Designers hold a more significant role than merely producing commercial items, according to Samuel Ross during the London Design Biennale.
A Designer's Perspective on Society's Evolution
As a multi-faceted designer, working across fashion, industrial design, and architecture, Dr. Samuel Ross MBE offers a unique view on the power and influence designers can have in today's world. Taking the helm as artistic director for the 2025 London Design Biennale, held at Somerset House this June, he showcases the designers' potential to make a difference.
Ross advocates that today's designers should stand tall in the public eye, not only through producing commercial goods but also by engaging in community action, nurturing upcoming talent, and voicing their thoughts on important social issues. The biennale offers a platform to discuss the role design should play in society.
This year's London Design Biennale brings 35 participants together, each responding to Ross's "Surface Reflections" theme. The exhibits delve into pressing topics, such as the effects of mineral extraction on Chilean landscapes and communities, the changing values held by societies, and the politics of waiting.
Reflecting on the biennale, Ross hopes it will empower designers to speak up and guide society's direction, saying, "It's not about the aesthetics; it's about the quality of thought and enabling new ideas and perspectives to be presented." Ross was honored with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the design industry.
Ross believes the designer's role has been somewhat stagnant in recent years due to the rise of digitalization. He encourages designers to step back from solely focusing on consumption patterns and remember their importance to society outside of commercial ventures.
Ross desires designers to embrace risk and challenge the status quo, fearlessly expressing their own values and beliefs. He believes it would be disappointing if designers were content to hide behind a privileged lifestyle rather than using their platform to drive meaningful change.
Showing commitment to his beliefs, Ross established the Black British Artist Grants program in 2020. The initiative supports artists and designers of color by offering funding and connections to cultural institutions. Ross urges the design sector to become more diverse and accessible.
Through his experience curating the London Design Biennale, Ross learned the importance of providing opportunities for others and allowing their voices to be heard. He hopes the exhibits showcased at the biennale will give visitors a glimpse of what a dynamic and inclusive design sector might look like, inspiring more people to join the design community.
Looking forward, Ross dreams of seeing a return to the adventurous spirit that initially drew him to the design industry. He longs for this sentiments to be shared by designers of all generations as they work to make a positive impact on society.
The 2025 London Design Biennale runs from 5th-29th June at Somerset House. Don't miss your chance to experience the future of design!
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Designers can bring their positive influence to various sectors, such as finance, education-and-self-development, and the industry, by using their platform to drive meaningful change and voice their thoughts on important social issues. Dr. Samuel Ross MBE, the artistic director for the 2025 London Design Biennale, advocates for this approach and urges designers to remember their impact outside of commercial ventures.
