Four HCA degree students spotlighted by New Designers for Earth Day

New Designers used Earth Day 2026 to look at the ideas and innovations set to define the upcoming graduate showcase - specifically projects that "bring with them fresh perspectives and a clear message that thoughtful design can be a catalyst for meaningful change" in the health of our planet.

We are incredibly proud of the work of the four HCA students identified in the article, Ellie Gummery (BA(Hons) Contemporary Design Crafts), Amy Roberts (BA(Hons) Textile Design), Emily Hawkins (BA(Hons) Contemporary Design Crafts) and Matthew Morris (BA(Hons) Contemporary Design Crafts).

The article said:

"What really stands out is the diversity of approaches on show, ranging from speculative concepts to practical solutions ready for real world impact. Their projects challenge conventions, rethink waste, and explore new relationships between design, nature, and society." 

Find out more about the featured projects below:

Emily is a craftsperson focused on sustainability and uses compostable materials such as hemp fibres and natural dyes to create her woven fabrics.

Her current project is a collection of woven mats, designed to be used outside while walking, camping, gardening and more, highlighting the importance of reintroducing natural materials into natural spaces and activities.

The key aim for Emily’s work is to create a practice that supports and connects the land, natural cycles and people.

Matthew Morris’ project focused on woodturning locally and sustainably sourced timber into hollowed forms, allowing the natural properties of the wood to inform the final product.

Inspired by the Welsh mountains in Abergavenny—capturing the contrast between calm and stormy conditions through texture, tone, and form.

Made from 100% British wool, sourced raw from local farmers and naturally dyed by hand. A tactile, sensory piece exploring sustainability, material connection, and comfort.

This collection of cups explores the woodland as a symbiotic community, drawing parallels between ecological systems and human communities. The individuals of the woodland are depicted through slip and stencil decoration, coated with ash glaze to directly connect people to the natural world through use. Cups are objects of social connection, facilitating community engagement inspired by nature’s example.

From circular design to material innovation, sustainable practice is a key theme that students can explore through all the degree courses within HCA's School of Materials and Design. 

In other courses, Illustration and Graphic and Media Design students have worked on recent live projects with clients like the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust to raise awareness of key environmental campaigns - while Fine Art undergraduate and MA students are currently collaborating with biophilic visual artist and producer jaime Jackson on a research project.

HCA is fully committed to the "wider change taking place within design education" identified in the New Designers article -  "one that places the health of the planet at its core" - and we are excited to see some outstanding student work recognised on a national platform.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our courses, join one of our upcoming Open Events - or reach out to our Outreach team. There is still time to apply to start a course in September if you want to start on a diploma, undergraduate degree or MA at Hereford College of Arts.