IDI Creative Axis - Institute of Designers in Ireland

PAST PRESISDENTS11takes us into a sphere beyond our oldcomprehension of purpose or task. Somepeople might call it the "wow factor" andthere is often more than an element ofwonder and surprise. There is also aleavening effect for good design also takespublic taste and expectation and educates it,just as it takes today's design and improveson it tomorrow.Of course none of that happens without thepursuit of professional excellence bydesigners in every discipline and thisInstitute has a very proud record of setting anagenda that insists on getting the best fromthe Irish design profession.It's not so long ago that our major exportwas beef on the hoof and, truth to tell, thatdid not present many design challenges.Today Ireland is one of the most competitiveand successful and globalised economies,trading an impressive array of goods andservices right around the world as well as athome. For designers in the old and newmedia, from industrial designers to DVDdesigners and all bases in between, survivaland development depend on being able tobring something special to those home andinternational markets where so many otherplayers are vying for attention and for a place.You are entitled to be very proud of the roleyou have played in Ireland's success story,whether through the indigenous ormultinational enterprise sectors, for Irishdesign has, by sheer effort, achieved cuttingedgesuccess in many areas and hassuccessfully gained an increasing share ofinternational business. But now, of course,having tasted success and watched it act as aleaven throughout society, bringing greaterprosperity than Ireland has ever known in herhistory, the truth is, people are hungry formore. And so today's innovative solution isalready hurtling towards obsolescence andthat keeps pressure on you, and on theeducation systems for designers, to be everrestless in pursuit of innovation andcreativity.The publication of the "Best of IrishDesign" book and the design 'roadshows' runby the Institute this year have played a keyrole in targeting the business and the designcommunity across Ireland and they havehighlighted the business benefits of design,as well as exhibiting the 'Best of Irish design'.Today though, the IDI Fellowship andHonorary Membership goes back to basics, tothe individual human person where all gooddesign starts. It recognises the role played byleadership in the design world and howessential it is to have inspired andinspirational people at the heart of the designindustry in every sphere. These are peoplewhose professional lives have helped ourcountry to become renowned throughout theworld as a culturally exuberant economicpowerhouse ? something we could haveregarded as unlikely only a short few years.This year's new Fellow, Gerry Brouder andnew Honorary Member, Martin Naughton, areboth to be congratulated on receiving thisimportant recognition of the hugecontribution they have made to pushing Irishdesign, and Ireland itself, to new levels ofambition and fulfilment of that ambition.Today is their day. We honour them bothwith gratitude that Ireland produces suchpeople today and that they so enthusiasticallymeet the challenge that lesser people wouldrun a mile from. The good news is thatIreland is truly only at the start of revealing itsfullest potential. This is the first generation tohave turned the tide of outward migration, tohave had the widest access to high-qualityeducation and training, to have had thechance to stay and build their careers inIreland. This is the first generation to feel theenergy surge and the self belief that comesfrom success. It's a journey we all want tostay on and, with your help, we will watcheven more remarkable chapters evolve. Oncewe looked to the future, half in hope and halfin despair, for that historically elusive thingcalled opportunity but things have changed.Now it is the present that is a very excitingplace. That is particularly true for Irishdesigners and we know that by using today'schances well they are already making thefuture a place to be proud of.Is iontach an obair atá ar siúl agaibh. Go n-éiri go geal libh. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.