Steven McNamara is an installation artist and founder of award-winning design studio ROJI.

He curates and creates physical spaces and objects that tell a story; whether exploring the craft of animation or how natural habitats are connected, he builds environments that people can step inside and experience with all their senses.

Originally trained as an architect, Steven's practice is rooted in making complex ideas accessible. He creates work that is engaging for children and adults alike, striving to produce work that is inclusive and accessible to everyone.

In 2012, he led a multidisciplinary collective to represent and promote Irish design on behalf of PIVOT Dublin at World Design Capital Helsinki. Since then, he has continued to curate and design exhibitions to critical acclaim from Wallpaper*Magazine, The New York Times and CNN Style.

In 2024, he was selected to exhibit his own range of playful, functional forms in Cologne as part of Zeitgeist Irland, an initiative by Culture Ireland to promote Irish arts and culture in Germany. First exhibited in Maison 10, New York, this collection of objets d’art was developed over several years, with many of Ireland’s leading craftspeople producing prototypes.

As Design Project Manager (2024–2026) for Irish Design Week with the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Steven fostered collaborations with Ireland’s leading design industry bodies and international partners. During this tenure, he helped establish both a new National Design Collection and an acquisition pathway for contemporary design with the National Museum of Ireland.

Since 2024, Steven has opened a free pop-up community cafe every season in his local village, entitled 'Food for Thought', providing a space for people to meet.

A three-time IDI Exhibition Design of the Year winner, he remains an active part of the design community as an awards judge for the Institute of Designers in Ireland.

^{Photo: Rich Gilligan}

“a beautiful exhibition of some of the country’s top talents”

The New York Times
Style Magazine
(12 Projects to Know from the London Design Festival)

"Craft remained a strong underlying theme at LDF and Vernacular was the stand out craft show that everyone was talking about."

Best in Show
TENT London

"...the project (Dublin Tagged!) was not only engaging, but also an intelligent and serious way of highlighting the importance of memory and stories in the life of a city's places and spaces."

Emmett Scanlon
A10 Magazine

"...the simplicity of the design was a real 'wow' and we have received strong positive feedback from several international influencers. I would have no hesitation in recommending Steven for similar work in the future."

Brian McGee
Head of Market Development
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

"I am delighted to be here today at the Weathering Exhibition, to not only celebrate the beautiful work on display in this gallery, but to recognise and pay tribute to the many talented Irish designers and craftworkers who enhance our reputation across the globe as a nation renowned for creativity and artistic achievement."

Michael D. Higgins
President of Ireland
UCCA Gallery, Beijing