Thomas.Matthews

Had such an insightful yet fun time at this season's Design Declares event. As well as being educational, it's a warm and conversational space, that allows designers of all backgrounds and specialties to come together and learn. Our very own Sophie Thomas was on the amazing panel alongside Afreen Saulat and Tobias Revell, followed by a workshop led by the wonderful Tara Hanrahan Key takeaways include ideas of of how we can use AI to reduce food waste and support local communities, and of course designing from end-of-life first. It is our responsibility to think about where our creations will end up and make that a key part of the design process 💪 Of course special thanks to Alexie Sommer, Jo Barnard, Sandrine Herbert Razafinjato, Abb-d Taiyo and team for creating and curating such a fabulous space Can't wait for the next one 🌎🎉 #DesignAndClimate #SustainableDesign #ResponsibleDesign

Am I all talk and no👖? Sometimes it feels like it, especially when I have a full month of keynotes and presentations. Thankfully though, I am grounded by going back to working, creating, innovating and campaigning at Useful Simple Trust and etsaW. People ask me to talk mainly about #circulardesign and I do - to designers, politicians, business owners, fund managers, resource managers (and anyone else who listens!). This time I wanted to demonstrate what goes through my head when I think about designing for a circular system. It can be difficult to put into words - the complexity and rush of questions and thoughts about impacts, challenges, issues and how to tackle things. So, I made a film. About my brain. And I showed it. I think people got the message 🤯 that #circularity is a complex concept and even more complicated as a reality but somehow we need to start shifting to it. Design Week called it an 'eloquent kick up the arse'. I will take that! Starting with #designforplanet with Design Council for a great 2 days in The Manchester Metropolitan University (you can watch the inside of my brain and all the other interesting talks here: https://lnkd.in/eQmh246R) Then onto the inaugural Sustainability in Design Conference for the Ministry of Culture and the formidable Sumayah Al-Solaiman in Riyadh. Finally, spent a day workshopping with Tara Hanrahan with the inspiring Design Declares family with Jo Barnard Alexie Sommer and Sandrine Herbert Razafinjato, and debating with Afreen Saulat and Tobias Revell. A great conversation. (As I said, when we formed Thomas.Matthews in 1997 we had no support network on sustainability and had to forge noisily ahead alone really. Design Declares is the movement we needed then and need now. If you design then join up right away.) This month has been a whirlwind of events - all so enjoyable with kindred people and intelligent debate. Big thanks to all that came and listened (and watched) and all those that have reached out since. I am looking forward to the Design Revolution ✊ (Also, a wonderful thank you to Katie Walsh from The Re-Pete-Project who gave me the most gorgeous (and highly practical) anorak from her circular collection. I have yet to take it off!)

Thursday 14 November is Carbon Literacy Action Day (#CLAD)!   🌍 As a certified Carbon Literate Organisation, the Useful Simple Trust is proud to stand alongside thousands of organisations worldwide taking meaningful action on climate change and driving positive transformation. ✨ This year, coinciding with #COP29, The Carbon Literacy Project is hosting the world’s largest event dedicated to climate education, providing a full day of Carbon Literacy training that empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to create impactful, tangible change. Having achieved our Silver Carbon Literacy training accreditation in December 2023, our Head of Sustainability Carrie Behar has documented our Carbon Literacy journey in a short video. Watch it below to learn more about our commitment to climate action  ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ You can also register to get involved in #CLActionDay here - https://lnkd.in/gMrb6YG. Expedition Engineering Ltd | Useful Projects | Useful Studio - Architecture | Thomas.Matthews

At the Design Council's Design for Planet Festival last week, Sophie Thomas’ closing keynote emphasised the urgent need for design to drive sustainability. With the key message that waste is a design flaw, Sophie’s insights included: 🔄 Today’s economy is only 7.2% circular, with over 100 billion tons of resources extracted annually. Six out of nine planetary boundaries are already exceeded. 📉 80% of a product’s environmental impact is set at concept stage. Designers have immense power to choose materials, reduce waste, and build products meant to last. 🌐 High-demand materials, from gallium in electronics to rare metals for renewables, are at risk. Our design choices must account for these resource limits and prioritise longevity. 💡 Recycling alone won’t solve our waste problem. We need to design for reuse, work across disciplines, and adopt policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where designers consider a product’s full lifecycle. Thank you Design Council for organising such a rich and energising event. 📽️ Watch Sophie’s keynote speech in full here - https://lnkd.in/egdTgp8v. 📰 Read Pete Swift’s in-depth summary of the Festival here - https://lnkd.in/e8Tec-ta.  Useful Simple Trust #DesignForPlanet #SustainableDesign #CircularEconomy 

