Title: 25 Black Interior Designers Speak Frankly About Their Careers, Successes, and Challenges | Architectural Digest
Headings: 25 Black Interior Designers Speak Frankly About Their Careers, Successes, and Challenges
25 Black Interior Designers Speak Frankly About Their Careers, Successes, and Challenges
While progress toward diversifying the profession has been glacial, these interviews reveal how the design industry can effect change
Kesha Franklin — Halden Interiors
Designers speak: On being held to a different standard
Sheila Bridges—Sheila Bridges Design
Designers speak: On tokenism and inclusion
Leyden Lewis — Leyden Lewis Design Studio
Designers speak: On feeling like an outsider
Tiffany Brooks — Tiffany Brooks Interiors
Designers speak: On how to effect change
Rayman Boozer — Apartment 48 Interiors

Content: If you’re telling me that you don’t want my work, or it doesn’t fit your brand because it’s not good, then I’m fine with that. I can change it from being okay, to being better, to being the best. You know what I can’t change? I can’t change my skin color. I can’t change being a black woman. I can’t change being a designer who is black. Designers speak: On being held to a different standard
“The awareness that I was black came when I started working in France and later in London, but the difference was mostly felt in the U.S. I recall going to some showroom events and feeling singled out as though I somehow did not quite fit the mold. It happened to me again last year when I attended an opening event for the fabulous NYCxDesign. One of my chair designs was featured in a vignette, and I was extremely honored and happy until some of the event-goers asked who designed the chair, and looked at me in disbelief and turned away.” —