On November 12, 2009, Design Concepts staff were proud to host the area’s first Designers Accord Town Hall Meeting and begin the discussion on ways to actively encourage sustainability within the design community.

The Designers Accord is a global coalition of designers, educators and business leaders working together to create a positive environmental and social impact. Earlier in the year, Design Concepts adopted the Accord’s five basic guidelines committing to steps to integrate sustainability into design. To amplify the discussion, Design Concepts hosted area designers from marketing communication, product development, graphic design firms and from area businesses manufacturing consumer goods.

The evening began with three brief overviews of steps taken by local businesses. Mark Cors, of Design Concepts, discussed designing for disassembly; Jim Armstrong, owner of the marketing and communication firm Good For Business, discussed embedding sustainability and social change into the core values of a company; and Jeff Lipscomb shared design initiatives taken within Fiskars to provide a wide range of innovative, green products for consumers.

Those attending broke into four group and discussed some of the challenges and responsibilties in addressing sustainable issues. All who attended were encouraged to consider adopting the principles of the Designers Accord and continue the conversation through future events.

Learn More About The Designers Accord