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Alvin Chan, formerly of Emery Vincent in Melbourne, and now a creative director at Koweiden Postma in the Netherlands, and I have been discussing the possibility of providing a listing of expat Australian designers around the world.

Our idea is to use this site to extend and reinforce the network of Australian designers out there. For the expats, they can find out who is near them, and it would also make it easier for them to stay in the loop on what's happening in Australia. For Australian-based members, the expats could be incredibly useful sources of information about other countries, etc.

Do you think this is something we should do?

• If yes, can you suggest any expat designers we should invite (please provide a name and email address at the minimum)?
  
• If yes, would you be prepared to invite your friends/colleagues to sign-up?

Cheers,

Andrew Lam-Po-Tang
AGDA Site Editor

"Having just returned to Melbourne after five years in London, I can't recommend this idea enough. I know many individuals who would find this resource invaluable. Awesome idea."

"Great idea! I'm living in Copenhagen right now after finishing my degree. Would be great to network with other Aussie designers around the place...."

"Hi, I am about to return to Melbourne from Paris where I have been studing and working as an Interior Designer for the past three years- this is a wonderful idea- I would definately be a part of it."

"I think this is a great idea, LETS DO THIS! Its a scary, yet exciting thought travelling abroad with work, to have such a network would at least give you some peace of mind that there is a universal link there. Good Luck!"

"I have recently returned to Adelaide after 15 years working in London. I think what you are proposing is a great idea. Also, if anyone wants any hints about surviving in London, get in touch."

"I'm planning to work overseas this year so any contacts I can make before I go will be amazing! Has this list been completed?? Thanks"

"It would service the need also for people like me thinking about taking the big OS trip. Is there a possibility for an online chat forum if this is to occur? You could host design forums bi-monthly."

"Great initiative Andrew, particularly for young designers who are far from home. Also agree it will encourage everyone thinking of taking the big step O/S. There's nothing quite like it!"

"Definitly a good idea for those of us currently abroad and a great resource for those who are thinking of working away from home."

"Working Germany at the moment, would love it! Lots of young Austalians getting out there and travelling the world, it would be great to be able to tap into a aussie network of desigers etc."

"I think it is a fantastic idea. I am currently studying for my masters in Comm Design in New York and would love to keep in touch about what is going on in the design world back home! There could be some interesting discussions especially with regards differences/similarities in education here and in Australia."

"Hey, awesome idea!! I'm in Toronto at the moment, and it would be great to connect with other designers around the globe..."

"Although I've now returned from the UK I would have loved to of had a link to other designers from Oz. I was freelancing around London and met many expats who would like other contacts in London, especially the freelancers!"

"Hi Andrew,
Let's get this thing going! I'll be posting a 'how to / why to' letter in the near future. I'm Design Director at Siegel & Gale New York now after 4 years in with Interbrand London. There's some great contrasts between the 2 cities. All the very best. Excellent work with AGDA and great ex-pat idea. GB"

"yes I would be interested as this would be a fantastic way to learn about design in different areas and hear from other designers"

"YES! I work in New York, it would be great chat with some other aussie designers - wherever they are"

"Yeah that sounds like a great idea, it would definitely build upon the network I've already got in place."

"Great idea, would definitely spread the word. I'm in Amsterdam at the moment."