In this episode of But Why? A Design Podcast, we are joined by Sandy Anghie, co-founder and chair of Perth Design Week.
Together, we trace the origin of Perth Design Week from a ‘coalition of the willing’ into a growing platform that brings disciplines together, expands public awareness, and strengthens the conditions for design to be seen as a cultural and economic force, not a niche industry conversation.
Sandy shares what people often do not see: the long hours, volunteer intensity, and behind-the-scenes partnerships required to make the week happen. We talk about why the shift from silos to a shared tent is so powerful in Perth, and how PDW has helped reveal the true scale of the design sector when it moves as one.
A central theme emerges: design is everywhere and for everyone. If design shapes the quality of our cities, homes, services and daily experiences, then Perth Design Week is not just a celebration. It is a mechanism for participation, literacy, and momentum.
This episode is warm, grounded and energising. It is about advocacy through celebration, and the practical reality of turning an idea into an institution.
Topics explored include:
How Perth Design Week began, and why Perth needed its own design week
The “coalition of the willing” and why breaking silos matters
Festival growth and 2026 being a more curated model
The role of key partners and venues in enabling scale and access
Why design weeks are cultural infrastructure, and a genuine tourism and economic opportunity
Local HQ as key activation within The Liberty Theatre
Keep questioning, keep exploring, and most importantly… keep asking, But Why?
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