There are four types of personal membership of the Design Society: Member, Associate Member, Fellow and Honorary Fellow.
See a list of our current members here.
Member
A member is normally an individual who is or has been actively engaged in a design field and who has professional and/or academic qualifications that allow them to practice as a designer, design teacher, Professor and/or design researcher in an appropriate design field. Apply NOW
Associate Member
An Associate Member is an individual who is actively engaged in a design field and who is achieving qualifications to be admitted into the Society as a Member. Master students and doctoral researchers (PhD students) are typically associate members. Maximum period as Associate Member is 5-years, or 2-years after PhD graduation – whichever comes first.
Applications are welcome. Each application is considered by the DS Applications Group. Apply NOW
Fellow
A Fellow is an individual recognised by the Society to have made a truly significant contribution to the Society and its aims and objectives. A Fellow must be nominated by other members. The process of becoming a Fellow is managed by the Fellowship Committee. The grade of Fellow is reserved for Full Members of the Society.
Honorary Fellow
An Honorary Fellow is an individual recognised by the Society to have rendered outstanding services to the aims of the Society or to the design community in general, due regard being paid to the fact that this is the highest honour the Society can bestow. An Honorary Fellow is chosen by the Advisory Board and Board of Management.
Other membership conditions
Member Emeritus
EmeritusMembers are asked to pay the same fee as Associate Members. Member has full access and full voting rights.Please note that retirement must be declared to the Board of Management (membership@designsociety.org) – regulations vary internationally so if you don’t tell us we won't know!
Group Membership
This is for groups of 5 or more namedmembersthat wish to applyfor DS membership. It provides a discount on the individual membership fee for full members. Group members have full access to the DS website, discount on DS events and voting rights at meetings.
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the field of design and a recognized expert in various aspects of design society memberships, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. Having actively engaged in the design field for an extensive period and possessing both professional and academic qualifications, I have not only practiced as a designer but also contributed significantly to design teaching and research.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article about the four types of personal membership in the Design Society:
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Member:
- A Member is an individual actively involved in the design field with professional and/or academic qualifications.
- Qualifications should enable them to practice as a designer, design teacher, professor, or design researcher in a relevant design field.
- Membership is open to those who are currently active or have been active in the design field.
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Associate Member:
- An Associate Member is actively engaged in a design field and is working towards the qualifications required for full membership.
- This category includes master's students and doctoral researchers (PhD students).
- The maximum period as an Associate Member is five years or two years after completing a Ph.D., whichever comes first.
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Fellow:
- A Fellow is an individual recognized for a truly significant contribution to the Design Society and its objectives.
- Nominations for Fellowship must come from other members.
- The process of becoming a Fellow is managed by the Fellowship Committee.
- This grade is reserved for Full Members of the Society.
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Honorary Fellow:
- An Honorary Fellow is recognized for outstanding services to the Design Society or the design community in general.
- The Advisory Board and Board of Management select Honorary Fellows.
- This is the highest honor the Society can bestow.
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Member Emeritus:
- Member Emeritus status is for retired members who continue to pay the same fee as Associate Members.
- Retired members have full access and full voting rights.
- Retirement must be declared to the Board of Management.
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Group Membership:
- Designed for groups of 5 or more named members applying for DS membership.
- Offers a discount on individual membership fees for full members within the group.
- Group members enjoy full access to the DS website, discounts on DS events, and voting rights at meetings.
It's essential to note that these distinctions ensure a structured and inclusive approach to recognizing and accommodating individuals at various stages of their careers within the design community. The Design Society's rigorous processes for different membership types reflect its commitment to excellence and acknowledging significant contributions to the field.
