Design Declares! is a growing group of designers, design studios, agencies and institutions here to declare a climate and ecological emergency. By declaring, designers have access to a free toolkit of resources, and together with our clients, partners and colleagues across the supply chain, we are daring to reimagine the way we create every product, service, campaign and designed solution we put out into the world.

Launched in November 2023 by the Institute of Designers Ireland and 100 Archive, with funding from Creative Ireland’s Climate Action Fund, Design Declares is growing its impact throughout the island of Ireland.

The event began with event host, Dee Corcoran of Chapter Design inviting us to think about embracing change, the challenges of our time and the need for designers to do what they do best in finding creative solutions to the climate emergency. 

Charlotte Barker of the IDI and initiator of Design Declares Ireland then led a session detailing the 8 Acts of Emergency and signposting to the toolkit of free resources for designers to implement in their daily practice. 

John Duggan of Johnson Controls and Tracey Ryan of Doctrine Skincare then joined Dee and Charlotte on stage for a discussion around sustainability in practice; it’s importance to brand, the need for business leadership in this space, and the clients’ needs that designers might support on.   

An exercise for all participants then allowed for reflection on identifying the starting points of sustainable design practice, and barriers to growth. Finally, Conor Stewart of Enterprise Ireland was able to lead the audience through the grants and supports that are available through LEO and Enterprise Ireland offices that can help design businesses drive the agenda. These supports have been added to the Design Declares toolkit. 

IDI CEO Charlotte Barker said: ‘It was fantastic to be able to connect a regional audience with this initiative, and to facilitate open conversation and debate about the role of design in tackling the climate emergency. There's definitely a community of people ready and willing to take up the mantle to drive the programme forward.’ 

Design Declares has further events planned for later in the year; stay tuned to social media channels to keep up to date with the latest.