Product Design education on the  Carlow campus of SETU has a storied past, tracing its roots back to 1971. Established by Mr. Ken Broderick, the initial focus was on Art and Design with a special emphasis on Product Design. This early commitment set the foundation for what would become a pioneering educational model.

The Carlow campus was home to the first National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA) Industrial Design course in Ireland, a program that developed strong ties with the internationally ground breaking Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW). The arrival of John McQueen in 1975 marked a significant enhancement, particularly in the development of workshop facilities and the integration of 3D visualisation into the curriculum.

In 1980, the late Michael O’Grady, a distinguished graduate, and two-time winner of the National Design Awards from An Bord Trachtala, joined the faculty. His achievements underscored Carlow’s growing reputation as a leader in design education. His prizes not only honored his individual excellence but also helped to promote Product Design on a national level.

The late Peter Curran’s addition to the team in 1986 further enriched the program. His focus was on the synergy between business, engineering, and creative design, fostering a balanced educational approach.

From its inception, the program championed a studio-based education model. This philosophy was groundbreaking at the time and continues to be a cornerstone of the curriculum today. The program aimed to not just foster design skills but also to cultivate well-rounded citizens equipped with life skills, prepared to find their own paths, whether in design or elsewhere.

The ethos established in the early days at what was then the Carlow Regional Technical College (CRTC) was carried through the transition to the establishment of Institute of Technology Carlow (ITC), to the present day South East Technological University (SETU). Our commitment to excellence and innovation remains steadfast.

Since 1971, Product Design in Carlow has nurtured a rich legacy of design education, shaped by exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on both the institution and the broader field of design in Ireland. We take great pride in this heritage and the profound impact our program has made over the decades. The legacy continues …