By Gigi Cooke
AS a designer working in Jersey, one thing becomes clear quite quickly: there is no central place where the Island’s creative community naturally comes together.
Creativity thrives when ideas, skills and perspectives collide. When architects, designers and makers share ideas, new ways of thinking and unexpected collaborations often emerge.
The design industry is naturally collaborative, with constant crossover between disciplines. Architects work alongside interior designers, who collaborate with construction teams, lighting designers, furniture makers and textile designers. All of these roles need to work in harmony, yet in Jersey there are limited opportunities for these industries to naturally connect or share knowledge.
This collaboration matters because design and craft help shape the identity of a place. From the buildings we live in to the materials we use and the objects we surround ourselves with, these elements all contribute to how an island expresses itself. Design can also encourage a sense of community, bringing people together through shared spaces and experiences.
Here lies the oppurtunity. Jersey has a centre for finance in St Helier, and the high street acts as a hub for retail, but there is no equivalent space where creative industries can gather, collaborate and exchange ideas.
Imagine a place where studios and workshops sit side by side, where conversations happen naturally, and where people can see work being created in the Island.
Jersey does not lack creative talent, what it lacks is visibility. For someone outside the industry, the search usually begins with a search engine or through word-of-mouth. This can make it difficult for smaller, lesser-known businesses to gain visibility, leaving many to struggle to break through the noise. When local talent is not easily visible, people naturally look further afield, sometimes overlooking the skills and expertise that already exist in the Island.
Good design can also support wellbeing and sustainability. Thoughtfully designed spaces, materials and objects can enhance how people feel in their environment, creating places that are not only functional but meaningful to live and work in. Highlighting the benefits of design and the value of keeping creative skills and knowledge in the Island.
Greater visibility would also encourage businesses to support one another rather than operate in isolation. When industries collaborate rather than compete, stronger networks begin to form and opportunities grow. This can be particularly important for younger creatives, giving them confidence that there is a future for creative careers in the Island.
Yet for that to happen, local creative talent also needs to be seen, trusted and invested in. Many businesses look outside of the Island for makers and manufacturers because large scale production can often be cheaper elsewhere. However, this is not always just about price. Sometimes it is simply a lack of awareness of the skills and capabilities already available locally.
The search usually begins online or through recommendations. Smaller local businesses can easily be overlooked, even when the skills already exist in the Island. When information is clearer and local talent is more visible, consumers are able to make more confident and informed decisions about their projects,resulting in the value for money being understood from both sides.
Creating more visibility for the Island’s creative community could help bridge this gap.
Spaces that bring people together, whether through studios, shared workshops or industry events, can make it easier for designers, businesses and the public to see what is possible locally.
Strengthening the connections between Jersey’s creative industries would not only support local talent, it would also help shape the Island’s identity through design, craft and collaboration.
Gigi Cooke is a furniture designer and maker based in Jersey and founder of the design studio Gigi Cooke. Her practice focuses on contemporary, sustainable design that celebrates natural materials and craftsmanship. Alongside her own furniture collections, she collaborates with architects, designers, and private clients to create bespoke furniture and curated spaces that balance form, function, and longevity. Gigi is also passionate about supporting and growing Jersey’s creative community.
