About Us - Design-Nation

Connecting & Championing UK Craft & Design since 1999: Design-Nation is a national network and curated portfolio supporting Britain’s leading designer-makers.

OUR MISSION:

Design-Nation creates innovative and inclusive opportunities for the contemporary design and craft sector through future thinking.

OUR VISION:

The dynamic programmes that we produce transform the lives of UK design and craft professionals in our network.

OUR VALUES:

We value excellence & innovation, diversity & inclusion, and sustainability & ethical practice in design and craft

We listen to our members to guide our future thinking, as we better understand sector need and ambition

We value the knowledge, passion and leadership of our workforce and governance and the contribution each individual makes

We value collaborative long-term relationships with partners, in order to grow creative opportunities and build sector capacity

We nurture inclusive environments and cultures, to foster a sense of belonging where everyone is empowered to achieve their full potential

We strive to create programmes that are accessible for everyone to participate in

We value ongoing learning for our team, members and partners.

About Design-Nation

Design-Nation is a UK-wide membership organisation championing excellence in contemporary craft and design.

Our portfolio comprises a rich and diverse community of highly skilled designer-makers whose work demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and innovation. Our members work across a broad range of disciplines, from contemporary interpretations of traditional skills to cutting-edge experimental practice.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we work collaboratively to champion outstanding craftsmanship, support professional growth and create inclusive opportunities that enable creativity to thrive across the UK.

Each year, more than 500 students, graduates, emerging makers and established creative businesses benefit from our exhibitions, showcasing opportunities, professional development, advocacy and business support. We also work with galleries, museums, universities, festivals and cultural organisations to create opportunities that connect makers with new audiences, commissioners and markets.

Our Story

For more than 25 years, Design-Nation has been at the forefront of supporting and promoting contemporary craft and design in the UK.

Founded in 1999 by the late Peta Levi MBE, Design-Nation began as a network connecting talented designer-makers and championing excellence in British craft and design. Since then, the organisation has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the creative sector.

Over the past quarter of a century, we have supported thousands of designers and makers through exhibitions, professional development, mentoring, business support, partnerships and national showcasing opportunities. Along the way, we have built lasting relationships with cultural organisations, galleries, museums, higher education institutions and industry partners, helping to strengthen the UK’s craft and design ecosystem.

In 2025, Design-Nation became an independent Company Limited by Guarantee, marking an important milestone in our development and providing a strong foundation for future growth and long-term sustainability.

Today, Design-Nation supports a thriving community of more than 350 members across the UK. We continue to champion exceptional contemporary craft and design through exhibitions, commissions, networking, learning opportunities and strategic partnerships, ensuring that creativity, innovation and making remain at the heart of the UK’s cultural landscape.