During our Design Summer Sessions in August, Deirdre Corcoran, Creative Director of Chapter sat down with Design Legend Andrew Bradley to reflect on the defining moments of his career.
From his early days in industrial design to evolving into design management and becoming a leader in the sector, Andrew has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to harness the power of design, realising and articulating its value as a unique, integrated, strategic business solution. His work has shaped iconic brands and driven business growth, ultimately leading him to found Bradley – the Brand Agency.
Over the past three decades, Andrew has collaborated with notable clients like Superquinn and Applegreen, while playing a key role in advancing Irish design. In 2001 he helped launch the first Irish Design Awards with then President of Institute of Designers in Ireland Hugh Wallace and served as President himself from 2013-2015 and co-founded Design Skillnet in 2017. He was later appointed Board member and Chair of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, where he served from 2021 to 2023.
In this live-streamed interview, Andrew shares his insights into the evolution of design in Ireland, the distinctive qualities of Irish creativity and his vision for the industry’s future. He also offers invaluable advice to the next generation of designers and leaders on the skills required to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
WATCH Andrew Bradley’s Interview by Deirdre Corcoran below
Also available to listen on SoundCloud and Spotify!
Design Skillnet is delighted to bring this interview to you as a contribution to FLOW Career Path – our Hub for Design Career Pathways. You can find more career resources and map your design career on www.flowcareerpath.com
About the speakers:
Andrew Bradley
FOUNDER
Bradley – The Brand Agency
Andrew Bradley is an entrepreneur in the Irish design sector and has been developing and communicating brands for the past 30 years. Today, his agency Bradley – The Brand Agency specialises in working with SMEs using creative thinking processes, driven by actionable business insights, to create brands that drive businesses forward.
In addition to his professional practice, Andrew is a highly skilled leader with significant Chair and Board Director experience.
Soon after qualifying as an Industrial Designer in 1984 at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin, Andrew realised that his career interests lay in mentoring companies to realise the potential of design. As he set out on a career in design management, Andrew secured a scholarship for a Master’s Degree in Environment Design at the University of Calgary, Canada graduating in 1989.
Throughout his career, Andrew has been an active member of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and was President from 2013 to 2015. In 2016, he led the establishment of Design Skillnet, a leadership development initiative for the sector, and Chaired this enterprise-led training programme for five years. In 2017 Andrew was a Ministerial appointment to the Board of the Design and
Crafts Council of Ireland and served as Chair from 2021 to 2023.
Interviewed by:
Deirdre Corcoran
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Dee Corcoran takes immense pride in the rich heritage and exceptional talent of Irish design and culture. Over the last two decades, she has witnessed the elevation of design standards in Ireland. She is deeply passionate about showcasing the impact the design industry has had on businesses in Ireland and believes it’s crucial to recognise those who have led the way, ensuring that Irish design continues to shine and gain more awareness on the global stage.
Find out how Design Skillnet can help you become more creative, human-centred, and impactful within your organisation.
