Design in The Impact Economy

What role does design play in creating an economy that delivers social, environmental and economic value?

This session brings together organisations from across the North East that are using design-led approaches to tackle complex challenges and create positive change. Through practical examples and discussion, we'll explore how design can help shape services, places and opportunities that deliver lasting benefits for people, communities and the wider region.

Topics will include:

• Community-led housing and place-making

• Community energy and models of local ownership

• Participation and co-design in shaping change

• Designing services and platforms that improve access to employment and opportunity

• Building more inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities

Join us to discover how design can help create an impact economy that works for people, places and communities.

About our speakers

Julia Handelman-Smith

Programme Director, Into The Light Durham

A former cultural diplomat with the British Council, Julia has led arts and education programmes across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East including a major global programme to commemorate the World War I centenary between 2014-2018.

Julia is passionate about North East England and believes there is a real opportunity to drive a new cultural revolution in County Durham though Into the Light to create long-lasting positive change.

Away from Into The Light, Julia is an accomplished cellist and composer, having studied music at Durham University and is the Founder and Creative Director of ‘Our Symphony,’ a collaborative music programme that encourages communities to express their lived experiences through sound. Her dedication to mentoring and community engagement is also evident in her roles as a mentor for The Prince’s Trust UK, Trustee for Groundswell Arts, and Chair of New Note Orchestra and Projects.

Hilary Anderson

Innovation Associate

Rural Design Centre

Hilary Anderson is an Innovation Associate at the Rural Design Centre, where she focuses on developing community energy opportunities and supporting rural community development. Her work is centred on empowering local stakeholders, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering long-term economic growth within rural communities.

Hilary provides project management and innovation expertise across a range of delivery programmes in County Durham. She works closely with Durham Community Action, the region’s leading infrastructure organisation, and Durham County Council to develop and deliver initiatives that strengthen communities, promote collaboration, and drive positive social and economic impact across the region.

Jamie Campbell

Design and Research Lead

Rural Design Centre

Jamie Campbell is the Design and Research Lead at the Rural Design Centre, where he leads design and research projects that place rural communities at the heart of decision-making. A service designer with a background in user experience and digital design, Jamie is passionate about creating solutions that are inclusive, accessible, and shaped by the needs of the people who use them.

His work explores how services, systems, and places can be designed to work for everyone, not just those who are easiest to reach. Through a collaborative and research-led approach, Jamie helps organisations better understand the experiences of communities and develop innovative solutions that deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

Venue

Find out more about the venue here