Seats of Learning: ATU Graduate Design Competition - Atlantic Technological University

Honouring the Ursuline Legacy

We invite our graduates to take part in Seats of Learning, an open design competition that celebrates the university’s creative spirit and rich educational heritage.

Participants are invited to design and craft a pair of bespoke wooden chairs and a conversation table that symbolise the enduring relationship between ATU and the Ursuline Order. The project pays tribute to the legacy of St. Angela’s College and its amalgamation with ATU.

Celebrating Heritage and Sustainability

The commissioned pieces will be created from naturally fallen timber, including oak from St. Angelas grounds in Sligo and Oregon maple from Trinity College Dublin. Together, these materials reflect ATU’s values of education, sustainability, and community.

Once completed, the furniture will be gifted by ATU to the Ursuline Order in recognition of their contribution to the university’s development and their gift of the St. Angela’s campus in 2023.

Open to ATU Graduates from All Disciplines

The competition is open to graduates of any ATU discipline. Entrants should submit an expression of interest outlining their skills, experience, and initial design ideas.

Shortlisted applicants will move forward to Phase Two, where they will develop full design proposals. Each shortlisted designer will receive €500 to support the preparation of their final submission.

The overall commission carries a project budget of up to €15,000.

Design and Fabrication

Entries will be assessed on craftsmanship, symbolism, sustainability, and functionality.
The chosen design will be produced using timber prepared and kiln-dried at ATU Connemara’s facilities. The completed pieces will be unveiled at ATU St Angelas in 2026.

Key Dates

Phase One Submission Deadline: 9 January 2026
Phase Two Submission Deadline: 30 March 2026
Winner Announced: 15 May 2026
Commission Commences: June 2026

How to Apply

Interested graduates can request full competition details and an information pack by emailing alumni@atu.ie