Preserving original features and characteristics is essential when modernising educational facilities. Our work at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus exemplifies this, where we designed a wayfinding and signage system that respects the iconic Brutalist and mid-century architecture. 🏫🎓 In collaboration with the University, we crafted signage that complements the existing aesthetic, using strong, modular lines and incorporating sustainable design elements. This included the creations of Essex Modular, a bespoke typeface that was inspired by the campus's existing forms. Each element maintained the integrity of the original design, while supporting students, staff, and visitors as they moved through the evolving spaces. This project underscores how blending a building’s historic character with sustainable design can create functional, meaningful spaces rooted in educational heritage. 🔗 Discover more here - https://lnkd.in/e97XTV2X.  📸 : Jill Tate Photography #CommunicationDesign #EducationEstates #WayfindingAndSignage 

🚨 Just 1 DAY TO GO until Design For Planet Festival 2024 begins! 🌍 We’re thrilled to bring together trailblazing designers and thought leaders tackling the biggest challenges in sustainability. Join us for FREE as we dive into a day of inspiring talks, innovative how-tos, and forward-thinking panels, led by some of the brightest minds working toward a more sustainable world. 👥 Featured Speakers ⭐ Patrick Grant , Founder of Community Clothing on creating products that are good for the planet and for the people who make them. ⭐ Abb-d Taiyo, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Driftime® – A Design & Impact Agency on capturing attention and driving awareness for key climate issues and solutions through graphic design. ⭐ Nilesha Chauvet, Managing Director of GOOD Agency will be debating product vs business models for Planet Positive Businesses. ⭐ Sophie Thomas from Thomas.Matthewsand etsaW will delve into why circular design skills are essential. And so many more incredible speakers will be joining us tomorrow! Don't miss out! Register for FREE now at https://lnkd.in/eXyuDqUh #DesignforPlanet #Architecture #GraphicDesign #PlanetPositiveBusiness #Business #GreenEconomy Faith In Nature Nature On The Board BlackOwned Studios + Marketplace Manchester Fashion Movement CIC

We’re excited to see our Founding Director Sophie Thomas part of the next Design Declares’ Design & Climate: Changing Perspectives event on Friday 22 November. Bringing together designers and businesses, Sophie is joining a fantastic lineup of industry professionals as they explore the future of materials, technologies, and design practices as we seek to transition our industry to a more sustainable future. 🔗 Join us for an insightful afternoon of talks and workshops. Get your ticket today - https://lnkd.in/epVgdZ8R.    etsaW | Useful Simple Trust #DesignDeclares #DesignAndClimate #Speaker 

Don’t miss the Design for Planet Festival on 6 November! As the must-attend sustainable design event of the year, the festival is packed with debates, panel discussions, and screenings on how the power of design can be used to achieve both economic and environmental success. With this year’s theme of Planet Positive Business, design, business and government leaders will discuss how design can help businesses thrive while regenerating the planet. Our very own Sophie Thomas, Founder of Thomas.Matthews and co-Founder of etsaW, will be delivering a keynote on ‘Skills for the Future’. Sophie will explore the essential skills needed for circular design, how to transform traditional linear approaches, and why adopting these methods is not only vital for the environment but also key to economic success. 🎟️ Register your FREE place today - https://lnkd.in/e8zsRhHT. Useful Simple Trust | Design Council The Guardian | Innovate UK | SUEZ UK | The Manchester Metropolitan University | Manchester School of Art  #DesignForPlanet #SustainableDesign #PlanetPositive  

It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Simon Bradbury. For the past six years, Simon was not only an integral part of our team but also a remarkable person whose professionalism, dedication, and warmth touched the lives of so many.  Those who had the privilege of working with Simon will remember his kindness, calm, reassuring presence, and genuine care for everything he did. He has left a lasting impact on all of us and will be deeply missed.  Our thoughts are with Simon’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.  

We had the privilege of working with Isleworth & Syon School For Boys, one of West London’s oldest schools, to create a new perspective on tradition with its reimagined brand identity. 📖✏️ Aligning with the Headmaster’s vision to keep the school relevant and forward-thinking, we revitalised its historic identity by introducing a bold new color palette and contemporary design, strengthening its legacy and connection with the next generation. 🎓🏫 Collaborating closely with the school’s leadership, we refreshed the heraldic symbols on their main badge and house crests, while preserving the iconic Latin motto and lion emblem. These elements feature prominently in the new Humanities Wing and extended to a cohesive 'family' of exterior signage – brought to life by comprehensive brand guidelines.    🔗 Learn more here - https://lnkd.in/enRgf3Wc. 📸: Jill Tate   Useful Studio - Architecture  #BrandIdentity #Wayfinding #Environmental