The inaugural DESIGN WEEK RI will pack in a full week of design events—including celebrations, presentations, and tours. Bookended by the Business Innovation Factory summit, A Better World By Design and the AIA New England Regional Conference, these events will increase awareness of local design talent and create a platform for cultural and commercial opportunities.

Recognized as a hot-bed of creativity and design, Rhode Island has the 3rd largest percentage of creative sector jobs in the country after New York and California, including the 2nd highest number of industrial designers. Join a cross-section of Rhode Island’s design community—business owners, entrepreneurs, students, and partners—for this exciting week of activities.

Find the full schedule, event locations, and ticket information online. Check out these highlights, including a walking tour organized by The Providence Foundation and RI Historical Society (Sept. 23rd), and Open Firms Night, sponsored by the Foundation (Sept. 24th):

Monday, September 22nd

• cocktail reception kickoff (Aurora)
• 4 x 4 presentation with renowned set designer Eugene Lee (Aurora)

Tuesday, September 23rd

• walk & talk: a tour of downtown Providence architecture (Arcade)
• Washington Street cultural corridor charrette (URI Paff Auditorium)

Wednesday, September 24th

• 4 x 4 presentation with Seth Goldenberg (Aurora)
• Open firms night (offices in downtown Providence and other communities)
• Pecha Kucha

Thursday, September 25th

• 4 x 4 marathon clambake (Aurora)
• RI Design Hall of Fame Awards (Rooftop at Providence G)

Friday, September 26th

• Architectural pub crawl (Biltmore Hotel)
• AIA New England Regional Conference (Biltmore Hotel)