Who we are
80 years of making life better by design.
We are the UK's national champion for design, uniquely dedicated to all design disciplines, showcasing brilliance, leading on new thinking, evidencing value and influencing policy to create an environment for design to thrive.
For over 8 decades we have worked to bring design to the places it can do the most good. Now our Design for Planet mission is tackling the biggest challenge of our time, galvanising and supporting the 1.97 million people working in the UK's design economy and help make design a regenerative world for all.
We equip designers and businesses with green and future skills.
By sharing skills, tools and knowledge, including our world famous Double Diamond framework, we support designers and those who commission them to design for good.
We activate design across sectors and communities.
Working with national and regional organisations to develop their design understanding and skills and embed design in everything they do.
We influence national policy and investment in design.
By providing evidence of the value of design and increasing its use, sharing inspiring examples, and creating enabling conditions for designers to do their best work.
Read our five year strategy:
The Design Council timeline
Created in 1944, discover our rich history.
Meet the team
At the heart, we are a small team of around 40 people who are committed to inclusive and planet-centered design.
Read our latest annual report
We produce a yearly report detailing our activities and finances.
The Prince Philip Designers Prize
From 1959-2011 the Prince Philip Designers Prize celebrated how designers improve daily life.
What is design?
Using creativity and systemic thinking to solve problems.
Meet the Experts
Our network of design leaders across the UK. They contribute their experience and skills to our programme delivery.
Our book
Discover the designs, designers and Design Council initiatives that have shaped British design history over eight transformational decades.
Our Purpose, Vision & Values
As the UK's national champion for design, we showcase the brilliant and lead on new thinking.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Promoting equality and diversity is core to our purpose to make life better by design.
Sustainability commitment
Our pledge to prioritise the welfare of our planet, as well as its people, in all that we do.