Steven McNamara is the founder of award-winning design studio ROJI.

With a background in architecture, Steven led a multi-disciplinary collective to represent and promote Irish design at World Design Capital Helsinki in 2012. Since then, he has continued to curate and design exhibitions and objects that have received critical acclaim from Wallpaper* Magazine, The New York Times and CNN Style.

Passionate about championing good design, he has spoken as a guest speaker and panelist at international design events including London Design Festival and Helsinki Design Week. As Design Project Manager with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, Steven has helped elevate Irish Design Week into an inclusive, leading design event.

Steven was awarded Exhibition Design of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and Graduate Designer of the Year in 2014 by the Institute of Designers of Ireland. He has served as a judge for the Institute of Designers of Ireland awards since 2024.

^{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