With the new year comes a sense of opportunity and renewed energy. The outlook might not be resoundingly positive, but the undercurrent is one of strength and commitment.

In this new year edition of DQ, we look at the real issues and challenges of being in the business of design. We meet with the companies and studios holding strong in the current market, and gain vital insight from their stories.

This issue we investigate the shifting power play between designers and project managers that’s seen project management develop into a stand-along sector. The resulting control shift is up for discussion and we ask Woods Bagot’s Amanda Stanaway for her take on the topic.

Also coming under the magnifying glass is manufacturing in Australia. In this issue we pose the question: Is manufacturing in Australia at breaking point – or is it reaching a tipping point? We interview four Australian manufacturers whose operational structures and design innovations have strengthened their respective enterprises against key challenges of global financial crises and offshore competition.

The DQ DESIGNPRENEUR series profiles established entrepreneurs whose business nous and visionary approach is reflected through the success of their companies and practices. This issue’s DESIGNPRENEURS include Karinna Gobbo of rug and carpet supplier Tappeti; Terri Winter, doyenne of online and in-store retailer Top3 By Design; and Nick Garnham who’s leadership has seen Jardan establish itself as a leading supplier of Australian designed and manufactured furniture.

Well established in the design social scene, DQ brings you first-hand coverage from all the leading parties and events, as well as enterprising stories from London Design Festival and Saturday in Design Singapore.

As the design industry’s leading resource and an important forum for discussion and opinion, DQ is for and about you and your business as a creative. Take part in the shaping of your industry and pick up the latest issue of DQ, on sale 16 January.

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