Is it possible to design a solution to a societal challenge that is deeply important to you even if you are not, technically, a designer?

The answer is yes.

Aisling's story is testament to the power design has in addressing a societal challenge like physical health of people with sever mental health challenges in social care in Ireland.

A student of social care to designer of Active Ease, which is the focus on her Phd and part-time lecturer. Aisling is a dynamic professional demonstrating the zig-zag nature of a career of many parts.

An interesting and thought provoking conversation with an architect who has committed to working to educate stakeholders in the public sector on the role design and architecture can play in resolving some of the country's biggest challenges.

His advice to students and early career architects is this: learn about the political structures and constructs that govern your profession.

Cathal's work is focused on using an inclusive, collaborative and community focused approach to making improvements in the city. This approach is encapsulated the goals of Playful City Dublin.

Learn about how Cathal is using his skills as an architect in his role as Director of Playful City and how he found his way to this role by way of working in London as an Architect at the start of his career.

A career in the public sector can offer an array of creative opportunities to make a positive difference. As a Healthy Cities Co-ordinator Denise has designed a career around her interest in social inclusion and positive health. Her values are at the core of her career, which, brings her around the world looking for inspiration to bring back home to Ireland.

A wonderful interview for anyone interested in designing a career that makes a positive difference to where they live.

What are the biggest challenges facing Irish cities today?

How might they be re-imagined and redesigned to better suit the needs and lifestyles of the population?

Richard Guiney has a long career serving the city as chartered accountant who is 'happiest when he's away from balance sheets'. Learn how the city needs professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds with diverse skills to work towards a new vision of Irish cities.

Danielle Townsend has some excellent insights into the challenges designers in Ireland face and how to meet them.

A designer herself she is keenly aware of the desire that designers tend to have a strong leaning towards purpose. However, practical reality dictates that professionals working in design are bound by commercial objectives; our conversation addresses this dichotomy and how to navigate it as young designers eager to make a difference in the world.

A conversation that traces the journey of an Irish architect who has worked in private practise in London and Scotland, then as a business owner who followed her own purpose and now as the head of Architecture in TU Dublin.

Some wise words from a professional who has always embraced change and faced challenges with an enquiring and practical mindset that focused on the tools required to meet the challenges that came her way.

An interview with Honor Cure about being a graduate of interior design in 2026.

What is an interaction designer?

How is interaction design leading the way in transforming our health serves?

Dehlia answers these question and describes how she made her way from product design into service and interaction design.

How does an architect carve out a meaningful career driven by purpose amidst commercial objectives?

How do you navigate the constraints inherent in a profession with multiple stakeholders and communities whose support you need?

And why is it important that we have more architects in politics?

This is a thought provoking and insightful conversation with an architect passionate about social sustainability.