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Estonian Association of Designers Elects New President and Leadership

On 18 June, the Estonian Association of Designers (EDL) elected its new president and leadership. After 22 years at the helm, the long‑serving president Ilona Gurjanova decided not to run again. Following a unanimous vote, Reet Aus — an internationally recognised designer and researcher whose scientific and practical work in circular design has gained wide global attention — was elected as the new president of EDL.

In her first remarks, Reet Aus emphasised her intention to continue EDL’s internationalisation efforts and to support the continuous development of designers’ skills and knowledge. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with the public sector to strengthen the understanding of design as both an economic driver and a key element of cultural diplomacy.

Ilona Gurjanova had led EDL since 2004. Under her leadership, the foundations of Estonia’s design policy were developed, the Estonian Design Centre was established, the BRUNO Product Design Award was launched, the Estonian Design House was created, and the traditions of the Design Night Festival and Estonian Design Day were initiated. Exhibitions curated by Gurjanova have introduced Estonian design in more than twenty countries, and her contribution has been recognised by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. Gurjanova will continue organising the Design Night Festival and will remain involved in EDL’s work as a senator.

The newly elected leadership brings together professionals representing different fields of design: 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 board will focus on strengthening the international competitiveness of Estonia’s design sector, supporting the professional development of designers, and advancing the role of design in society more broadly.