The Southern Design Concern is a loose collective of designers who are from or currently working in the American South. Our mission is to bring attention to the work of Southern designers.
Why the South?
Well, one thing we’ve learned from travelling a bit is that there’s a lot to learn from how people in other places do regular, everyday things. We think that the South is a special place that, though often maligned in popular culture, has a lot to offer outsiders.
Along with cliches about friendliness and hospitality, we like the scrappy, resourceful, self-reliant attitude we frequently observe here. On top of that, there’s a younger generation here that exhibits a genuine interest in sustainability, prioritizing local businesses, technology, social consciousness, and a prevailing pride in craftsmanship. Likewise, we know we have a lot we could learn from designers in other parts of the country and those who are practicing outside the U.S.
Who Are We?
The Concern was founded in the Fall of 2010 by the following humans:
Stephanie Aron
Matthew Alexander
Melissa Alexander
Kevin Byrd
Shelton Davis
Travis Ekmark
Collin Farill
Skylar Morgan
Steven Sloan
Joshua Tuminella