The decision to accept the Presidency of the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) was not made lightly, oh no. Over the years, I had turned down this role several times, having witnessed the immense dedication of individuals like Kim McKenzie Doyle, Martin Gaffney, George Boyle, Andrew Bradley and many others who came before me. I felt I could not commit fully, as my priority had always been Red Dog (not to mention a couple of children I had!). However, circumstances have changed, and the IDI now has a capable staff, strongly led by CEO Charlotte Barker. This played a significant part in me saying ‘yes’, making me feel lucky to step into this role, at the sweetest of times.

At Red Dog, we have consistently supported our design representative bodies, from the days of GDBA to ICAD and, most notably, IDI. We actively participated in their awards, attended their talks, and contributed wherever possible. There were moments when we stepped up, filling gaps when no one else would. The invitation to become the President of IDI is both a privilege and a confidence boost. There's no point in pretending otherwise; it's an incredible honour that also carries an element of fear. Most designers grapple with imposter syndrome, and here I am, putting myself out there to be 'found out.' Nonetheless, I took the leap in November 2022, and as I approach my first year anniversary, I look forward to celebrating at our AGM and flagship IDI Awards night.

What makes this experience truly great is the people involved – the individuals on the board, the talent they bring, and the energy they exude. There's a palpable hunger among everyone to transform this network of designers into a formidable force, demand government support, extend a helping hand, and ensure our relevance in a rapidly changing landscape.

Our industry operates in a world that can be chaotic, stressful, and uncertain. In such times, we need support. The IDI and its members have consistently provided that support. Whether it's a phone call, a coffee meet-up, a knowledge exchange, assistance with recruitment, or sharing insights on tenders and pitches, the IDI community has always been there.

Taking on the Presidency just after the pandemic was interesting…it has presented our industry with fresh challenges, particularly regarding remote work and mental well-being. It's been incredibly valuable to share ideas with other member studios and incorporate their perspectives. The key lesson here is always to seek help, advice, and support when needed.

Communities like the IDI fuel our need to excel in our fields. They inspire us by introducing us to exceptional talents from around the world at our talks, conferences, and online forums. Furthermore, they offer initiatives like our Design Skillnet, which provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Red Dog has frequently benefited from this training, and our team continues to gain from it.

Engaging with like-minded individuals, enjoying the craic and sharing stories are some of the perks of the IDI. Personally, the IDI has introduced me to a diverse group of friends – serious, eccentric, mischievous (you know who you are!) and cherished. I am proud to serve as its President and extend my heartfelt thanks to the membership for this incredible opportunity.

We are currently considering our President Elect. If this is of interest to you or if you would like to get a little more involved in the IDI please get in touch.

Further reading:

http://idiawards.ie

http://designskillnet.ie

https://www.idi-design.ie