Why Finding Your Tribe is the Key to Award-Winning, Sustainable Design | Lessons from Auckland Design Week 2025

Why Finding Your Tribe is the Key to Award-Winning, Sustainable Design | Lessons from Auckland Design Week 2025

🚀Auckland Design Week 2025 was a masterclass in why finding your tribe is the key if you want to make a difference in the world.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Seth Godin reflects that, “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, or connected to an idea.”

And if you’re a designer working to push boundaries—whether in design, sustainability, or business—your tribe isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the fuel that drives change.

🔹 At Auckland Design Week, I felt like I found mine. A collective of designers, architects, and innovators who aren’t just making things look good—but work better. Work better for people and te taiao.

🔹 We shared ideas, discussed the future of emergent technology, debated sustainability, and showcased innovations like how Critical. Cleanstone —100% recycled plastic panels—are reshaping the way we think about materials in architecture and interiors.

🔹 My highlights was getting to interview over 15 designers across 2 days to learn about their story, purpose and craft, while feeling understood and I was not alone in my ups and downs.

💡 Here’s the takeaway: If you’re trying to do something new, something bold, something better—do it together with people who share your values. Find the people who believe what you believe, who are honesty enough to challenge you, and ultimately who will back your vision.

🌍 If you're a designer looking to create spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable, you’ve found your tribe right here.

📢 Drop a comment—what's one event or community that helped you find your people? Let’s connect.

👉 And if you’re keen to explore materials that push the boundaries of sustainable design, head to criticaldesign.nz or book a visit with me here.

Jen Jones don't stress e hoa, this is just the teaser video... final dance videos and interviews will drop in the coming weeks!!


#AucklandDesignWeek #SustainableDesign #Tribes #FindYourPeople #CircularEconomy #ArchitecturalInnovation #FutureOfDesign #GreenBuilding #InteriorDesign #DesignForChange #CriticalCleanstone

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