Meet the team
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Paul Cowie
CEO
paul.cowie@ruraldesigncentre.com
As the Chief Executive, Paul is responsible for the strategic development of RDC.
Paul has over 15 years of experience in rural innovation both as an academic and a consultant.
He has advised the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Island governments on rural innovation issues as well as a range of public and private sector organisations. Paul has published over 20 highly cited academic papers on rural innovation.
Paul is currently working on projects to support rural skills and employability, community energy and rural connectivity.
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Liz Gray
Head of Innovation
liz.gray@ruraldesigncentre.com
Liz is involved in multiple projects, with a focus on supporting the development of community energy, emission reductions and community development.
Key projects she is currently working on include a partnership with Northumberland County Council to support reducing emissions from agriculture and with Durham County Council to deliver community infrastructure projects.
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Nick Devitt
Head of Design
nick.devitt@ruraldesigncentre.com
Nick is a purpose driven design-led facilitator with 30 years’ experience of product, digital and service design.
Nick develops and works across multiple projects at RDC.
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Hilary Anderson
Innovation Associate
hilary.anderson@ruraldesigncentre.com
Hilary’s work focuses on community energy opportunities and promoting community development in rural areas to empower local stakeholders, enhance sustainability, and foster economic growth.
She provides project management and innovation expertise on various delivery strands in County Durham, working closely with Durham Community Action, the region’s leading infrastructure organisation, and Durham County Council.
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Dr. Katie Aitken-McDermott
Innovation Associate
katie.aitken-mcdermott@ruraldesigncentre.com
Katie’s work currently focuses on supporting rural communities and organisations to design, develop, fund and deliver community infrastructure projects; on designing and building a new Community Research Network in rural County Durham; and on co-designing research on rural lived experience of young people with long term health conditions - with young people as the researchers.
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Hermina Ely
Innovation Associate
hermina.ely@ruraldesigncentre.com
Hermina has a background in architecture, innovation and digital transformation in healthcare, ageing and sustainability.
Her current work explores socio-economic challenges facing farming in a changing climate, engaging with farmers, stakeholders and Northumberland County Council to co-design solutions.
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Simon Laing
Rural Start-up Advisor
simon.laing@ruraldesigncentre.com
Simon delivers the Enterprising North pre-start business support programme in rural Northumberland and Gateshead.
He provides 1-2-1 mentoring services and practical business planning tools, designed specifically for rural business. He also helps rural startups find funding for their ventures.
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Jamie Campbell
Design Research Lead
jamie.campbell@ruraldesigncentre.com
Jamie is a passionate Designer dedicated to helping the creation of sustainable and accessible products and services.
Currently working across a number of projects, from research and facilitation to the development of a rural focussed jobs platform.
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Izabela Kirschnerová
Graduate Consultant
Izabela.Kirschnerova@ruraldesigncentre.com
Izabela is a Sociology graduate who has recently joined the team as a Graduate Consultant.
She brings experience from her volunteer work with Citizens Advice Newcastle and an internship at the Czech Ministry of Environment.
In addition to conducting research, Izabela is currently supporting the team across a range of projects.
Her recent work includes contributions to initiatives focused on community energy development, building a community research network, and supporting efforts to reduce emissions in the agricultural sector.
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Matthew Clark
Graduate Consultant
Matthew.Clark@ruraldesigncentre.com
Matthew is a recent graduate of Northumbria University, where he studied Business Management.
Within his current role as graduate consultant, Matthew supports a range of projects within the Rural Design Centre, aiding other team members in delivering their projects, conducting independent research, and contributing to the development of sustainable and human centred initiatives.
With a background based in rural north Northumberland, Matthew has a strong interest in rural innovation and community led design.
Moreover, Matthew brings fresh perspectives and strong analytical skills to the team, helping to shape meaningful solutions that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities.