Celebrating International Women’s Day: QEST in Conversation with Lisa Montague and Ana Del Rio

To mark International Women’s Day, Ana Del Rio (Founder of ANA DEL RIO and Chair of the QEST Youth Board) sat down with Lisa Montague (CEO of Sanderson Design Group and Chair of QEST) to discuss the enduring power of the human touch, the power of female leadership and the future of British making.

The Philosophy of Craft

In a digital world, why does the “human touch” of craft still feel like the ultimate luxury?

Lisa: “Precisely because we’re in a digital world, the human touch is becoming more important to everybody in society. Our human instinct is to respond by returning to the appreciation of the value of the skill of what we add as individuals. It is about appreciating the handmade, highly skilled, and cared-for intent behind an object.”

Ana: “There is an unmistakable energy in a piece when you know a pair of hands has laboured over every detail. It moves the object from being a mere ‘product’ to being a piece of personal history.”

The “Built-to-Last” Mentality

How do we encourage people to choose a handcrafted piece, something with a soul, over mass-produced items?

Lisa: “It is about understanding and appreciating the value of the care, the skill, and the intent that has been injected into a piece to create its own origin through the hands of the maker. It is value beyond a price tag.”

Ana: “It is about clear communication and storytelling. By being transparent about the process, we open doors to new mindsets where consumers are more willing to pay the premium for that time and labour.”

The Next Generation & QEST

What is the most important thing the “next generation” of makers needs from us as leaders?

Lisa: “We must make everyone aware of the opportunities available. Education is at the heart of our mission, particularly in bringing younger people through with training. Through initiatives like the QEST Sanderson Rising Star Craft Award, we help established emerging talent finesse their skills and reach a wider audience.”

Ana: “It is vital that we engage with students in their younger years, not just at university level. When we provide that in-person mentorship, we show them what their future can look like, proving that their passions can be viable career paths.”

Shaping the Future of QEST

What is the one big change you personally want to see happen for QEST and its Scholars over the next few years?

Lisa: “I want to internationalise the QEST Directory, to make it a globally renowned resource. By exposing our talent to international markets, such as the architectural conservation sector in America, we can help our Scholars become global leaders rather than just surviving in their practice.”

Ana: “I am pushing for greater inclusion and visibility. I want us to bridge the gap for the next generation, ensuring that no matter their background, they have the support network and the knowledge of potential pathways needed to turn their craft into a sustainable business.”

Inspiration and Legacy

Is there a specific woman who has inspired your journey?

Lisa: “My mother was a huge inspiration, she had an endless capacity for learning new things, embracing creativity, and nurturing those around her. I was also influenced by an incredibly inspiring woman I worked with who was a massive champion of local craft and global communities.”

Ana: “My mother inspires me. She is an extremely hard worker who showed me that it doesn’t matter what your passion is, there is always a way forward as long as you work hard.”

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Lisa: “Persevere, follow your dreams and take every opportunity, even if you think you can’t do it. Step out of your comfort zone and go beyond what you think you can manage.”

Ana: “Do not wait for it all to be perfect. As creatives, we care so much, but half the time when you think things aren’t quite right, they are actually moving in the perfect direction.”

Give to Gain: Three Words for the Future

What three words would you want every aspiring female maker to keep in mind?

A Shared Vision for the Future

This conversation is more than a reflection on the past, it is a call to action for the future of British making. By championing the “human touch” of craft, advocating for greater inclusion in education and embracing a culture of collaboration, Ana and Lisa are helping to ensure that the next generation of makers have both the tools and the support network to thrive.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their dialogue serves as a reminder that craft is not just about the objects we create, it is about the people we connect with along the way. Whether through the global reach of the QEST Directory, the hands-on inspiration of the National Saturday Club, or the simple act of mentorship, this community is proving that when we choose to “give,” we all stand to “gain.”

Join the conversation and discover how you can join the future of craft by exploring the programmes and opportunities available on the QEST website.