DESIGNxRI

DESIGNxRI DESIGNxRI is a community nonprofit, economic builder, collaborator & communicator for design and creative industries in Rhode Island.
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DESIGNxRI (DxRI) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create an opportunity-driven environment for RI designers, design businesses and the design sector to thrive. We work to fulfill this mission by coalescing the RI design community and educating the general public about design and the vast RI design talent. Further, we strengthen and maximize the assets of the local design community thr

ough economic, workforce and community development initiatives. Our goal is to contribute the RI design sector’s creative, innovative problem-solving practices to the educational, economic and cultural wellbeing of the state of RI.

It's finally here: Join us tomorrow at Moniker Brewery from 6-8PM for our June Clambake: Creative Conversations! Explore...
06/16/2026

It's finally here: Join us tomorrow at Moniker Brewery from 6-8PM for our June Clambake: Creative Conversations! Explore the product design process, from concept to creation, with speakers Adam Dau and Lukas Scheurer. Don't forget to register at https://champ.ly/K4KMm9Y4. We can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Architecture, preservation, storytelling — DBVW Architects does it all. In this interview from the archive, Pierson and ...
06/12/2026

Architecture, preservation, storytelling — DBVW Architects does it all. In this interview from the archive, Pierson and Tami discuss how their team navigates complex challenges, collaborates with clients, and brings buildings, both old and new, back to life in ways that are meaningful, functional, and beautiful. Swipe to learn more about their work, from transforming historic theaters to revitalizing neighborhood housing, and read the full interview on the DxRI Dispatch at https://champ.ly/yMlXr5Ds.

We are honored to share that DESIGNxRI and Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) have been recognized by the Governor’s Wor...
06/11/2026

We are honored to share that DESIGNxRI and Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) have been recognized by the Governor’s Workforce Board for our collaborative work through Real Jobs RI.

This recognition highlights the strength of partnership in advancing workforce development and entrepreneurial support across Rhode Island. Together, we are expanding access to business training, mentorship, and resources that help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and long-term economic opportunity.

Small businesses make up nearly 99% of all businesses in Rhode Island and are a critical driver of job creation and innovation. This work reinforces our shared commitment to supporting the people and ideas shaping the state’s future economy.

We are grateful to our partners and the Governor’s Workforce Board for this recognition and for championing collaborative approaches to workforce development.

Read the full press release at https://champ.ly/Xcx_FR_A.

We are excited to announce the 2026 Design Catalyst cohort!Design Catalyst is DESIGNxRI’s flagship business development ...
06/11/2026

We are excited to announce the 2026 Design Catalyst cohort!

Design Catalyst is DESIGNxRI’s flagship business development program supporting Rhode Island-based designers and creative entrepreneurs with intensive training, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. Since 2016, the program has supported 143 creatives and helped direct $1.5 million in support to creative small businesses across the state.

This year’s cohort represents a dynamic group of designers and creative business owners working across product design, fashion, fabrication, digital media, and experience design:

Jenine Bressner (Jenine Bressner Fireworks!), Soranica Corrente (SET STUDIO, LLC), Noah DeMeis (Digital Nail), Andrew Desforges (Wander Forge Design Co.), Tania S. Estrada (Estudio Estrada), Reg Gutierrez (Immortalize Your Mouth), Christopher Kane (Hot Funk Foundry LLC), Scarlett Sensi (GLOSSDRESS), Nathaniel Solberg (Nathaniel Solberg Design), and Tai Bacani (Tailand Productions).

We are proud to support this cohort as they build and grow their creative businesses in Rhode Island.

Read the full press release at https://champ.ly/Xcx_FR_A.

Our June Clambake: Creative Conversations is just a week away! Join us next Wednesday, June 17th from 6-8PM at Moniker B...
06/10/2026

Our June Clambake: Creative Conversations is just a week away! Join us next Wednesday, June 17th from 6-8PM at Moniker Brewery in Providence to explore two distinct approaches to product design and development. Featuring Adam Dau and Lukas Scheurer, two designers working at different ends of the production spectrum, the conversation will examine the nuances of making, whether through hands-on fabrication and custom machining, or through designing for large-scale manufacturing abroad. Register today at https://champ.ly/K4KMm9Y4!

Last week, we gathered at Innovate Newport to celebrate the 16 design businesses that completed our latest Design Cataly...
06/08/2026

Last week, we gathered at Innovate Newport to celebrate the 16 design businesses that completed our latest Design Catalyst cohort at the Design Catalyst Showcase.

Over the past several months, 18 entrepreneurs representing 16 small and micro design businesses from across Rhode Island participated in this intensive business development program. The cohort included product, interior, furniture, education, fashion, and experience designers, as well as nonprofit organizations, all working to strengthen and grow their creative enterprises.

Congratulations to this incredible group of entrepreneurs for their hard work, dedication, and vision. We are proud to support Rhode Island's creative community and look forward to seeing how these businesses continue to grow, thrive, and contribute to our state's creative economy.

A special thank you to our funders and partners who make this work possible: POC Foundation, Real Jobs Rhode Island, RI Commerce, the City of Providence, Ocean State Charities Trust, the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Innovate Newport, CCRI, and CIC Providence.

On Tuesday evening, we hosted a community-centered strategic planning event, bringing together members of Rhode Island’s...
06/06/2026

On Tuesday evening, we hosted a community-centered strategic planning event, bringing together members of Rhode Island’s design community, and beyond, to help shape DESIGNxRI’s next strategic plan. Fifty participants gathered at Track 15 to explore key themes that have emerged throughout the planning process, including Design & Small Business Growth, Design & Workforce Development, The Future of Rhode Island Design & Its Impact, Positioning Design as a Strategic Partner, and Building a Stronger Design Network.

Through thoughtful conversations and collaborative discussion, participants shared ideas, perspectives, and aspirations for what the future of Rhode Island’s design sector, and our organization, could look like over the next three to five years.

We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this process so far, from completing our first survey last fall to participating in winter discussion groups and joining us this week. This work wouldn’t be possible without your enthusiastic engagement. And, a special thank you to Track 15 for hosting us and helping make this important community engagement event possible.

We’re excited to introduce Glen Gallagher (he/him), our newest board member! Glen serves as the State Health Lab Directo...
06/05/2026

We’re excited to introduce Glen Gallagher (he/him), our newest board member! Glen serves as the State Health Lab Director for Rhode Island and previously worked in biological research with a focus on virology. He joined the DxRI board because he values how the organization creates opportunities to see familiar things in a new light and discover ideas he may never have encountered otherwise.

As a new board member, Glen jokes that his unofficial title is “trainee,” but we see him as our fresh perspectives person. We’re thrilled to have his curiosity, thoughtfulness, and unique experience helping guide the organization into the future.

We first met Glen in a ceramics studio, so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to design that centers the human experience. He’s especially excited by the ways thoughtful design can positively shape the health and science sectors.

When asked what he’s learned from designers, artists, and creative people, Glen shared: “How to stop and marvel at the small or seemingly mundane things in life. Even the smallest details have intention around them.” We couldn’t agree more. Observant designers often look to the natural world for inspiration, like the Tokyo subway system, which was informed by slime mold growth patterns.

We’re so excited to have Glen’s perspective, intellect, and sense of wonder on the DxRI board!

Meet Adam Dau, owner of S.K. Grimes and one of our June Clambake: Creative Conversations speakers! S.K. Grimes specializ...
06/03/2026

Meet Adam Dau, owner of S.K. Grimes and one of our June Clambake: Creative Conversations speakers! S.K. Grimes specializes in making custom camera parts, adapting vintage lenses to work with modern equipment, and fabricating one-of-a-kind mechanical solutions for photographers and designers worldwide. Join us in two weeks on June 17th from 6-8PM at Moniker Brewery to here more about Adam's work. We’ll explore how constraints, tools, and context shape decision-making — and ultimately, the user experience. Register now at https://www.designxri.com/programs-and-events/creative-conversations/!

For ceramic artists Francisco Rocha Salazar and Jasper Isaac Johns, collaboration is at the center of everything they cr...
06/01/2026

For ceramic artists Francisco Rocha Salazar and Jasper Isaac Johns, collaboration is at the center of everything they create. Together, the duo forms Studio FraJas, a practice that blends ceramics, painting, architecture, and historical decorative traditions into richly patterned vessels that feel both ancient and contemporary. In the latest DxRI Dispatch, DESIGNxRI connects with Francisco and Jasper to discuss their work and their experience with DESIGN WEEK RI. Swipe to learn a bit more about Studio FraJas, and visit https://www.designxri.com/studio-frajas/ for the full scoop!

Address

819 Westminster Street Unit 03
Providence, RI
02903

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14014270811

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