UWE Bristol academics shaping the future of design across disciplines

Three senior leaders from the College of Arts, Technology and Environment at UWE Bristol have been appointed to prominent national roles across architecture, art and design.

Professor Elena Marco, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Arts, Technology and Environment (CATE), has been selected as one of five new trustees at the Design Council, joining a cohort of high-profile experts to help deliver the Council’s Design for Planet mission. Elena, along with her fellow board members, will champion and support the 1.97m people working in the design sector and the mission to upskill one million designers in green skills by 2030.

She joins the Design Council in a monumental year as the charity prepares to host the prestigious World Design Congress™ in September in London. This is a key moment for British design on the global stage and highlights the UK’s position as a critical player in the international design sector.

She said: “I’m honoured to join the Design Council at a pivotal moment. With design playing a critical role in tackling the climate crisis, I hope to help make a meaningful difference. As we spotlight bold visionaries ahead of the 2025 World Design Congress, it’s clear: design must lead the way toward a regenerative future.”

Professor Marco’s new role is the latest in a series of prestigious appointments demonstrating UWE Bristol’s influence in this sector.

Dr Matthew Jones, Dean and Head of the School of Architecture and Environment has been appointed as a Vice-Chair of the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Architecture. In June, he also joined the Design Council’s new cohort of Experts – a dynamic community of pioneers working to drive planet-positive and regenerative change through design, policy, and advocacy.

Dr Jacqueline Butler, Dean and Head of School of Arts is contributing to the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Art and Design and has also been appointed Vice-Chair of the Council for Higher Education in Art and Design (CHEAD). CHEAD has a national membership of 70 HEIs and plays a pivotal role in influencing government policy, and advocating and shaping the academic and strategic direction of arts education.

In a joint statement, they said: "As three voices for design, we’re shaping it in all its forms nationally—across architecture, art, and design. Together, we’re championing a future where design is not only inclusive and innovative, but regenerative and essential to tackling the biggest challenges of our time."