DDL GIves BACK
Education Partners
Design Destination London is proud to once again partner with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), an organization dedicated to sustaining and advancing excellence in British craft. Through this partnership, attendees gain insight into QEST’s work supporting scholars, apprentices, and makers across a wide range of disciplines, helping preserve traditional skills while encouraging innovation for future generations.
QEST scholars will be featured at the event’s Closing Celebration, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the makers behind exceptional British craftsmanship, experience demonstrations, and connect with artisans preserving and advancing Britain’s rich craft traditions.
About
QEST was founded in 1990 and is honored that HM The King is the Charity’s Patron. Over the past 35 years, QEST has awarded some £7.5 million to 900 individuals working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines from weaving, to marquetry, to silversmithing, glassblowing, embroidery and many more. A thriving craft industry is vital to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape, as well as, the future world of work and QEST is committed to empowering the next generation to see craft as a viable, fulfilling and sustainable career.
QEST’s key areas of activity, include:
Grants Program: Scholarships, Emerging Makers, Apprenticeships – providing funding for training and education to individuals at pivotal moments in their career.
Craft & Making Saturday Clubs: Weekly hands-on craft education for 13–16-year-olds across the UK (12 Clubs) in partnership with the National Saturday Club.
Making the Future: A national schools program in partnership with Education and Employers, introducing young people to careers in craft and conservation (engaged 39,000 young people to date).
Alumni Support & Sector Leadership: Masterclasses, industry collaborations, ambassador roles, advocacy, and national partnerships with leading creative bodies.
For more information on QEST’s activities and impact, read the 35th Anniversary Impact Report or contact QEST’s CEO, Deborah.pocock@qest.org.uk
New for the 2027 event, through the generous support of Host Sponsor Rose Cumming | Classic Cloth, Design Destination London is sponsoring a New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) Student Design Competition.
The competition will award one NYSID interior design student the opportunity to attend Design Destination London 2027. Throughout the event, the student will receive exposure to leading design brands, gain valuable industry insight, build professional relationships, and experience the rich traditions of British craftsmanship and design firsthand.
By investing in the next generation of designers, Design Destination London seeks to inspire emerging talent while strengthening the connection between education, craftsmanship, and the future of the design profession.
About
The juried competition invites select NYSID students to conceptualize an English country manor sitting room, dating between 1700 – 1900, balancing creative expression and fresh perspective with architectural preservation appropriate to the period’s character.
Designs must showcase the use of traditional decorative arts in a heritage setting, using Rose Cumming | Classic Cloth fabrics exclusively throughout. Students will explore the Rose Cumming | Classic Cloth collections of textiles and wallpaper at the Wells Abbott showroom in the New York Design Center.
Winner Receives:
One (1) round-trip premium economy airline ticket from New York to London
Four (4) nights accommodation at The Sloane Club, a private members’ only club located in the heart of Chelsea
$500 USD stipend
Attendance to the three-day Design Destination London event
