InterviewOct 01, 2018

Volunteer of the Month: Paddy Harrington RGD

Interview with Paddy Harrington RGD, Frontier

This October, the RGD thanks Paddy Harrington RGD for his contribution to our community.

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

I’ve been volunteering since about 2010 in a few different ways. From the Mentorship Program to webinars and talks to hosting Q&A sessions and workshops and introducing speakers at the DesignThinkers Conference, I’ve had a chance to see many different sides of RGD.

Q: What made you want to get involved with RGD?

The programming is fantastic. DesignThinkers is world class. The community is important. The importance of building a conversation about design in Canada is key. I think it’s a good time for design in Canada and so it’s time for us to talk more about the Canadian perspective on design and how it fits into a global conversation.

Q: Of the RGD initiatives you have contributed to, what are you most proud of?

I’m not sure if I can say it’s one thing or another. Each is important in its own way, whether it’s speaking with other designers about their work or introducing designers from outside to our community or simply participating in RGD events. I think, in the end, I’m most proud of the RGD itself and the team that has been leading it forward and evolving what it means to be a designer.

Q: What is your most memorable experience as an RGD volunteer?

I think moderating panels has been a memorable experience. To be on a panel with great thinkers and having to be sure that I can speak to their work in a smart way is exciting and challenging but something that I also get a lot out of, personally.

Q: 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?

A stronger connection to the design community, more exposure of what we’re trying to do, the sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves. I think others should get involved for the sense of community that it brings and the guidance towards valuable insights and information that are important for all designers, no matter what stage they are at in their careers.

Paddy Harrington RGD

Frontier

Paddy is a design innovator and storyteller who helps organizations discover and express their core purpose and long-term ambition. He is the founder of Frontier, a Design Office that collaborates with clients and creates strategic stories. He is also a member of WXO, a global network of experience leaders and practitioners who shape the future of human experience.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the design field and degrees in literature and architecture, Paddy has worked with diverse and influential clients, such as PepsiCo, Unilever, the Sacramento Kings, and the Holy City of Mecca. He is design strategist, an award-winning writer and filmmaker, and a frequent speaker at design conferences and universities. He is passionate about creating strategic stories that inspire, guide, and empower businesses, people, and the planet to thrive.