Design Commission for Wales

About Us

Who We Are

The Design Commission for Wales is a national organisation which was established in 2002 and is core funded by the National Assembly for Wales.
We are one of four UK Commissions established to champion good design and a high quality built environment.

About Us

Why Design Matters:

  • Design Quality is not just about the external appearance of buildings and their surroundings.

What is Design ?

  • Design is a process of analysis and synthesis: analysing, identifying and diagnosing problems and barriers, then solving them through critique, research, development and testing to create innovative processes, products, services and tools.

  • Design is a creative means by which to realise innovation and add value.

  • Design for the built environment plays a key role in economic growth and in raising the quality of the places where we live and work and therefore our daily lives.

  • Quality is not just about the external appearance of buildings and their surroundings.

  • Quality includes fitness for purpose, environmental performance, social and economic sustainability, responsiveness to user needs and the aspirations of the local and national community.

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