On the anniversary of Robert L. Peters’ passing, we honour his legacy and lifelong advocacy for thoughtful, ethical design in Canada and around the world.
To continue the work he championed, DesCan is working to create a scholarship under Rob’s name. Your contribution will help nurture the next generation of designers committed to making meaningful impact though design —just as Robert did throughout his remarkable life. We want to create the seed fund to maintain his vision to shape culture by design.
Robert L. Peters (1954–2023) was a visionary Canadian graphic designer, educator, and design advocate whose work left a lasting global legacy. A DesCan Fellow since 1998, he was the co-founder of Circle Design, leading international branding and communication projects — including over 30 Canadian postage stamps — and earning more than 60 design awards. Deeply committed to professional ethics, education, and sustainability, he helped shape Canada’s design standards and served as President of both the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (DesCan) and the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Ico-D). He taught and lectured worldwide, authored design books and journals, and co-led initiatives promoting cross-cultural dialogue and humanitarian design. A lifelong environmentalist and global citizen, he dedicated his career to using design as a force for cultural understanding and social good. He was the best representation of Canadian design across the world and he is deeply missed by all who knew him. You can read his complete bio here.
We want to honour his legacy and profound belief about design’s role in making tomorrow’s world a better place — by shaping culture, building respect for diversity, and furthering understanding among people everywhere.
Donate today to help carry his vision forward.