About us
We support and work with rural communities, businesses, organisations and funders.
Why the Rural Design Centre exists
Rural Design Centre was set up in 2019 as a result of work with a range of rural stakeholders to understand business support and innovation activities in rural areas.
Rural Design Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that drives innovation and resilience in rural North East England and across the UK.
We connect communities, businesses, researchers, and policymakers to co-create practical solutions that deliver measurable impact.
We turn ideas into scalable, long-term outcomes that strengthen rural and coastal economies, support just transition, and build thriving communities.
Our principles
People-centred
Prioritising people at the heart of every project by co-developing solutions that emphasise user experience and accessibility, ensuring every individual feels seen and valued.
Collaborative
Building bridges across communities, businesses, researchers, and authorities, prioritising open dialogue and inclusivity, ensuring solutions arise from collective insights and shared wisdom.
Impact-driven
Measuring our success beyond the immediate output, ensuring every decision is made with a focus on positive, lasting benefits to rural communities and landscapes.
Evidence-based
Grounding our solutions in thorough research and empirical data, making decisions that are backed by credible sources and expertise, ensuring our solutions are informed, effective, and reliable.