François Mittins

This year, The RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) awarded seven designers the title ‘Royal Designers for Industry’ (RDI). Granted annually, it is the highin the UK for designers in recognition of sustained design excellence, work of aesthetic value and significant benefit to society.

The ‘Royal Designers’ are the highest accolade in the UK, enriching our cultural heritage, driving innovation, and inspiring creativity in others. Recipients have included Brian Eno, Barnes Wallis, Lucienne Day, Jonathan Ive, Richard Rogers, Vivienne Westwood, Thomas Heatherwick and Norman Foster.

The RSA dates back to 1936 and was created to give recognition to exceptional designers to showcase their contributions to design in manufacturing and industry. During this time, design was widely undervalued and misunderstood, as a profession and as a tool to boost the economy and social progress.

Soon after, in 1938, the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry was established. New appointments are recommended to the RSA by the current RDI membership who represent an expanding and evolving design profession including; engineering, graphics, interaction, product, furniture, fashion, interiors, landscape, and urban design.

For the 2023 honorary event, RDI Marina Willer was invited to design and create the menus and invites for the awards dinner. She also designed the decorations and social media assets in the run-up.