HOW Sit Downs 01 - Ian and Paul Howard Design Scholarship

We’re kicking off a new series: HOW Sit Downs. These are short conversations, insights, and stories that matter to us and the people we work with. Because after all, we know a thing or two about sitting down.

For our very first Sit Down, we spoke with the winners of the Ian and Paul Howard Design Scholarships, Milly Clarke and Isabelle Vulinovic. Both travelled to Europe earlier this year, visiting Salone del Mobile in Milan, design studios in Amsterdam, and some of the world’s most inspiring museums and showrooms. We wanted to hear what stood out to them and how the experience is shaping their next steps as designers.

BY HOW. GROUP

PUBLISHED September 23, 2025

HOW: What was the most memorable part of your trip?

Milly: “The trade shows in Milan were truly unforgettable. From touching materials and testing ergonomics to speaking directly with designers, it was so inspiring to simply be immersed in that environment in Milan and Amsterdam.”

Isabelle: “For me, a highlight was the Moooi showroom in Amsterdam. Interacting with material samples and speaking with staff about their design philosophy gave me insight into how ideas translate into real products. Amsterdam as a whole was so inspiring, the art and design culture was really on show in the design studios we visited and the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and FOAM museum.”

HOW: How has the scholarship experience influenced your studies and career so far?

Milly: “It’s already been invaluable. In job interviews, the scholarship is always the first thing people notice on my resume. Having international exposure so early in my career is rare, and it’s given me confidence about the possibilities ahead.”

Isabelle: “The experience deeply influenced my approach to design, especially my Final Year Major Project and it also gave me the opportunity to expand my network globally within the industry whilst still in Uni. Most importantly, it helped me understand the kind of designer I aspire to become."

HOW: Looking back, what’s the biggest takeaway?

Milly: “The experience broadened my understanding of what design can be, from working within leading firms to curating exhibitions, it left me more excited than ever about the possibilities ahead in my career."

Isabelle: “That being immersed in design culture changes the way you see things. Inspiration was everywhere, and it reminded me how important it is to experience things firsthand.”

These experiences highlight what the Ian and Paul Howard Scholarships are all about: supporting the next generation of designers with opportunities to explore, connect, and be inspired on a global stage.

Stay tuned for more HOW Sit Downs, where we dive into design, workplace trends, and the ideas shaping our industry.