The Soft Centre of Design
• – • Edinburgh College of Art - West Court
About the speaker
I am an Edinburgh based designer and educator; I am a Lecturer and Programme Director on the Product Design programme at Edinburgh College of Art. With more than 20 years’ experience in the creative industries and design education, my background is in furniture and product design. I started the '100 Days Project Scotland', an accessible project aimed at encouraging daily creativity, and celebrating process; and though my full time work over the past three years has had to take priority, it is a joy seeing people take part each year.
Local partners
Machina are a speciality coffee roaster and café based in Edinburgh, with their roastery just behind Arthur’s Seat. They roast fresh, seasonal coffee for independent cafés and venues across the UK - and now, for us too.
Thanks to Machina, you’ll be starting your mornings with locally roasted goodness at our events. Their coffee is ethically sourced, expertly roasted, and full of flavour, made by a team who genuinely love what they do.
We’re pleased to partner with Broughton Street Flowers, a wedding and event florist and plant-lovers’ haven in Edinburgh’s New Town. Their iconic yellow store is warm and vibrant.
They bring seasonal, natural, beautiful blooms, sourcing many flowers locally from Edinburgh and Perthshire when in season. Their shop at 87 Broughton Street is full of fresh bouquets, unusual plants, stylish vases, and floral touches.
Company Bakery is an Edinburgh favourite, known for its award-winning sourdough that’s earned top honours at the Scottish Bread Championships. Everything is made using wild fermentation, local grains and a deep love for the craft.
You’ll find crisp, crusty loaves, pillowy vegan cinnamon buns, gooey brownies and flaky pastries. Their café is bright and Scandi-inspired - a cosy, welcoming space built around community.
They already supply some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants and shops, and deliver fresh bread straight to doorsteps. Now, they’re bringing the good stuff to early risers too.
Additional details
We’re so excited to host our first CreativeMornings Edinburgh at Edinburgh College of Art! 🎉
Join us on Friday 31 October, 8.30am, for “The Soft Centre of Design”, a talk by designer, Programme Director, and Lecturer Isla Munro.
Isla is an Edinburgh-based designer with a background in Furniture and Product Design. With over 20 years of experience across the creative industries, her freelance practice focuses on design and communication. She has collaborated with clients from bespoke furniture makers and authors to textile designers, architects, and the Scottish Government.
As coordinator of the 100 Days Project Scotland, Isla fosters an inclusive creative community through daily creativity - encouraging everyone, from seasoned creatives to those who’ve never felt they had permission to make, to create every day for 100 days.
Collaborative by nature, Isla’s experience spans teaching, public sector bid teams, community consultation events, and community art projects. Her approach is grounded in empathy and communication - the soft skills that strengthen creative work and connection.
In her talk, Isla will explore how empathy, curiosity, and communication form the unshakeable foundations of creative practice - helping us become more effective designers, collaborators, and curious creatives.
☕ Enjoy Machina Coffee and a Company Bakery breakfast as you connect with our CreativeMornings community in this inspiring new venue.
💐 A special thank you to Broughton Street Flowers, who’ll be gifting Isla with flowers to celebrate her talk.
Location
Hosted at
Edinburgh College of Art - West Court
74 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh EH3 9DF
Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom EH530AH
When
–
Art Director Andrew Smith
Morning Person Viv Hu
Graphic Designer Rosie Rees
Motion Designer & Photographer Jade Paynter
Morning Person Catherine Kelly
Morning Person Jodie White
Speaker Coach Sarah Barnard
