5 Black interior designers to support in Tampa Bay

Conversations about diversity in the interior design field picked up during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Now, it's time to take action, industry experts tell Axios.

The big picture: Only 2% of interior designers are Black; it's one of the least diverse professions in the U.S., per 2022 Census data. Lack of access, exposure and funding make breaking into the industry harder for Black designers.

What's happening: Designer Donyea Tollie says representation in Tampa Bay, and Florida, has improved but is still lacking.

What they're saying: "Some of us are really damn good at what we do, we just don't have the exposure," Tollie tells Axios.

Context: Diversity is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating equal opportunities for folks of all races, says June Reese, vice president of the Black Interior Designers Inc.

• Diversity is asking Black designers to speak on panels that have traditionally only been offered to white designers, for example.

• Equity is offering the tools, and even financial resources, to make it happen, Reese tells Axios.

Tampa Bay is filled with talented creatives. If you're in need of an interior designer, here are five to consider, listed in no particular order.