Estonian Association of Designers (EAD) is an association connecting and representing Estonian designers, with an aim to support design in the broader sense of the concept. The organisation established in 1989 today brings together 170 experts in product, furniture, fashion, textile and graphic design, the so-called cream of our creative industry. EAD focuses on improving the professional skills and vocational knowledge of designers and stands for the rights of its members. The main purpose of EAD, however, is to ensure the high quality of its members’ professional skills and compliance with the code of ethics. EAD task is to show the potential of Estonian designers.

In the Estonian society EAD is known as the promoter of design awareness. For us, design does not mean the ‘make-up art’ of the substantial world, but rather, a process which serves as a connecting link between economy and culture, nature and technology, business and people. The invisible tasks of design are to develop a user-friendly environment and to provide additional value to entrepreneurship. At the same time we do not wish to encourage over-production of unnecessary products, but contribute in quality and sustainable products. 

In today’s world, networking is the key to success. Exchange of information and international contacts will create new opportunities for cooperation. EAD is a member of international roof organisations for design: WDO, BEDA and EIDD Design For All Europe. EAD has organised several traveling exhibition „Size Doesn´t Matter“ and „Second Chance“ and more than 20 exhibitions has taken place in the countries like USA, Mexico, Japan, Italy, France, Spain, Finland, Sweden etc. EAD has taken part in several fairs and participated design weeks in Milan, London, Venice. 

In the framework of the European Union cooperation programs we have initiated new projects and created numerous new products. The most wellknown is "Tallinn For All", focusing on inclusive design. The themes variete from design management to human cities, healthcare design and creativity in remote places. In 2011 the EAD organised the European Innovation Festival IF... in Tallinn, hosting the European Design Management Award Gala as part of the event. 2018-2024 EAD is part of EU project SMOTIES ("Creative Works for Small and Remote places").

EAD is actively involved in raising the society’s awareness of the efficiency of design, organising exhibitions, competitions, seminars and workshops. The Association participates in discussions on the establishment of Estonian progress strategy and development of creative economy. On the initiative of the EAD a joint project with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications was launched to develop and implement design policy in 2002. EAD also initiated the establishment of the Estonian Design Centre. 

Since 2006 the EAD has been organising the Design Night Festival. This provides an opportunity to bring design and creativity into focus and allows representatives of creative economy to demonstrate their work. In every two years the EAD gives out the BRUNO Award for the best design product, best design project and exemplary design management. 

February 23 is called Estonian Design Day by the initiative of EAD. Our porpose is to show the potential of Estonian designers. 

In 2010 EAD created Estonian Design House, a showroom for promoting and selling Estonian design. The shop is situated at Solaris centre, also e-shop proovide information about more than 100 brands.