Three×3

Three×3 is an internship programme established in 2007 to bridge the gap between education and professional practice for graduate designers in Ireland. Founded by David Smith (IADT/Atelier), Brian Nolan and Paul McBride (Detail), and Ciarán O’Gaora (ZeroG), the initiative has continued to evolve with the addition of new partners, Unthink joined in 2020, taking over from ZeroG, and Red&Grey joined in 2023, succeeding Atelier. In 2023, David Smith stepped back from the programme to focus on his expanding responsibilities as Institute President at IADT.

Initially, Three×3 was open only to Visual Communications students at DIT, IADT, and NCAD, but it has since expanded its eligibility to include graduates of all Visual Communications programmes in Ireland. Since 2008, it has attracted applications from top design graduates nationwide and has brought together leading studios and emerging talent. Participants have gained substantial industry experience through the programme, with many securing full-time positions within hosting studios.

Three×3 is widely recognised for establishing and promoting exemplary standards for internships in the Irish design sector. Its policies and structure are shared as best practice for others to adopt or replicate. As one of the founding partners, David Smith played a pivotal role in shaping the programme’s vision, structure, and reputation, and his contributions, particularly through IADT and Atelier Projects, were fundamental to the development and standing of Three×3 within the Irish design community.