The Ian Howard Memorial Scholarship

At HOW Group, we believe that investing in the future of design is essential for nurturing innovation and creativity in Australia’s design industry. In honour of Ian Howard, a pioneer in the Australian furniture landscape, we proudly sponsor two travel scholarships for students from RMIT - the Ian Howard Memorial Scholarship for Interior Design and the Ian Howard Memorial Scholarship for Industrial Design.

Honouring a Legacy of Design Excellence

Aristoc, Featherston, and Co-Design played pivotal roles in shaping the Australian furniture industry. Ian's philosophy of blending form with function and his commitment to innovation, collaboration, and quality continue to inspire today’s designers. These values are the foundation of the Ian Howard Memorial Scholarship, celebrating a legacy that encourages the future of design to remain as distinctive and impactful as the work his companies pioneered.

Fostering Collaboration and Global Exposure

Through these scholarships, HOW Group provides students with the opportunity to explore global design trends, network with industry leaders, and gain exposure to sustainable and innovative practices. We’ve always championed the importance of learning beyond the classroom, and with visits to the Milan Furniture Fair, the Actiu Technology Park, and more, these scholarships open doors for the next generation of designers to build the skills and knowledge that will shape the future of the industry.

Expressions of Interest

While the Ian Howard Memorial Scholarship is designed to give RMIT Interior Design and Industrial Design students an opportunity to explore the global design industry, we’re also thrilled to announce that expressions of interest for this year’s scholarships are now open. HOW Group will soon be receiving a shortlist of students for us to interview, and will be making our decision before RMIT's end of year Awards Nights.

Giving Back to the Industry

As a company deeply rooted in the design community, we see these scholarships as more than just awards - they are part of our ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and sustainability in design.