Welcome to the Sign Design Society

The Sign Design Society (SDS) is for anyone interested in information and graphic communication within buildings and public spaces, including:

As well as raising the profile of our disciplines, we offer members a programme of events, resources and initiatives to help them:

To join choose a membership plan that suits you and sign up!

Our events

There are no upcoming events.

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News

Third party events

New Designers 40 (Week 2)

Start date: 9 July 2025
End date: 12 July 2025
New Designers 40 event promotional image

New Designers is an annual London showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging art and design talent. Since its inception 40 years ago, it has provided a platform for over 2,500 graduates every year to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public. The event takes place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in Week 1 (2-5 July) and Week 2 (9-12 July) which will showcase: Furniture; Product Design; Industrial & Spatial Design; Graphic Design; Illustration & Animation; Motion & Digital Arts; and Game Design.

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Words A Life in Letters written in quirky typeface superimposed over a photo of a blonde, young woman looking out on a car park.

Join us for a talk by Anežka Minaříková on the making of Clara Istlerová: A Life Among Letters (Inventory Press, 2025), the first English-language publication dedicated to Czech graphic designer Clara Istlerová (b. 1944). A pioneering figure in Czech graphic design, Istlerová is celebrated for her distinctive book covers, calligraphy, and expressive use of type that helped shape the visual culture of post-war Czechoslovakia. At the heart of the book is a candid conversation between Istlerová and Minaříková, unfolding across decades of cultural and political transformation. With contributions from design historian Jan Rous and graphic designer Zuzana Lednická, and featuring rare archival material, the book offers an intimate portrait of a woman whose work quietly defined an era. In this talk, Minaříková will share the process of bringing the book to life, from her first encounters with Istlerová’s work to the interviews, archival research, and editorial design. The result is not only a tribute to Istlerová’s lasting contributions to the field, but also a broader meditation on design as a cultural and collaborative practice.

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Advert for talk showing question / title 'Do we accept the status quo in place?' within a dark blue house-shaped speech bubble.

It is often easier to accept things as they are and continue with how things have always been, instead of challenging the status quo and pushing for change and ambitious reform. If we want to make a difference to a place and create real change within placemaking we need to embrace the uncomfortable and take more risks. So how can we encourage and enable communities and individuals to shake things up? In our July Chat we will consider the cultural norms that influence the status quo of placemaking. We’ll ask whether we truly have ambition when it comes to our places and will explore the role of risk and risk-taking in shaping how we do things.

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5th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism 2025

Start date: 2 September 2025
End date: 31 October 2025
Advert on red background for 5th Seoul Biennale 2025

The SBAU, with British designer Thomas Heatherwick appointed as the event’s general director, aims to explore urban issues of global cities, providing Seoul as a tested to look for alternatives. The structure of the SBAU is composed of few sections: Thematic Exhibition presenting the theme of each edition of the biennale, Cities Exhibition inviting leading public projects carried out by global cities, Global Studios gathering ideas from future architects and urbanists.

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World Design Congress Design for Planet 2025

Start date: 9 September 2025
End date: 10 September 2025

The effects of climate change are more evident than ever, and this global crisis needs a global response. Designers and commissioners of design all around the world have a critical role to play in designing a regenerative future by reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity. The 34th edition of the biannual event will be hosted at the iconic Barbican Centre for two days of inspirational keynotes, dynamic break-out sessions, and opportunities for intelligent collision. Make sure you’re in the room when design decides to collectively face the climate and nature crisis.

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