Dr Nathan James Crane is a design thinker who is passionate about elevating the impact design can have for people both within and outside of the design profession. He has worked as a design educator and academic for over 10 years, where his teaching practice is grounded in fostering students’ understanding of the role design plays in shaping our experience of the world.
As an experienced academic leader, Nathan has previously held roles as a Program Coordinator and Academic Director (acting), in other higher education settings, and attained a Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) in 2023.
He is currently the Chair of the SA/NT Design Institute of Australia (DIA) council and Board Chair of the South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA).
An award-winning writer and editor, Nathan has been published in titles including Artichoke, The Adelaide Review, FORM Journal, LUXURY, Educate and Marmalade, and is a regular judge for design industry awards programs. Initially trained as an interior designer, he continued his studies whilst working as a sessional tutor and lecturer at the University of South Australia, where he completed his PhD in 2018. Driven by an informed curiosity, Nathan offers commentary on emerging themes, practices and celebrated studios within the Australian design community. As a recognised voice, Nathan utilises his design education to authentically communicate the complexity of projects to audiences with resonance.
His research spans theory, design education, and technology's impact on spatial imagination. Nathan’s current projects aim to bridge historical and contemporary practices in design education, providing educators and students with resources to critically engage with Australia’s design heritage.
Qualifications:

Bachelor of Interior Architecture(Hons), UniSA
Master of Education (Learning and Leadership), University of Technology Sydney
Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture), UniSA