I am a mid-career practice-based researcher working at the intersection of social design and participatory design, set against the context of equality and democracy, public service reform in society, and policy design. my research interests are concerned with unpacking the role of the designer in addressing complex societal challenges in place-based, cultural, and environmental contexts; the implications of developing and applying creative, visual, and tools, techniques, and approaches to support the participation of people and communities; and how such practices can forge stronger connections between academia, practice, and policy.