The Royal Society for Arts (RSA) today announces the appointment of five new Royal Designers for Industry (RDIs) and two Honorary Royal Designers for Industry (HRDIs)- joining the most distinguished community of designers in the world.
Established in 1936, the RDI is the highest accolade a designer can receive, awarded to those who have achieved sustained design excellence and made a significant contribution to society through design. Only 200 designers worldwide can hold the title at any one time- a roster that includes Sir Paul Smith, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Sir Jony Ive, and Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
The RDIs are an independent body, free from external media or monetary influence, that serve to award designers who have selflessly made a civic contribution with their work. This year’s inductees, over half of whom are women, work across some of the most diverse disciplines in the RDI’s history, from data visualisation to ecological planting, structural innovation to community storytelling, as well as sculpture and digital media.
This year’s RDIs represent the extraordinary breadth of contemporary design:
The new Honorary RDIs are:
Together, these seven exemplify the power of design to connect beauty with responsibility and imagination with impact.
Design is the invisible thread that connects and shapes every part of modern life- from the way we move through cities and tell stories, to the tools we use, the homes we inhabit, and the values we express. Across their almost 90-year history, the awards are a clear measure for the changing nature of design, moving from industrial design and engineering through graphics and product design to the contemporary fields represented this year. Through the RDIs, the RSA celebrates design as a living force for progress: a discipline that bridges art, science, and industry to improve the world around us.
Johanna Gibbons RDI, who was appointed as the new Master of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry in February, said:
“Design lives and breathes in everything around us- it’s the meeting point of creativity, care and courage. Each of our new Royal Designers shows how design can transform the way we see and shape the world, bringing people together and restoring balance between human and natural systems.”
Joanna Choukeir, Head of Design and Innovation at the RSA, said:
“The RSA celebrates design as the creative force shaping how we live- in everything we see, use and imagine. The RDIs represent design at its most ambitious; not as decoration or luxury, but as a vital force for change. We are delighted to welcome these new RDIs and HRDIs and are proud to be the home of the world’s most prestigious design community”
Quotes from each of the new RDIs can be found in the notes to editors below.
The 2025 RDI Address will be delivered by Johanna Gibbons RDI, founding partner of J&L Gibbons and founding director of Landscape Learn, at a ceremony at RSA House, London, on 27 November 2025.
Yinka Ilori, RDI
“I’m honoured to receive this award and become part of the RDI community. It’s incredible to join a network that champions culture and connection, values that have always been at the heart of my work. For me, design is about celebrating everyday stories, creating joyful experiences, and shaping spaces that feel open and welcoming. I’m excited to share my perspective, learn from others, and continue pushing boundaries together.”
Frith Kerr, RDI
“I’ve always believed design is a conversation between people, places and things, about ideas that can cross space and time. Now I have the huge honour of being made a Royal Designer for Industry. I am excited to take those conversations further, wider and into the future.”
Mona Chalabi, RDI
“Design helps to structure our moral universe. Right now though, most designers (like many journalists) shirk that responsibility; they claim that the onus lies more with the users than creators. I don’t buy that. I believe that rather than trying to make things better, our starting point must be a fear that we might perhaps be making the world worse. From there, we should work tirelessly to make sure that isn’t the case.
This award is one of the only things that will make my parents proud… because the appointment means my colleagues see the value of the work I’m doing. If the public can say the same, then that’s even better.”
Dr Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, RDI
“Receiving this award is such an honour and to be in the company of so many of the designers whose work continues to shape and inspire me is really special. As an artist, being named a Royal Designer for Industry shows that disciplinary boundaries are there to be crossed –and doing so is how we can help imagine and create a world that is more sustainable and just.”
Teucer Wilson, RDI
“Receiving the RDI Award is a real honour. It’s wonderful to be recognised alongside such talented people working across so many disciplines. My practice spans sculpture, art, craft, design, typography, and bespoke memorial work — a combination that’s not easily categorised — so it means a great deal to see this kind of work valued. I split my time between the workshop and the studio, and I hope that my experience as both a designer and a maker can offer a unique perspective. I’m really looking forward to meeting and learning from the inspiring members of this remarkable collective.”
Please contact: dom.mcgovern@rsa.org.uk, or rupert@reh.ltd to arrange interviews with any of the new RDIs and HRDIs, Johanna Gibbons RDI, or Jo Choukeir, Head of Design and Innovation at the RSA.
About the RDIs
The title ‘Royal Designer for Industry’ (RDI) is awarded annually by the RSA to designers of all disciplines who have achieved ‘sustained design excellence, work of aesthetic value and significant benefit to society’. The RDI is the highest accolade for designers in the UK. Only 200 designers can hold the title. Non-UK designers may become honorary Royal Designers.
The ‘Royal Designers’ are responsible for designing the world around us, enriching our cultural heritage, driving innovation, inspiring creativity in others and improving our quality of life. The jet engine, Routemaster bus, iPhone, and Harry Potter film sets, among thousands of objects and experiences that have been created by them. Since it was introduced, recipients of the honour have included designers as diverse as Barnes Wallis, Lucienne Day, Jonathan Ive, Thomas Heatherwick and Es Devlin.
The Royal Designers contribute to the RSA in numerous ways, sharing their skills and experience with the organisation, its staff and networks, in particular supporting design education through the RSA Student Design Awards, and the RSA Family of Academies.
About the RSA
We are the RSA, the royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce. We are a social impact charity that has been at the forefront of social change for 270 years. Through our Design for Life mission, we turn world-leading ideas into world-changing actions. We’re committed to a world where everyone can fulfil their potential and contribute to more resilient, rebalanced, and regenerative futures. Central to all our work is our global network of over 31,000 Fellows, who work collectively to enable people, places and the planet to flourish in harmony.
Find out more at thersa.org
