Design Council

Upskilling Designers for the Green Transition 🌱 Only 43% of designers feel ready to meet growing green demands. To drive the green transition, we must upskill designers at every level, from classroom to C-suite. Join BEDA - The Bureau of European Design Associations and leading experts as we discuss the green skills needed and our mission to upskill 1 million designers by 2030. Speakers: 🗣️ Rachel Moriarty – Design Council 🗣️ Michele Gregson – National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) 🗣️ Sandra Booth – Council for Higher Education in Art and Design 🗣️ Mark Curtis – Accenture Song Sign up now https://ow.ly/Nlsg50VjfUo #GreenSkills #SustainableDesign #DesignForPlanet #Upskilling

Why designers need green skills now more than ever. The latest Design Economy report highlights the growing role of design in tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges. But there’s a gap, designers need more sustainability skills to drive real impact. Design Week’s Rob Alderson explores this urgent issue, looking at how we can bridge the skills gap and ensure designers are equipped for a greener future. Read the full article here 👉https://ow.ly/Bfta50VjbON #SustainableDesign #GreenSkills #DesignEconomy #FutureOfDesign

Meet the 25 Trailblazers leading the 'Design for Planet' movement in 2025 🌎 To mark the launch of the ‘25 for 2025 Trailblazers’, the Observer Magazine spotlighted a selection of the visionary designers tackling the climate crisis through innovation. Among them are Fernando Laposse, transforming corn husks into furniture; Natsai Audrey Chieza, pioneering bacteria-based fabric dyeing; and Sebastian Cox, revitalising woodland management. Alongside Arthur Mamou-Mani, Priya Ahluwalia, and Kusheda Mensah, these creatives are redefining design with sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation at their core. Curated by the World Design Congress ambassadors es devlin, Tom Dixon, Prof Lesley Lokko OBE, Foday Dumbuya, and Suhair Khan, the ‘25 for 2025’ celebrates global pioneers redefining sustainability and proving that design can drive real world impact. 🔗 Read the article here: https://ow.ly/Porv50ViWet 🔗 Find out the full list: https://ow.ly/xFYE50Vj0ve #WorldDesignCongress2025 #SustainableDesign #CircularDesign #BioDesign The Guardian World Design Organization

Can design drive real social and environmental change? As part of our latest Design Economy report, we’re showcasing real-world examples of businesses leading the way. Like Studio Frostwood, who as part of a UKRI funded project, repurposed 111kg of ceramic waste, reduced carbon emissions, and created new sustainable product lines. Impact Highlights: ✅ 3,612.6kg CO2e reduction potential through local sourcing ✅ 60 tonnes of CO2e offset annually ✅ 3x increase in workshop participation, cutting transport emissions Sustainable design isn’t just possible—it’s happening. 🔗 Explore more case studies: https://ow.ly/MwC850VfNsq #SustainableDesign #SocialImpact #CircularEconomy #DesignForPlanet

How can design tackle waste and drive circular innovation? As part of our latest Design Economy report, we’re showcasing real-world examples of businesses such as Welsh furniture manufacturer Orangebox They are demonstrating how circular economy principles can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance market positioning. ✔️ Circular product design extends product lifecycles and minimises waste ✔️ Locally sourced materials lower emissions while strengthening supply chain resilience ✔️ Target: 50% emissions reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2050 Sustainability is not just an ethical choice, it is a business imperative. 📖 Read the full case study https://ow.ly/IApx50VfNIq #CircularDesign #GreenBusiness #SustainableInnovation #DesignEconomy #DesignForPlanet

🚨 Designers, your voice is needed 🚨 The Intellectual Property Office UK has launched a Design Protection Survey, a key step in shaping the future of the UK’s design protection system. The design sector is a major force in the UK economy, contributing £97.4 billion GVA in 2019. This is a chance for designers to influence how the system works. They will be reviewing five key principles that will shape the future of design protection: cost, validity, speed, choice, and simplicity. Whilst also exploring critical topics like AI in design, sustainability, and small business challenges. This is your chance to make an impact. Take the short survey 👉 https://ow.ly/cHol50VfEes Need support? Join Anti Copying In Design (ACID)'s free online workshop this Wednesday 12 March at 11 AM. They’ll guide you through the survey and help you make your voice heard. Sign up here 👉 https://ow.ly/kC8W50VfEet #AntiCopyingInDesign #DesignRights #ProtectYourDesigns #IPO

This week, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible women shaping the design world. While women currently represent only 23% of the design workforce (Design Economy 2023), their influence is undeniable. From sustainability pioneers to architectural visionaries, women have always been at the forefront of innovation and creativity. Here are just a few who’ve left an indelible mark: 🌱 Jo Barnard – A true leader in designing for the planet. 🪑 Ray Eames – Redefining modern furniture and design. 👗 Zerina Akers – Known for her bold, visionary designs for Beyoncé in Black is King. 🏗️ Dame Zaha Hadid – Breaking barriers with her futuristic architecture. 💄 Helena Rubinstein – Revolutionising the beauty industry with her visionary ideas. 👗 Vera Wang – A late bloomer who built a bridal empire from the ground up. 🎭 Bunny Christie and Es Devlin – Creating breath-taking, immersive set designs. 🔬 Seetal Solanki – Founder of Ma-tt-er, researching sustainable materials for the future of design. 🎨 Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli – Using design to tackle global issues. ♻️ Sophie Thomas – Leading the charge in sustainable design practices. 🧵 Priya Ahluwalia – Champion of ethical, sustainable fashion. 🏢 Anne Lacaton – Redefining architecture with sustainable, socially conscious designs. 🏠 Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky – Pioneering the fitted kitchen and advocating for social justice through design. 🎨 Althea McNish – The first Black British designer to bring vibrant colour and pattern to fabric design. #IWD #WomenInDesign #DesignForChange #WomenLeaders #Sustainability #DesignImpact #CreativeWomen

Our latest SODA article is now live! Irene Håkansson and Anna Whicher dive into how design is the missing link in the green skills revolution. Drawing from our latest Design Economy Report: The Environmental and Social Value of Design, they explore how design-led innovation can: ✅ Drive sustainable solutions ✅ Equip the workforce with essential skills ✅ Unlock new economic opportunities 📖 Read the full article: https://ow.ly/hKq150VcKno 📊 Explore the Design Economy Report: https://ow.ly/HeR750VcKnn #DesignEconomy #GreenSkills #SustainableInnovation #NetZero #FutureofWork #DesignForPlanet

As always, I'm so excited about judging the Sustained Impact awards for the D&AD Awards 2025. These are designs that have generated social or environmental change or changed policy over time, which of course is aligned with our Design Council Design for Planet mission. The deadline for submissions is next week 12 MARCH - so please submit and/or share! https://lnkd.in/e39pgqP9

"Freelancers are the backbone of the design economy, bringing fresh thinking, expertise, and adaptability. Nearly half of the design workforce is self-employed, yet many lack support for fair pay and skills growth. Only 35% feel proficient in green design skills—something that must change if we are to design our way to a greener future." – Minnie Moll, Chief Executive, Design Council This powerful point is just one of many in Design Week’s latest piece by Rob Alderson, which explores the realities of freelance life in the design industry. It’s a timely and important read, highlighting key challenges around fair pay, skills development, and industry-wide support. A crucial read, especially in the context of our latest Design Economy research. Read more here: https://ow.ly/GgrG50VbGoy #DesignEconomy #FreelanceDesign #FairPay #Upskilling #DesignForPlanet