Board

 

Astrid Stavro

PRESIDENT

Astrid Stavro is an internationally-renowned graphic designer with a reputation for strong concept-driven design which is succinct, emotionally engaging, with the emphasis placed on exquisite typography and craft. Her work has received over 150 international awards has been widely published.

Dr Stephen Banham MISTD

BOARD MEMBER FOR PUBLICATIONS

Stephen is a typographer at Letterbox (Melbourne), and a Senior Lecturer in Typography at the School of Design, RMIT University. Although involved in typography for over 30 years, and ISTD assessing for over a decade, Stephen has only recently joined the Board. He currently oversees the publishing activity of the Society.

Becky Chilcot FISTD

DIRECTOR AND BOARD MEMBER

Becky first became involved with the ISTD as a student committee member in 1994 having passed the Student Assessment Scheme in London. She moved to Australia in 2000 and set up her practice Chil3 in Fremantle, Western Australia. Wanting students to have the same expansive ISTD experience she had at the London College of Printing, she founded the Australasian Student Assessment Scheme in 2006. She believes that good typographic design does the crucial, invisible work that turns letters into information to reach and move people. Becky is a sessional lecturer in typography and runs typography workshops supporting ISTD students.

David Coates FISTD

DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER AND SECRETARIAT

David first became involved with ISTD through successfully completing the Student Assessment at University. Coming full circle, he has given talks and run typography workshops in his time at some leading design agencies and through teaching as a visiting lecturer. With a passion for typography and the support of like-minded Board members, David is the ISTD Secretariat and oversees much of the behind-the-scenes administration and Membership side of the Society.

Brenda Dermody FISTD

DEPUTY HEAD OF EDUCATION AND BOARD MEMBER

Brenda Dermody is a graphic design writer, researcher, and practitioner. Lecturing in typography and book design at TU Dublin, she has led research projects with more than 20 not-for-profit and community organisations. She commissions stamps on behalf of An Post and the Irish Government. Her typographic work is held in the Graphic Collection, Princeton Art Museum.

Belinda Magee FISTD

DIRECTOR AND BOARD MEMBER

Belinda discovered her love of the letterform through a book of decorative alphabets borrowed on rather long loan from her school library. She joined ISTD through the assessment scheme where she developed her love for typography, inspired by tutor Brian Grimley. An educator and practitioner, she believes in maintaining the best typographic standards both in graphic design education and industry, motivating others to appreciate the value of our craft.

Clare Playne FISTD

CHAIR, DIRECTOR AND BOARD MEMBER

Clare follows her father’s footsteps (David Playne, former President) in supporting ISTD. She gained membership in 1994 through the Student Assessment Scheme, and loves the passion the Society has for continuing to educate and promote the importance and value of great typography.

Erik Spiekermann HonFISTD

DIRECTOR

Erik succeeded the late Colin Banks as President in 2002. He is one of the best-known figures on the international typographic scene. A type and typographic designer, he has built a solid reputation for high quality typography and original, sometimes acerbic, always entertaining, commentary on typographic life.

Jill Spratt FISTD

HEAD OF EDUCATION AND BOARD MEMBER

Liam Bonar MISTD

BOARD MEMBER

Liam Bonar is a Scottish graphic designer and founder of LBD Studio (Edinburgh). His work connects brand strategy and visual identity with robust typographic systems, blending playful expression with meticulous craft to create accessible, purpose-driven work. Liam is particularly interested in the evolving relationship between technology and the principles of typographic design. Liam also curates the “Studio Sessions” interview series, celebrating contemporary design practice. Passionate about the value of typography in real-world communication, he writes, mentors and speaks on brand-building with clarity, warmth and optimism.