Today I’m joined by Fiona Kennedy. Fiona’s been working in design for over 20 years and is currently a leader in design at Education First (EF). EF operates schools in over 100 countries and has over 50,000 employees. I’m excited to hear about what role design plays in such a huge organisation and of course I want to know how Fiona got design in the first place.

I’m Kieron Bakewell, the host and founder of Work In Design. I’ve worked as a designer since 2003. In 2005 I co-founded the furniture company naughtone. My skills and passions are predominantly in design, although I have picked up business skills along the way!
  
During 2020 in my role as design director at naughtone, I was prompted to look at the diversity within the design department at naughtone. Ultimately it was not a diverse group. I did not consider this intentional, rather a more accurate representation of those actually applying for roles in design. This got me thinking more broadly about how anyone finds their way into design careers? 

Working in design has been immensely rewarding for me on so many levels. The people, travel, challenges and feeling like you can make a change and contribute in a meaningful way. 

If I can, I’d now like to help others find their way into and enjoy this fantastic vocation. Hopefully they’ll help solve tomorrow’s problems along the way. 
  
 Visit workindesign.co.uk

https://www.ef.co.uk/ Education First

http://www.sevilpeach.co.uk/ Sevil Peach Architects