Episode 12: In conversation with Claire Beale, designer, creative storyteller and past National President of the Design Institute of Australia

Meet the guest! 

Claire is a textile designer, educator, and creative leader whose journey from a creative childhood in the Yarra Valley to national roles in design has shaped a passion for inclusive, user-centered design.  

What’s in this episode? 

• Claire describes her journey from a creative, resourceful childhood in the Yarra Valley to leading roles in textile design and education, emphasizing how hands-on making and curiosity shaped her approach to design.

• She highlights the importance of inclusive, user-centered design—sharing practical examples like accessible fonts, left-handed tools, and the need to consider diverse perspectives and needs in every project.

• Claire encourages students to embrace experimentation, resilience, and lifelong learning, advocating for design as a collaborative, iterative process that improves everyday life and celebrates creativity in all its forms. 

Extra (important) information!