Marking its third edition, this year’s Female Design Council Grant was awarded to Randall Jones of Floret Studio. In addition to $20,000 in funding, offered by The Female Design Council in partnership with 1stDibs and NICOLEHOLLIS, Jones also will gain a one-on-one mentorship from Nicole Hollis.
The biennial competition, created by the Female Design Council, is specifically for designers of color, with the aim to further equity and inclusivity in the design industries. “When I founded the Female Design Council, supporting both women in the design industry and women of color in design was a critical part of the mission,” shares founder Lora Appleton. “The FDC Grant Program was launched as an open-call competition six years ago and this year we received a record number of applications from an incredible pool of interior design talent.”
Herein lies the power of the award. “The Female Design Council Grant stands out because it focuses specifically on supporting underrepresented women in the design field,” notes Hollis. “It goes beyond just providing financial assistance; it fosters a community of empowered, creative professionals.” With this in mind, this year’s recipient, Jones, also will gain year-long memberships to Female Design Council as well as 1stDibs, expanding her network of design professionals.
“This combination of support, recognition, and funding is transformative for emerging designers who might otherwise face significant barriers in the industry,” Hollis adds.
Randall Jones, 2025 Female Design Grant recipient.
As for Jones, she’s already dreaming up plans to put her funding to use. “I’m leaning into opportunities that emphasize cultural storytelling, particularly through my current residential and commercial interior projects,” she shares. “Receiving the 2025 FDC Grant presented by 1stDibs and NICOLEHOLLIS has enabled me to expand my business with greater intention and pursue new creative opportunities.”
The designer often draws on introspection and meaning throughout her process, creating what she calls “dialogic space.” “My practice approaches the interior as a living narrative, crafting spaces that feel like extensions of the self or even the subconscious,” Jones says. “I love playing with the contrast between the subtle and the bold, curating moments that linger.” Up next, she’s planning to explore industrial design and create published work that examines design and identity, with a focus on underrepresented voices.
“Randall’s work at Floret Studio immediately impressed me due to her design aesthetic and understanding of scale,” says Hollis. “For someone early in their career, there is a remarkable maturity in her design thinking.” The admiration goes both ways. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by Nicole Hollis—she has carved out a tremendous path in the industry, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to learn more intimately about her approach to the business of design,” shares Jones. “Mentorship fosters growth, and gaining perspective from those who’ve walked the path is invaluable to this next chapter of my journey.”
Design by Randall Jones.
Design by Randall Jones.