Lawrence Magennis, (PhD Researcher)

Lawrence’s work integrates sustainability with design, aiming to bridge a gap between design practice and social and environmental responsibility. His research contributes to the development of innovative design solutions aligned with global sustainability goals and circular economy. Lawrence’s work offers valuable insights into the intersection of design, sustainability, and education.

Lawrence holds a BDes degree in Product and Furniture Design from Ulster University, an MA in Creative Arts (3D Design) from Technological University Dublin, a Postgraduate Certificate in Zero Carbon Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development from Ulster University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice from Ulster University. He is currently completing a PhD at Ulster University, investigating Sustainable Development and Design for Sustainability. 

As a Lecturer in Product Design at Ulster University, Lawrence has been a member of the school leadership team as Sustainability Lead at Belfast School of Art and a member of the AHSS Sustainability Working Group. At Ulster University, he has also served as Placement Tutor and a member of PILOT: Design & Craft Global Makers Working Group. Lawrence has also assisted with curriculum design and enhancement across two programmes, contributed to a Task and Finish Group for postgraduate provision and has mentored as an Experienced Educator to facilitate the award of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Lawrence has served as a judge for the IDI Awards in the Special Awards- Design Education and Research category and is a mentor on the 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme.

A practicing designer since 2010, his work has sold via Droog and other renowned resellers, studios, and galleries. Lawrence has exhibited in shared shows and has publications in design blogs and craft and design journals such as Icon Magazine. Some of Lawrence’s memberships include Queen’s University Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action (SECA), Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), Design and Craft Council Ireland (DCCI) and he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.