“Where students design design”
Design Academy Eindhoven has found its new Creative Director. Joseph Grima (40), founder of Space Caviar, will take on the job as of September. Grima has extensive international experience as curator, editor and writer in the fields of design and architecture. Grima graduated from the Architectural Association in 2003. Space Caviar (Genova) is a design research studio operating at the intersection of architecture, technology, politics and the public realm. Grima will succeed Thomas Widdershoven, who left the Academy last October.
Joseph Grima comes to Eindhoven expecting to find a place that enables him to question the purpose of design: “Despite the extraordinary proliferation of design schools in recent years, there is still an acute shortage of places that actually question what design is. Design Academy Eindhoven isn’t a school where students simply learn design — they design design, and each day rethink the parameters through which it shapes society. I look forward to working with the Academy’s exceptional staff to help them build a place in which the future is born.”
The position of Creative Director is considered essential to Design Academy Eindhoven. The Supervisory Board of the Design Academy consulted (former) students and professionals both inside and outside the Academy before starting the search. Both the Works Council and the Student Council were involved in the process. Also, a group of Design Academy alumni came together to urge the school to make an appointment that enhances its creativity, rather than its business model. Their shortlist of suggested candidates included Grima, alongside other names from the industry.
Gitta Luiten, chair of the Supervisory Board: “We looked for someone with an international perspective on design and a heartfelt interest in education. Joseph Grima fits those criteria: his views on design and society and his international experience will benefit the students and the Academy.”
Grima will share his board responsibilities with current board member Jurriënne Ossewold, Director Education, Research, and Organisation.