Carra Santos
Knowledge. Research. Communication.
Specialist in strategic thinking and communication, supporting sustainable futures through the lens of people and place.
I work with organisational leaders and teams across sectors, adding fresh context, perspective and practical tools to keep problem-solving projects moving forward.
My project support focuses on three core areas within project development that - from experience - are revisited at various stages throughout a project: understanding the problem, understanding interconnections, and understanding meanings and motivations.
“Extremely knowledgeable and passionate - these two qualities don’t always come together.”
Understanding the problem.
What is the broader context surrounding this issue?Zooming out and looking at the issue objectively, to see where it sits and connects in the bigger picture. Defining knowns and unknowns in order to close the research gaps, avoiding false starts and missteps by establishing a stronger baseline based on a more comprehensive understanding.
Drawing on:
Design Thinking
Systems Thinking
Sustainable Development Principles
Ask me about:
Leadership Education
The Sustainability Spectrum
A learning series for creative and professional services demonstrating the full scope of sustainable futures beyond 'green', and their unique potential to support an integrated approach to environmental, social and economic innovation.
Curriculum Development
The Basics of Sustainable Futures
A four-part online education programme for design, business, finance and technology academics, placing their subject specialisms within the sustainable development context for cohesive curriculum development.
Built Environment
Design for Thriving Cities
A future-shaping series of workshops for ethical property developers and urban design professionals, conveying needs and knowledge in context, including Circular Economy, Social Value, Inclusive Design and Reinstating Nature.
Understanding interconnections.
How does this issue connect to other issues?Connecting the dots between knowledge and disciplines, and exploring ways in which seemingly unrelated objectives are fundamentally connected. Consolidating insights to limit unintended consequences, streamline resources and integrate priorities into adjacent agendas.
Drawing on:
Design Thinking
Systems Thinking
Collaborative Thinking
Ask me about:
Stakeholder consensus
Bridge to Belonging
My place-based evaluation tool to establish research priorities and consensus among urban development stakeholders at a neighbourhood level - in particular, within areas of extreme urban inequality and deprivation.
Interdepartmental Teams
Climate-Positive Communities
The silo-softening development of an cross-departmental council team, finding common ground to share resources and collaborate effectively towards a shared mission of community development.
Place-Based Collaboration
Design, differently
My role as coach and co-facilitator for 'Design, differently', a Design Council programme inviting communities and councils to collaboratively research local challenges arising from the effects of climate change.
Understanding meanings and motivations.
What might this issue mean to different people?Exploring the opportunities and barriers to change, based on the different meanings that different people associate with certain issues in their respective contexts and roles, to improve two-way communication, reduce risk of misjudgment and disengagement, and create the conditions to co-create solutions.
Drawing on:
Design Thinking
Systems Thinking
Values Thinking
Ask me about:
Place-Based Collaboration
Make Space for Soil
A communication campaign concept to educate/encourage two interrelated audiences - city-dwellers and private developers - to integrate space for soil into urban homes, with core messages adapted to each.
Academic x Industry communication
Communicating Degrowth
My Master’s dissertation identifying positive starting points for calm discussion on post-growth business models and related practices between academic advocates and UK finance/technology business leaders.
Youth x Local Council Engagement
The World We Will Create
Visioning and futures thinking workshops for young people (15-24), designed to elicit their motivations for shaping a climate-positive future, in order to inform more effective local government communication.
About.
Spanning twenty years in creativity and innovation, my career has evolved from multidisciplinary creative and design concepts - including internationally-acclaimed product innovation and highly-prescient future concepts for world-class events - to future-shaping insights and inspiration for public sector leaders, cities and communities.
Background
I've been a professional creative/designer since 2004. From 2009 to 2022, I owned a creativity and innovation studio that designed products and environments to enable sustainable real-world behaviours - from cooking, growing, making, repairing and reusing, to talking, thinking, learning, problem-solving and building relationships.From a series of internationally acclaimed future concept feature installations for London Design Festival - voted ‘most popular’ by 25k industry professionals - to design-led equipment for food education manufactured and rolled out across the UK, my projects were always intuitively designed to inspire more sustainable ways of thinking and doing in everyday life.
Evolution
Over time, I became increasingly aware of the relationship between these aims and our global environmental, social and economic health, and saw the need to combine my arts background with science. To ground my insights and intuition in evidence, I completed an interdisciplinary MSc Sustainable Development in Practice (with distinction) in 2021. This named my skills in sustainable futures thinking, social psychology and behaviour change, and reinforced my knack for strategic thinking and interdisciplinary innovation.Since then, my insights into sustainable futures concepts build on my inherent creativity and curiosity with ongoing research into new economic thinking, enterprise innovation, behaviour, communication and design, and show how creative thinking and understanding can bring transformative habits, attitudes, practices and behaviours to life.
Everyday practice
I explore sustainable futures possibilities and develop knowledge, research and communication skills that enable the transition. I share them through one-to-one consultancy, learning sessions, self-learning resources, research communication and implementation support for project leaders and teams.I predominantly work with professionals in public health, education, local and national government, social innovation and urban design. I am based in the UK and work internationally.
