David Smith

David is President of IADT, Ireland’s only university-level institute of art, design and technology. As the home of the National Film School, the Institute is a lead partner in establishing a European University for Screen Arts and Media. Widely recognised as Ireland’s campus for the creative industries, David is currently advancing the Institute’s strategic vision to become a national University for the Creative Industries.

David is the principal and creative director of Atelier Projects, an independent design practice in Dublin, Ireland. The studio is among the most decorated and awarded Irish design studios. In 2024, he was honoured by the Institute of Creative Advertising and Design (ICAD) with the prestigious “ICAD President’s Lifetime Award” for his contribution to Irish Design and Creative Practice.

Through education, advocacy and the output of his studio practice, David has significantly influenced and contributed to the reputation of Irish graphic design over the last two decades. He initiated the three x 3 internship programme for graduates of Irish design schools (www.threex3.com) and co-founded and continues to support the 100 Archive (www.100archive.com) which records and capture the history and practices of Irish Graphic Design.

He was formerly a member of the AGI Executive with responsibility for Education (2012–2016), and was Vice-President and International Secretary (2016-2019).

For AGI Open 2026 David will Chair a conversation will AGI colleagues and staff from the Iceland Academy of Arts on “Why Education Matters?”.