Q: Tell us about your organization:

The Female Design Council (FDC) is the premier professional membership network and advocacy organization for womxn in design, architecture and the applied arts. The FDC’s mission is to advocate for equity and tangible gender parity in the design industries and provide access to professional opportunities for our members. Our members make meaningful connections with fellow industry trailblazers which transform into amazing collaborations, career opportunities, new clients, sales, and more.

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Q: Highlight 1 recent initiative, program, or exhibition:

The Female Design Council was thrilled to host a Special Installation at the inaugural New York edition of Collectible Design Fair, which took place September 5-8 at Water Street Projects. This mini-exhibition, presented in partnership with Collectible Design Fair, showcased works from two winners of the Female Design Council Grant. The FDC Grant, juried by a panel of design professionals, awards a cash grant, mentorship and membership in the FDC to emerging female BIPOC designers. By offering direct financial backing and garnering industry-wide recognition for the winners, the program plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field for a group of historically underrepresented designers.  

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Q: What is something about your organization that most people don’t know or might be unfamiliar with?

The FDC is not solely for maker/designers; we are a broadly inclusive organization. Our members range from architects, curators, and interior designers to woodworkers, industrial designers, sculptors, and more. We are proud to have Nina Cooke-John, founder of Studio Cooke John Architecture and Design, as an FDC Board Member. We’re excited to partner with Archtober this year to welcome more architects into our network. Join us at our Open Mingler at Materia on October 24, an event held in collaboration with Archtober, to meet our members and learn more about what we do as a network.

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Q: How does your organization’s mission intersect with Archtober’s mission?

FDC and Archtober both share a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in design. While FDC advocates for gender equity and professional opportunities for womxn in design and architecture, Archtober celebrates architecture through public engagement and education. Both organizations collaborate with various partners to highlight talent and elevate voices. By working together, FDC and Archtober amplify each other’s missions, creating a platform that celebrates diverse perspectives and encourages broader, more inclusive participation in the design industry.

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Q: How does your organization see the future of architecture and design in NYC?  

The Female Design Council envisions a future where inclusivity and equity are integral to the architecture and design industries in NYC. By providing womxn with more opportunities in design, we are actively creating pathways for underrepresented voices to flourish. FDC supports this mission through robust member benefits like in-person and virtual meetings, access to top industry events, and opportunities to present work to leading architecture and design firms. Our programming focuses on business development, professional growth, and creating connections that lead to career-changing collaborations, new clients, and increased visibility. By cultivating a supportive, female-driven network, we aim to shape a design industry where all voices are valued, and equity is achieved. Our programs not only empower our members but also contribute to building a more diverse and vibrant future for the design world in NYC.

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