Associations
In addition to my practice, I am currently a Fellow at The School for Moral Ambition in the Netherlands, and a Doughnut Economics educator and consultant.I have introduced innovative research and sustainable futures concepts via talks, lectures, workshops, interviews, research presentations, panel discussions and exhibitions, as a Design Council Expert, and at Design Council's Design for Planet, The Design and Technology Association (DATA), the Sustainable Innovation Conference, the International Food and Drink Event (IFE), the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), and BRLSI (Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution).My lead author chapter contribution to the book ‘Accelerating Sustainability in Fashion, Clothing & Apparel’ - highlighting society-wide behaviour change potential enabled by fashion design and enterprise innovation - was published by Routledge in 2023.
Practice.
I explore sustainable futures possibilities and develop knowledge, research and communication skills that enable the transition.
I share them through one-to-one consultancy, learning sessions, self-learning resources, research communication and implementation support for project leaders and teams.I predominantly work with professionals in public health, education, local and national government, social innovation and urban design. I am based in the UK and work internationally.
Consultancy.
One-to-one consultancy for project leaders addressing emerging insights, and navigating environmental, social and economic themes as they arise.
"Invaluable.”
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Consultancy calls and learning sessions | Soundboarding, signposting, reviewing documents and addressing unexpected questions and challenges. |
Design Research.
Qualitative research that tests/builds cases and reveals knowledge gaps to close, strengthening connections between academia and everyday life; policy-makers, people and place; diverse stakeholder groups; and examining the gap between intention and action.
"Vastly improved our thinking and confidence.”
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Design Thinking | The 'Discover and Define' stage of the design thinking process - in other words, the planning stage of a project. |
| Design research strategy | Building on the 'Discover and Define' stage of the project: participatory/place-based research strategy and implementation support. |
| Academic research | Where appropriate to the project: Qualitative academic research i.e. Grounded Theory; documentary/thematic/language analysis. |
Learning Sessions & Resources.
Accessible CPD (continuing professional development) that puts project leaders and teams on the same page on topics, and develops their skills to navigate and build connections to wider environmental, social and economic sustainability goals.
"I wish we'd done it sooner.”
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Team Workshops and Learning Sessions | Learning design, resources and facilitation for teams, closing knowledge and skills gaps as they emerge. |
| Self-Learning Resources | Topic guides, workbooks and thought experiment activities combining personal and professional development. |
Research Communication.
Carefully considered and engaging internal and external communication of project insights, research and developments, adapting language, themes, methods and examples to diverse stakeholder values and levels of understanding.
"Exceeded my expectations.”
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Research Communication | Interpretation of academic research and technical reports into concise reports, articles and explainers for dissemination to practitioners. |
| Editorial-Style Articles and Blog Posts | Journalistic writing connecting specialist topics to current affairs and popular culture for mainstream understanding. |
Archive.
Publications & Presentations
2024 DEAL Tool: '3 Horizons for Systemic Change'
Contributing to the Doughnut Economics 'Doughnut Design for Business' adaptation of the foresight-focused Three Horizons framework by Bill Sharpe.2024 The RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) 'A Different Way'
An online talk for the RSA highlighting the role of creatives to shift sustainability-thinking ‘beyond net-zero’ and create the conditions for everyone to thrive within the means of the living world.2023 'Accelerating Sustainability in Fashion, Clothing and Textiles' (Routledge)
Lead author of Chapter 17: Crafting connections with clothing: values, influence and relationships. Book launch chapter presentation and facilitation of a roundtable discussion on the future of fashion.2023 Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution ‘Doughnut Economics: Can Bath Thrive Like Amsterdam?’
An in-person lecture at BRLSI exploring the potential of the UK city of Bath to thrive like Amsterdam - the first European city to adopt The Doughnut as its economic development strategy.2023 Design Council: 'Design, differently with Communities'
Scriptwriting, delivery and recording of a futures narrative imagining life in circular communities in the year 2033 - on themes of energy, mobility, land use, food, education and circular skills - including co-facilitation of the related workshop at Design for Planet alongside members of the Design Council team.2022 'Designed for Life' Design & Technology Association (DATA) Podcast
Invited to take part in an ongoing series of conversations spanning education, industry and design, aiming to inspire "tomorrow's solutions today".2021 UCA (University for the Creative Arts) Sustainable Innovation Conference 'All Sewn Up: Dismantling Fast Fashion Consumption as a Social Practice through Creative Empowerment and Consumer Collaboration'
Academic research paper and presentation on enabling sustainable social behaviours through post-growth fashion design and business model innovation. Published by UCA Centre for Sustainable Design.2018 'Talking Trends: Waste Not Want Not' at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) London
Panel discussion on food waste, exploring various topics including how food and design meet in the circular economy through new materials for fashion, packaging and construction.
