Design as Maker explores the changing relationship between the designer-maker and various traditional and contemporary manufacturing processes. It endeavours to focus specifically on the craft-design intersection, and how this intersection has evolved from both traditional and contemporary design practices.

The project includes analysis of a range of literary and theoretical works, and provides insight in the reversion to artisan craftsmanship in the current design climate. Through critiquing the workmanship of others, the project aims to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches towards manufacturing.

Design as Maker takes the position that the use of traditional craftsmanship aids the quality, originality, and longevity of objects in a quickly changing environment. Based on the principles of action research, the outcome includes a series of practical projects, which demonstrate the potential benefits of using traditional manufacturing processes in today’s modern world.