As the nation’s leading voice for the design profession, the DIA continues to champion creative excellence and uphold high professional standards. LeAmon’s appointment represents an energising new chapter for both the organisation and the future of design in Australia.

LeAmon arrives at the DIA after more than ten years as the inaugural Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where she played a central role in establishing a globally recognised design program and collection.

Throughout her time at the NGV, she built strong partnerships across industry, government and cultural institutions, creating platforms of national significance that supported designers, boosted design’s cultural and economic influence, and expanded its presence in public life. These accomplishments now form the foundation of her leadership of the DIA’s nationwide agenda.

“Simone embodies the spirit and ambition of Australian design,” says Ryan Russell, President of the Design Institute of Australia.

“Her career has been defined by creativity, intellect and vision; qualities that sit at the heart of the DIA’s mission. As the country’s peak body for design, we are committed to advocating for the profession at a national level, strengthening its impact and amplifying the role designers play in shaping Australia’s future.

“We are delighted to welcome Simone as CEO and look forward to the leadership, energy and clarity of purpose she brings to the organisation.”

Before joining the NGV, LeAmon developed a multidisciplinary practice spanning furniture, product, jewellery, interiors, digital and experimental design.

Through her studios n+1 equals and Simone LeAmon Design and Creative Strategy, she delivered both commercial and creative projects. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne and a Master of Design (Industrial Design) from RMIT University.

Across her extensive career, LeAmon has become one of Australia’s most influential design thinkers. She serves as an Adjunct Professor in RMIT University’s College of Design and Social Context, mentors emerging designers, and advises government and industry on national design policy and discourse.

In 2021, she received the Good Design Australia Women in Design Award, recognising her significant impact on advancing Australian design.

“I’m honoured to lead the Design Institute of Australia and to continue its extraordinary legacy as the voice of design in this country,” says LeAmon.

“My vision is to place design at the centre of Australia’s national conversation—to make it seen, valued and invested in as essential to our prosperity, identity and future. The DIA will be the catalyst for that culture, uniting designers of every discipline and amplifying the impact of what we do.”

Under her leadership, the DIA will concentrate on strengthening design as a national capability, enhancing professional standards and advocacy, and building cross-sector partnerships to position design as a crucial driver of innovation, sustainability and social progress.

Australia is home to 380,000 designers, and the DIA stands as the representative body for them all. LeAmon will formally begin her role as CEO on 12 January 2026.

Image: Simone LeAmon / supplied

Simone LeAmon appointed CEO of the Design Institute of Australia

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