Meet the NEWH UK 2025 scholarship winners

Celebrating the future of hospitality design, NEWH UK gathered industry leaders, educators, and students at the historic Furniture Makers Hall for its annual fundraiser and scholarship awards evening.

The UK chapter of an international non-profit network, NEWH supports the growth of future leaders in design, architecture, hotel management, and related disciplines through education, mentorship, and scholarship.

Image credit: NEWH UK

Celebrating emerging talent

Having taken place on 16th October, 2025, the event was a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration, drawing strong support from across the hospitality and design industries. Funds raised on the night will help NEWH continue its mission to empower the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Earlier this year, scholarship applicants were challenged to create bold spa design concepts aligned to a hotel brand. Their submissions were then presented to an esteemed judging panel chaired by Kate Mitchell, NEWH UK Scholarship Director and Timorous Beasties Commercial Lead.

The judging panel included:

• Arun Rana, Design Director, Accor

• Ben Eneke, Senior Project Lead, Blacksheep

• Beverley Bayes, Co-Owner & Director, Sparcstudio

• Jacob Allan, Business Development Manager, GESSI (UK) Limited

• Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Founder, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co

• Toni Black, Interior Director & Partner, Blacksheep

The panel praised the entrants’ creativity, research, and professionalism, noting the exceptional standard of work produced this year.

Scholarship winners announced

Interior design scholarship recipients:

• Hannah Cecile Schmidt – Falmouth University

• Alicja Doniec – UAL: Chelsea College of the Arts

• Francesca Conidi – Middlesex University

Hotel management scholarship recipient:

• Miriam Bennet – University of Lincoln

Miriam Bennett – University of Lincoln | Image credit: NEWH UK

Each winner impressed the judges with their innovative thinking, strong conceptual understanding, and confident presentation skills.

Kevin Swart, NEWH UK President, said: “These students represent the passion, innovation, and drive that keep our industry thriving. Events like this demonstrate the power of community – supporting, mentoring, and celebrating those who will lead hospitality and design into the future.”

Industry partners show their support

This year’s event was generously supported by Hypnos Beds, Lutron, Ulster Carpets, and ABI Interiors, whose ongoing commitment to education and innovation strengthens NEWH’s impact across the industry.

David Baldry, Group Managing Director of Hypnos, commented: “Hypnos are immensely proud to be supporting NEWH once again, helping to inspire and nurture the future leadership of the hospitality industry. We believe in investing in the next generation of talent — fostering raw creativity and encouraging innovation that will shape the industry for years to come.”

Xavier Boudin, Head of Commercial Sales & Specification – UK & Ireland at Lutron, added: “This year again, Lutron was proud to sponsor the NEWH UK Fundraiser & Scholarship Presentation. Cooperation and the exchange of ideas are key to supporting the UK hospitality market and helping new talents thrive in this exciting industry.”

Mark Poulain, Commercial Director, ABI Interiors, said: “Investing in the next generation of design talent is vital for the future of our industry, and we’re proud to play a part in creating opportunities for emerging professionals. Supporting NEWH reflects our commitment to education, creativity, and the wider hospitality design community.”

Looking ahead

As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated throughout the hall: collaboration, mentorship, and creative opportunity remain at the heart of NEWH’s mission. With the continued support of its sponsors and members, NEWH UK is shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative future for hospitality design. Congratulations to this year’s winners, we look forward to seeing what your future’s hold!

Main image credit: NEWH UK