Tom Roope and Brian Eno among new Royal Designers for Industry

Musician Brian Eno and interaction designer Tom Roope are among 12 new Royal Designers for Industry, an honour awarded by the Royal Society for Arts.

Tom Roope
Tom Roope

Roope, a co-founder of Antirom, Tomato Interactive and The Rumpus Room, is receiving and honorary RDI title for his ‘innovative work in taking computer interactions beyond the desktop and into communities and shared spaces’, while Eno is being recognised for his ‘ground-breaking’ use of sound in technology and media.

Roope says, ‘It’s fantastic that the RSA is giving recognition to digital practitioners, as our industry would really benefit from the rigour and excellence embodied in the faculty.

‘On the flip-side I hope my experience and knowledge may be of use to the RSA’s ongoing championing of design as a force for good in this turbulent and challenging world.’

RDI titles also go to production designer Mark Fisher, landscape architect Andrew Grant, garden designer Dan Pearson, architect Sarah Wigglesworth, and lighting designers Charlie Paton and Mark Major, of Speirs and Major.

Former Speirs and Major partner Jonathan Speirs, who died in June, will receive the award posthumously.

Honorary RDI titles are also being given to RGA founder Bob Greenberg, artist and video game designer Toshio Iwai, and architect Peter Zumthor.

The RDI title is given by the RSA to practising designers who have ‘shown sustained design excellence, work of aesthetic value and significant benefit to society’. Only 200 designers are able to hold the RDI distinction at any one time.

RSA chief executive Matthew Taylor says, ‘The RSA has vigorously championed design excellence since its foundation when the design profession was in its infancy.

‘We remain committed to encouraging and recognising outstanding designers who strive to make the world a better place. The work of these 12 fantastic practitioners has made a significant benefit to society and I’m delighted to welcome them to the faculty.’

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