PBN Innovative Companies 2022
NONPROFIT: DESIGNxRI
DESIGN AND INNOVATION go hand in hand at DESIGNxRI. The Providence-based nonprofit creates economic development opportunities for Rhode Island designers, design businesses and for the design sector to grow and thrive.
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Executive Director Ellie Brown says the nonprofit’s goal is to “let the rest of the country and the world know that Rhode Island is the state to go to for design talent and that [local] designers who go to school here decide to stay and become part of our design and creative community.”
By collaborating with a diverse group of partners, including R.I. Commerce Corp. and Rhode Island School of Design, Brown hopes to elevate design by creating a more equitable and thriving environment.
DESIGNxRI’s initiatives include EQUITYxDESIGN, the Design Catalyst Program, Pre-Catalyst Program and the Design Challenge.
Brown says the organization’s programs offer something for people at all stages of their careers and work really well as a whole. For example, she said, the EQUITYxDESIGN cohort is for experienced designers who want to solve real-life equity issues in their firms.
The Design Catalyst grants help small, local designers launch the next phase of their businesses with capital, confidence and a few more people on their side.
The impact is powerful. Grant recipient James Jones of James Jones Studio says the studio would not be set up for success if he did not receive that financial support.
“A vast new range of possibilities has opened up to us,” Jones said. “We have made connections, acquired necessary tools and expanded the range of services we can offer.”
DESIGNxRI is known for Design Week RI, an annual celebration featuring local designers and entrepreneurs. Events include talks, tours, panel discussions and parties that showcase talent.
Central to the organization’s mission are its efforts to advocate for more diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry so that underrepresented communities feel welcomed and supported.
“We are trying to remove barriers for people who want to learn, be included, build a business in Rhode Island,” Brown said.
