As the new Dean of the Faculty of Design, Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel brings a wealth of experience, passion and leadership to OCAD University. Appointed as of July 1, 2024, Dr. Noel's role marks an exciting new chapter for the Faculty, with a focus on advancing studio-based learning, fostering entrepreneurship and deepening industry collaborations. She is also dedicated to championing decolonization and equity in design education, ensuring all students have access to an enriched, inclusive learning environment.
Dr. Noel’s global expertise spans continents and sectors, with over a decade of experience as an industrial design consultant and researcher.
In this feature, we are pleased to introduce Dr. Noel to our alum and donor community.
In conversation with Dr. Noel:
- What drew you to OCAD University and the role of Dean of the Faculty of Design?
I was excited by OCAD U’s leadership in art and design, especially its work in decolonizing the art and design curriculum, its Black and Indigenous cluster hires and creating the Black Studies Design and Art minor. Having collaborated with OCAD U researchers on various projects, I had a favourable impression of its position in design education.
The Dean role offered an exciting challenge, aligning with my background in business management, leadership, mentorship and cross-industry partnerships. It provided an opportunity to impact design education more structurally, supporting faculty and students, fostering collaborations, shaping strategy and contributing to academic leadership. I was attracted to the potential to create a greater impact on design practice and education.
Toronto was also part of the draw, with its reputation for diversity and cultural vibrancy, as well as friends and family who have made it easy to situate myself in a new city.
- How do you believe design education contributes to addressing global challenges today?
It’s been great to see how social issues and global challenges have become more and more mainstream in design education. We’ve moved from focusing on form and aesthetics to addressing much more complex problems across all areas of design, whether it’s sustainability, climate change, mental health, homelessness, food security or social justice. Moreover, many design classes now incorporate discussions on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Design studios provide space for in-depth discussions and complex scenarios, which can help foster more critically aware citizens.
- Are there any specific educational or research projects you’re excited to explore in the coming year?
I’m excited about design and design education research. I’m also passionate about supporting people who might not always see themselves as researchers and helping them share their work within the field. As a member of the Design Research Society (DRS), I worked over the last few months to encourage about five OCAD U faculty members to co-author two publications and share their work at the next DRS design education conference if their work is accepted. I’m also excited to learn more about the work of faculty and students in the Faculty of Design at OCAD U and support them on their research journeys.
- Who or what inspires your work as a leader in design education?
I’m not sure there’s a specific “who” that inspires me, but I’ve become known for discussing and writing about pluriversal design, a concept influenced by the work of Arturo Escobar (Colombian-American anthropologist) and other scholars. The pluriverse is a world of many worlds and I was very drawn to the idea that we can practice design in different ways and at the same time because we occupy different worlds. Escobar and other theorists of pluriversality have inspired me to explore design practices from multiple perspectives.
I’ve also been motivated by the desire to create space for people, especially younger generations, who feel excluded from mainstream design and are looking for a more inclusive approach. In my work, I aim to foster a space for different design practices, problems, aesthetics and engagement methods.
- What do you enjoy the most about working in academia?
Generally, I enjoy supporting people’s growth – students, colleagues and community and industry partners. I love mentoring students and seeing their professional development. When I worked with graduate students, I enjoyed seeing them develop their research trajectories and confidence as researchers. I rejoice with their publications and research projects. I also enjoy academic collaborations and engagement with partners outside of academia, such as city governments and community stakeholders. These conversations with people outside of academia are very exciting and fulfilling.
- What was your favourite class or university experience as an undergraduate?
My undergraduate university experience at the Universidade Federal do Paraná in Curitiba, Brazil (UFPR) seemed magical. It isn’t easy to name a favourite undergraduate experience. Here’s a funny one: LUNCH!
Our lunch line, which sometimes took as long as 30 minutes, became a hub for connection. I met peers from the Department of Design, international students and students from other programs in the Humanities, Business and the Student Union. Those conversations were my first glimpse of a world of many worlds, as we came from diverse countries, cities and programs.
Another favourite experience was participating in the N Design Conference, a national Design student event we planned entirely ourselves, from creating the agenda to running workshops and sharing research.
- What do you believe are the biggest challenges design programs will face in the next few years? How can we better prepare for those challenges?
There are many challenges ahead of us such as the cost of delivering good design education, changing content and technology, availability of opportunities, etc. Our main challenge is demonstrating our relevance as the world changes so quickly. One consequence of this rapid change is that the names of degrees may not always translate to the titles of available opportunities in the job market. So, as designers and design educators, we need to learn to describe what we do in ways that make sense to people, even though they might not always understand what we do. Alums who can explain their relevance will always be able to create opportunities for themselves.
- Outside of your work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I think of myself as a globalist, and I still have much of the world to explore. So, I’m very interested in travelling and exploring new cultures, places and foods. Whether I’m taking the subway to a new part of town, going on a road trip a few hours away, or hopping on a plane to a new country, I really enjoy learning about new people and cultures.
- What role do you see alums and donors playing in supporting the success of the Faculty of Design?
Alums, industry partners and donors are vital to our community and success. I would love for alums to mentor students, share life tips and offer learning opportunities to support their growth. I also want alums and industry partners to count on us as partners to help them find new talent, explore new ideas, collaborate on projects and research compelling questions.
Donors support our success by allowing us to create a greater impact with our work. We use large and small gifts to support student activities, faculty research, speaker series, the acquisition of machinery and more. Donors can create a significant impact through their gifts to the Faculty of Design.
As Dean, I plan to welcome alums, industry partners and donors to the Faculty of Design several times throughout the year at various events to engage with us and connect with students and faculty. I look forward to building a strong community of alums, industry partners and donors around the Faculty of Design.
- Lastly, what advice would you give OCAD U’s Faculty of Design alums as they navigate their careers?
Faculty of Design alums should remember that they are part of a large and well-respected OCAD U community whose impact extends beyond Toronto, beyond Ontario and beyond Canada. As they navigate their careers, being an active part of our community and network will open doors to new opportunities and ideas, allow them to build relationships with people with similar OCAD U values and create a platform for success. Finding one’s footing professionally can be difficult sometimes and being part of a strong alum network can make the experience go much more smoothly.
Dr. Noel’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the Faculty of Design. With her inspiring vision and commitment to inclusivity and innovation, we look forward to seeing the transformative impact she will bring to OCAD U’s design community.
