Design
Leadership
Foundation

Building an inclusive future in design.

The Design Leadership Foundation widens the path into architecture and design. We believe every young person should be able to envision a future in these fields, whatever their starting point — and we create the education, exposure, and mentorship that make those futures possible.

We envision an architecture and design profession shaped by people from every background, and a built world that reflects the full breadth of the people it serves.

The Latest

Design Leadership Foundation

Caren Rideau, Shea Soucie, and Mark Williams Recognized With the inaugural Community Impact Award

The Design Leadership Foundation Mounts the Fourth Annual Professional Horizons Workshop

Vaughan Taps DLF Scholar Sanethia Sampson to Weigh in on the Future of Design in 2025

Why Leading With Emotional Intelligence Is More Important Than Ever

Get Involved

Lead

Lead the development of a new DLF program in your region, partnership with a local organization .

Mentor

Mentor students in the Chicago City Colleges through our partnership with One Million Degrees

Participate

Offer professional advice and interview feedback at one of our on-campus workshops.

Host

Host students at your firm for an office visit and tour to provide firsthand exposure to read design work.

Fund

Donate to underwrite the critical underwriting needed to make our mission a reality.

Get in touch Make a contribution

Director of the DLF, Ruth Mauldin, leading a discussion with students.

DLF Advisory Board Member Ankie Barnes with DLF Scholars during a visit to Mississippi State University.

DLF Advisory Board members speaking to students at Mississippi State University.

DLF Scholar Elvis Scott speaking at the Design Summit in Mexico City.

DLF Advisory Board Member Thomas A. Kligerman meeting with DLF Scholars at Mississippi State University.

DLF Scholars alongside the DLF Advisory Board in Edinburgh.

DLF Scholar Tabitha Robinson joined DLF Advisory Board Member Lindsay Anyon Brier and DLF Director Ruth Mauldin on stage at The Design Summit in Madrid.