Educational 'Future of Design' Installations
2015 Mattergarden for 100% Design, London
Creative concept for a 160sqm design installation devised as an interactive platform for the exploration of natural and regenerative materials, treatments and applications used in design, architecture and construction.2014 Maker Carousel for 100% Design, London
A playful 81sqm makerspace concept and installation designed to reveal the magical world of the designer-maker - from paper prototyping, model-making and block-printing to 3D printing, smart tech and connectivity - a colourful journey steeped in experimentation and spontaneity.2013 Farm Kitchen for 100% Design, London
A 272sqm immersive design concept, installation and pop-up restaurant integrating micro-agriculture - the practice of growing food on a small scale using a variety of light sources, irrigation methods and growing mediums - into interior design.
Further/Higher & CPD Education
2023 'The World We Will Create'
Visioning and futures thinking workshops and resources for young people (15-24) designed to elicit their inspirations for shaping a climate-positive future in order to inform more effective local government communication.2023 'Design for Thriving Cities'
A future-shaping series of workshops for ethical property developers and urban design professionals, conveying needs and knowledge in context, including Circular Economy, Social Value, Inclusive Design and Reinstating Nature.2022 'The Basics of Sustainable Futures'
Design and ongoing facilitation of a four-part education programme for design, business, finance and technology academics, to provide sustainable development context beyond their subject specialisms, and help inform their content, curriculums, and responses to student enquiries.2022 'The Future of Interior Design Practice'
Research and recommendations report with stakeholder presentation on interior design education in the context of a regenerative, distributive and circular economy, for an award-winning private interior design school in London, UK.2022 ‘The Sustainability Spectrum’
A learning series for creative and professional services demonstrating the full scope of sustainable futures beyond 'green', and their unique potential to support an integrated approach to environmental, social and economic innovation.
Urban Design & Place-based Collaboration
2024 'Celebration of the Possible', Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Workshop facilitation supporting Globe Group CIC and Keele University, along with independent analysis, synthesis and interpretation of their initial regional research presented to multi-stakeholders and decision-makers at their launch event.2023 Economic Development Strategy, Bath & North East Somerset Council, UK
Independent analysis, synthesis and interpretation of participatory research findings for public review, following the Doughnut Economics strategy launch in B&NES, UK, facilitated by economist Kate Raworth and the DEAL team.2023 Design Council: 'Design, differently'
Coach and co-facilitator for a six-month Design Council programme that invited six communities and councils to combine design thinking with systems thinking to solve local challenges arising from the wider effects of climate change.2023 Bath City Doughnut Learning Group
Organising and hosting monthly sessions for the professional and local community to read, learn and apply Doughnut Economics principles in the World Heritage City of Bath, UK.2021 'Bridge to Belonging'
A place-based evaluation tool to establish priorities and consensus among designers and decision-makers at a neighbourhood level - in particular, within areas of urban inequality/deprivation.2021 'Make Space for Soil'
A cohesive communication campaign concept to educate and encourage two interconnected audiences - city-dwellers and private developers - to incorporate space for soil into urban homes and housing developments, with core messages adapted to each.
Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity
ACID Female Design Champion Award, Runner Up, World Intellectual Property Day 2018.
“For the imaginative boundary breaking work she is doing between different individuals” - Design Council
Contact.
If you'd like to talk about your projects, opportunities, ideas or particular needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch and suggest a good time to talk.
Email me or complete the form to arrange a complementary 45min online call. A link will be provided on confirmation of a date/time that works for both.
Approach
I review project concepts and developments to date in the context of environmental, social and economic sustainability, in order to help strengthen their position and their impact potential.I use and develop a variety of thinking and evaluation tools - spanning sustainable development principles, innovation, behaviour change and post-growth economics - as appropriate to each project.
Outcomes
This process often reveals unforeseen opportunities and obstacles to address that are the result of three gaps: knowledge gaps, research gaps and communication gaps; all of which are critical ro responsible innovation.Knowledge gaps in concept development can lead to false starts, transferring the problem, and unintended consequences.Research gaps in concept development can lead to siloed thinking, bias and assumptions, and focusing on the wrong problem.Communication gaps in concept development can lead to misunderstandings, lack of engagement, hostility from stakeholder groups.
Closing the gaps.
Knowledge. Research. Communication.
Knowledge Gaps.
Beyond your specialism, what do you need to know?
I design and facilitate tailored CPD (continuing professional development) workshops and resources on the topics you need to understand, aligning your specialism with related agendas and wider environmental, social and economic sustainability goals.
"I wish we'd done it sooner.”
Ask me about:
Research Gaps.
Do you know your blind spots?
I support you to identify your 'knowns and unknowns'. We'll develop cross-sector and participatory research plans to reveal the insights that bridge the gaps between: academia and everyday life; policy-makers, people and place; and diverse stakeholder groups.
"Vastly improved our thinking and confidence.”
Ask me about:
Communication Gaps.
Are your stakeholders on board?
Your stakeholders refer to anyone your project depends on for success. I work with you to explore the diverse values, meanings and motivations that your stakeholders at all levels associate with the issue you're aiming to address, and develop considered internal/external communication that 'meets them where they are'.
"Exceeded my expectations.”