present your work in a clear and engaging way—include floorplans, 3D renders, elevations, and styled imagery where relevant.