Volunteer of the Month: Brennan Seedhouse Robinson Associate RGD

This August, the RGD thanks Brennan Seedhouse Robinson Associate RGD for their contributions to the RGD community.

How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity?

I have been volunteering with the RGD’s Events Committee since I joined as an Associate RGD in November 2024.

What experience/memory stands out to you?

The DesignThinkers Vancouver Studio Tours. The organizing, planning and leading of these two tours brought about lots of learnings for myself and served to further connect me with the design community in the city of Vancouver.

“Almost immediately after Brennan joined the Events committee, he proved to be a superstar contributor. He showcased so much initiative and top-tier organizational skills in his work with the DT Van studio tours. His passion for fostering community within the Canadian design scene is evident in all he does.”

Meghan D'Mello RGD

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing to come out of volunteering with the RGD?

The depth of impact that I, as a brand-new volunteer and Member, could have on the production of DesignThinkers Vancouver—through studio tours and general support—was incredible. The trust placed in me and my fellow volunteers was both energizing and rewarding, a refreshing surprise for someone whose RGD experience has only just begun.

What have you learned about the industry since volunteering for the RGD?

The process of listing potential studios during the planning stages of the studio tours opened my eyes to the vast number that operate locally, even with consideration to those that have transitioned to a largely remote capacity.

Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the organization's role in the industry?

The RGD is equal parts a resource and an industry-focused community. For instance, the RGD’s advocacy against instances of speculative work resonates with my vision for a design industry in which the labour of design is fully recognized, resourced and self-regulated through the efforts of accountable communities.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other Members who might be thinking of getting involved?

Of all my experiences with the RGD, my time volunteering has provided me with the most value, connection and resources. If a lack of accessible finances or existing connections are a limitation on your ability to engage with conferences like DesignThinkers, volunteering can be crucial in allowing you to participate.

Do you have thoughts on what you might like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future?

The future calls for more depth of community, and precisely the kind that resonates with this step in my career. At the last DesignThinkers conference, I spoke with Associate Committee Co-Chair Bella Sanchez Asssociate RGD about joining this Committee and surrounding myself with those of us crafting our early career paths. Apart from this, I will seek to lend my voice to any of the RGD’s labour-related advocacy on behalf of designers within the design industry.