Design

Canadian Design

Canada is a country that was built on pragmatism. But Canadian designers are now winning acclaim throughout the world for the original and innovative approach they bring to their art. Yet, they have not forgotten that a successful design is also one that works well.

Design is part of most aspects of our lives including the concepts behind the things we use, the way we decorate, and the way we communicate through advertising, computer software and packaging. Designers are actually artists with a deep concern for functionality.

Canadian designers have met important challenges in their work, including the Canadian climate. Whether they are designing consumer products, industrial equipment, transportation vehicles and systems, or public spaces, Canadian designers must contend with the harsh weather conditions. Correspondingly, designers in Canada have become leaders and are gaining notoriety for their attention to environmental matters as part of their work.

There are more than 5,000 Canadian design firms, including graphic design companies, employing over 40,000 designers involved in all design disciplines. In many ways their work is the showcase of Canada to the world. In an era that is increasingly defined by functional design, Canadian designers are in creating trends and remain key players in shaping our culture.