The Role of DEI in Business and Design Innovation

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have recently become a focal point of political and corporate discussions. While some companies—including Walmart, Target, Meta, and Bank of America—are retreating from their DEI commitments, others are doubling down on the belief that diverse perspectives lead to more innovative and impactful results. In the world of design innovation, where storytelling and cultural expression are at the heart of creativity, abandoning DEI is not just an ethical misstep—it is a failure in vision and leadership.

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At More Wow, we believe design is never neutral. The spaces we create, the objects we curate, and the experiences we shape reflect conscious choices about visibility, value, and inclusion. DEI in business is not just a corporate trend for us; it is embedded in our work, partnerships, and long-term impact.

The Importance of DEI in Design Innovation

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The design world—whether in interiors, architecture, fashion, or product development—has long been shaped by a Eurocentric lens. However, many iconic design movements have borrowed heavily from non-Western traditions while failing to credit their origins. For example:

• The Bauhaus movement was deeply influenced by African and Japanese design principles but rarely acknowledged them.

• Art Deco took inspiration from Mayan and Egyptian motifs before moving on to other trends.

• Mid-century modern furniture borrowed from Brazilian, Mexican, and Scandinavian artisans, yet only Scandinavian and Italian designers received widespread recognition.

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Even today, major design institutions, from museums to auction houses, continue to underrepresented artists and designers from marginalized backgrounds. A 2022 Burns Halperin Report found that only 2.2% of acquisitions by major U.S. museums from 2008 to 2020 were works by Black American artists. Latin American, Indigenous, and Asian designers also remain significantly underrepresented.

Beyond cultural recognition, embracing DEI in business leads to stronger financial outcomes. A 2023 McKinsey & Company report found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in leadership were 36% more likely to financially outperform their less diverse competitors. Harvard Business Review highlights that businesses with inclusive design strategies can increase market reach by up to 200%.

For industries that leverage design—including hospitality, real estate, fashion, and technology—this data is a wake-up call. The future of design is inclusive, and failing to recognize this shift could mean losing relevance in an evolving market.

Heritage Interior Design: A DEI-Driven Approach

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One of the most exciting ways DEI manifests in our work is through what we call heritage interior design. This approach goes beyond aesthetics—it is about uncovering an individual’s or brand’s heritage and telling that story through physical or digital spaces.

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Heritage interior design considers:

• Cultural identity: Spaces are curated with objects, materials, and design elements that reflect a client’s unique lineage and history. We also consider design artifacts that are often left behind by as permanent monuments and carry cultural significance--architectural styles, materials, and forms or even entire design movements, can form part of  a cultural identity. Additionally, unique cultural passtimes , such as cinematic experiences or sporting events, can add to the narratives of our lives as part of our cultural identities.

• Migration and lived experiences: Design choices shaped by personal journeys, family histories, and social legacies.

• Global perspectives: Whether rooted in a specific region or influenced by multiple cultures, heritage design ensures that spaces are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

• Political Influences: Design is inherently shaped by the political landscapes. From the grandeur of imperial styles to  wartime minimalism, political movements leave lasting imprints on architecture and interiors. Heritage design acknowledges these influences by considering how policies, economic shifts, and societal changes shape material choices, craftsmanship, and spatial organization. Additionally, it recognizes the role of design in resistance, activism, and identity—whether through the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of displacement or the integration of design elements that honor historically marginalized voices.

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For us, DEI in heritage interior design primarily means being sensitive to individual needs and differences that should be incorporated in design. It is not about designing exclusively for minorities. After all, each individual has a unique story, and a different perspective to share. DEI in interior design is about constantly expanding the lens we use to serve clients with design and committing to doing proper client research in order to create a result that resonates. Because the design world has evolved to magnify Eurocentric influences, DEI in interior design also means: 

• Recognizing overlooked histories – Elevating design traditions that have been historically undervalued.

• Ethical sourcing and storytelling – Ensuring that heritage pieces are responsibly acquired and accurately contextualized.

• Authentic cultural representation – Helping clients authentically connect with their roots while respecting the cultures they admire.

• Respecting clients– Remaining open minded about who are clients, how they view the world around them, and how they want to reflect their experience in their space.

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At More Wow, we integrate these values into our work. We collaborate with artisans and craftspeople from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that our designs do more than reference culture—they actively support the communities that create it.

For example, we have worked with collectors passionate about Latin American modernism, highlighting designers such as Clara Porset, Eugenio Escudero, and Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. Our collaborations with artisans through Guadalajara-based Chamula Hecho a Mano and Lordag Sondag in Mexico City have allowed us to elevate overlooked craftsmanship and make our designs as personal and impactful as possible.

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While many of our designs to date have highlighted Latin American Design and artists and artisans, we have also used similar approaches to explore other types of heritages and identities for clients. A recent modern Chinese restaurant design developed a modern concept based on unique architectural monuments from renowned Chinese architect, Liu Jipiao. We researched conceptual drawings, buildings and furniture from the  Shanghai Art Deco period, updated them for contemporary interior design, and blended decorative elements from Chinese-American designers and artists reflecting experiences as immigrants living abroad.

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The Future of DEI in Luxury Interior Design

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As businesses reconsider their DEI commitments, the design industry must ask itself a crucial question: What kind of future are we designing?

Will we allow reactionary politics to undo progress, or will we reaffirm that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives but also creative and business advantages? Will we continue to insist that user research includes representation from diverse backgrounds? Will we seek out art and artisans from underrepresented communities?

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At More Wow, our choice is clear: DEI is fundamental to our process. We will continue to create spaces that honor cultural identity, history, and global influences while embracing design innovation.

But we also invite others to join us.

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If you are a collector, business owner, or fellow designer, consider how your design choices reflect your values. Who are you supporting? Whose stories are you telling? Whose craftsmanship are you preserving?

The future of design innovation and luxury interior design is about more than looking back—it is about acknowledging history while shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking vision. Let

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