The Future of Design Education: Building a Global Studio with Bryan Clark (Falmouth University)

How can design education bridge the gap between global digital collaboration and local physical making? In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, we sit down with Bryan Clark, Head of Graphic Design at Falmouth University, to discuss why online learning is a deliberate "feature" for the modern designer, and not just a fallback. In this episode, we explore: The Global Studio Concept: How Falmouth leverages a global cohort to create a "hybridized" professional practice environment that mirrors the modern design industry. Geo-Tagged Making: How students build a "collective map" of physical making facilities, like bookbinding shops and 3D printing labs, in their own local cities. Intercultural Problem Solving: Why having a student in New York solve a design challenge for someone in Mumbai is a critical skill for the 21st-century designer. AI & Creative Curiosity: Bryan’s perspective on navigating the "hot topic" of AI with a balance of healthy skepticism and fascinated curiosity. Interdisciplinary "Surprise": A look at unique collaborations, including a project that turned typographic systems into musical compositions. About Our Guest: Bryan Clark leads Graphic Design at Falmouth University in the UK. With a career split between high-level industry practice (Pentagram spin-offs, Lewis Moberly) and design education, he is uniquely positioned to discuss where design is headed. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro to the AIGA Design Podcast & "Eyes on Design" 1:40 – Bryan’s journey: From Pentagram spin-offs to Falmouth University 5:33 – Why online design education is "a feature, not a fallback." 10:45 – Designing for the 21st Century: "Design can save the world." 23:12 – The Geo-Tagged Map: Connecting global students to local making 31:11 – Interdisciplinary projects: Turning typography into music 38:07 – Facing the AI question: Curiosity over fear 50:17 – Redesigning the status quo: Food, health, and legislation Discount for AIGA members: AIGA members can receive a £1,000 GBP (approx. $1,346 USD) tuition discount on any part-time, online master's degree from Falmouth University, including their MA Graphic Design (Online). This would make total tuition over two years £11,150 (approx. $15,186).* Terms and conditions apply, contact Falmouth University for more details: [email protected]. *USD-GBP conversion accurate May 2026. Tuition fees applicable for 2026 entry. MA Graphic Design (Online): https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/onli... Thumbnail graphics by Falmouth students Dalal Elsamannoudi (center) and Tove Martens (right) This video is part of our "Eyes on Design" season, inspired by the legacy of the Eye on Design magazine. We are exploring the critical, connecting, and future lenses of design practice. Subscribe to AIGA Design for more conversations with design leaders. Leave a review or get in touch at [email protected] Listen/subscribe to the audio version of the AIGA Design Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...