DA Autumn Conversations is all about connecting people to people and people to ideas.

We will explore this year’s theme of “Design and Planet” through discussions around planet-centered design and educating clients about sustainable practices.

The format for the evening will include talks from our 3 featured speakers followed by a Q&A with all of the speakers.

Featured Speakers:

Raul Sarrot | Raul Sarrot is a multi-disciplinary designer, strategist, educator and design coach who specialises in helping enterprises incorporate meaningful design into all areas of their organisations. His international experience has been forged over 30 years working alongside a wide range of commercial and not-for-profit clients in South America, Europe and the Pacific. Raul is the Founder and Director of Freshfish, a boutique studio specialising in strategy, branding and innovation and is a part-time Senior Lecturer in a variety of design-related papers at AUT. After hours, Raul is a multi-instrumentalist musician, an experimental pizzaiolo chef and a proud father of three ‘wild on Waiheke’ grown-up teenagers!
Miranda Brown | Title: The Benefits of Biophilic Design |Miranda Brown has been a leader in the sustainable design movement for the past two decades and is driven by regenerative principles that look after nature and all life.“ Essentially my practice is all about connecting people to the beauty of nature to enhance wellbeing and to inspire people to look after our natural world. Research shows us that when people are connected to their place they look after that place. Our role is to be the Kaitiaki, guardians of the creatures, the air, earth, water and life force – the mauri ” Miranda’s unique art and biophilic design work is integrated into projects and the built environment where she connects people to nature through creative community engagement, site specific art commissions, biophilic consultation and her interiors range of textiles and wallpapers. Her portfolio includes commercial and residential projects, workplace, health and hospitals, aged care, hotels and public spaces. View www.mirandabrown.co.nz
Welma Sykes | Talk Title: How can I design a campaign that encourages consumers to participate in waste minimisation? | Welma is a creative and information designer who will complete her Master’s in Creative Practice at ARA in April 2024. Her field of study looks at how graphic designers can raise awareness of the environmental issues of overconsumption, as evidenced by the plastic pollution in the oceans and ever-growing landfills, to encourage consumers to participate in waste minimisation.Originally from South Africa with a BA Information Design Degree from the University of Pretoria (2014) she has gained valuable experience by both owning her own small studio and working with large corporate brands to understand the influence graphic designers have to make an idea come to life. Now in her studies she has the opportunity to challenge her own field, rooted in commercial arts and redirect it towards benefitting the environment.

Event Schedule:

5:30pm – Doors open
6pm – Talks start followed by Q&A session
7.30pm - Event concludes

Join us to be inspired, learn new things and be challenged by fresh ideas.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ticket Costs

DA Friends | $20+gst+fees

Non-members | $40+gst+fees

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If you're a DA Friend and would like to attend this event, email info@designassembly.org.nz for your access code.

Thanks to BJ Ball for keeping everyone fed!