We are living in the age of waste — and design has played a major role in creating it. Published to accompany the Design Museum’s 2021 exhibition of the same name, Waste Age: What Can Design Do? presents a compelling argument for how design can help us move beyond the extractive, throwaway systems that define modern consumer culture.

As Commissioning Editor, I developed the editorial vision, scope and strategy for the publication, working closely with the museum’s leadership and publishing team. My role included generating the book proposal, structuring the content, securing contributors and guiding the project from inception through to delivery. I contracted and briefed the project editor, maintained oversight of visual and written content strategy, and ensured the publication stood as both an exhibition companion and standalone resource.

Edited by Justin McGuirk, the book features contributions from Formafantasma, Stella McCartney, Lacaton & Vassal, Atelier Luma, Rotor, Fernando Laposse, Bethany Williams, Phoebe English and Natsai Audrey Chieza – all exploring how new materials, methods and mindsets can redefine our relationship with waste.