Reet Aus. Foto: Kristi Heil
On 18 June 2026, the Estonian Association of Designers (EAD) elected its new President and governing bodies. After leading the organisation for 22 years, the outgoing President, Ilona Gurjanova, decided not to seek another term. Following a unanimous vote, Reet Aus—an internationally recognised designer and Estonian Academy of Art senior researcher whose academic and practical work in circular design has received widespread international recognition—was elected as the new President of the EAD.
In her first address, Reet Aus emphasised her commitment to continuing the Association’s internationalisation efforts and to supporting the continuous development of designers’ knowledge and professional skills. She also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong dialogue with the public sector to reinforce the understanding of design as a driver of economic development and an important instrument of cultural diplomacy.
Ilona Gurjanova led the Estonian Association of Designers from 2004 to 2026. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of Estonia’s national design policy, co-founding the Estonian Design Centre, launching the BRUNO Product Design Awards, establishing the Estonian Design House, and initiating both the Tallinn Design Festival (Disainiöö) and Estonian Design Day. The exhibitions of Estonian design she curated have been presented in more than twenty countries, and her contribution has been recognised by both the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia (Kultuurkapital). Gurjanova will continue to lead the Tallinn Design Festival and will remain involved in the Association as a Senator.
The newly elected governing body brings together professionals representing a broad spectrum of the design field: Björn Koop, Anne-Liis Leht, Kairi Lentsius, Tarmo Luisk, Kärt Summatavet, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Maali Roomet, Vilve Unt, Keret Altpere, Elize Hiiop, and Ülar Linnuste. The new leadership begins its term with the aim of strengthening the international competitiveness of Estonian design, supporting the professional development of designers, and further enhancing the role of design in society.
Allikas: EDL