Key details
Date
- 17 February 2025
Author
- RCA
Read time
- 3 minutes
Monder Haraga is a Libyan designer with a background in architecture and urban planning. His passion for inclusive and sensory-driven design led him to the RCA, where he was awarded the LoveFrom, Scholarship, created by Sir Jony Ive, founder and RCA Chancellor, and his creative collective LoveFrom, to support design students.
We spoke to Monder about his journey, the impact of the Scholarship on his practice, and how he hopes to shape more accessible and meaningful interactions through design.
Key details
Date
- 17 February 2025
Author
- RCA
Read time
- 3 minutes
What were you up to before coming to the RCA?
I graduated from Tripoli University with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning in 2013. After that, I worked as an architectural designer before founding my studio, 109 Degree Design Studio, with the ambition to design everything from ‘a spoon to a city’ as Ernesto Rogers said. It was a fulfilling journey, but I eventually had to close the studio due to the conflicts in Libya.
I moved to London in 2021 and applied for roles in architectural design. But because of a lack of local experience I was unsuccessful. I was working in retail until I applied to the RCA and was awarded the LoveFrom, Scholarship. It’s been a real saviour in terms of helping me work towards my ambitions.
Tell us a bit about your practice.
My practice focuses on the relationship between spaces and products, aiming to improve how people interact with their environments. At the moment, I’m exploring design for disability, with a focus on ADHD, creating inclusive sensory experiences and addressing real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
What’s been the best thing about the Design Products MA so far?
The whole journey has been rewarding, but if I had to choose, I’d say the emphasis on critical thinking. It’s helped me refine my approach to design and consider its broader impact. Overall it’s been an eye-opening process, especially as I’ve explored how thoughtful design can create solutions that genuinely improve our daily lives.
Have you been introduced to new ways of making or working?
The programme encourages us to engage with our peers, and this has introduced me to new ways of thinking and working. Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds has exposed me to different perspectives and methods, enriching my approach to design and expanding how I develop ideas.
My tutors have connected me with leading design experts, including researchers at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the RCA, where I met Dr Katie Gaudion and Gail Ramster.
Their insights have helped me narrow down my focus and approach my work from a more practical and informed perspective. Having direct conversations with experts like this has been invaluable—it’s provided real, experience-based knowledge that is not easy to find.
How has the Design Products MA programme challenged you to expand or grow your practice?
The programme has challenged me to rethink how I approach design by focusing on the process rather than rushing to solutions. It’s encouraged me to dig deeper into the problems I’m addressing and consider the broader impact of my work.
“LoveFrom has an intentionally global and multidisciplinary team which supports better thinking, a richer process and ultimately better design. We established our scholarships program with a similar intention: to encourage and support more students from under-represented communities into education and the design industry. We’re incredibly proud that the LoveFrom Scholarship is building an important global community of designers and creatives from many different backgrounds, and the endowment means this community of creators and makers will be able to grow in perpetuity.”
Founder of LoveFrom, and RCA Chancellor
How has the LoveFrom, Scholarship influenced your personal growth?
The LoveFrom, Scholarship has given me the freedom to fully focus on my studies and push my creative boundaries. It’s been a huge confidence boost knowing my potential is recognised. It’s motivated me to take on more ambitious challenges in my work.
Why do you think the support of scholarships is important for aspiring artists and designers today?
Scholarships allow talented individuals to pursue opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. In a field like design, diversity of thought and experience is essential for innovation and scholarships help make that possible.
What are your aspirations for the future, beyond your time at the RCA?
Studying at the RCA has helped me expand my perspective and refine my practice, and it has motivated me to consider pursuing a PhD here in the future, allowing me to deepen my research and thinking.
About the LoveFrom, Scholarship
The LoveFrom, Scholarship programme was conceived to increase representation within the design community by encouraging and supporting young designers of colour.
It was established by the Royal College of Art’s Chancellor, Sir Jony Ive, co-founder of artist collective LoveFrom, and former Chief Design Officer at Apple.
The Scholarship is awarded annually to a UK based postgraduate design student from an underrepresented minority group studying on the Design Products MA. Scholars receive financial support and mentorship from the LoveFrom, team.
Visit How to apply for an RCA Scholarship for more information on the application process, and our Scholarships page to learn more about funding available for your studies at the RCA.
