What is a Design Guide?
As a Design Guide, you play an important role in the visitor experience. You lead Design Tours, guiding groups through the programme and making the stories behind the work visible, accessible and relevant.
It’s an opportunity to deepen your knowledge, meet new people and expand your professional network. At the same time, you contribute to how design is experienced and understood during DDW.
Dutch Design Week takes place this year from Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, October 25, 2026. Would you like to be part of the programme and share the importance of design? Apply as a Design Guide.
Apply as a Design Guide
Do you want to apply for Design guide, send your motivation and resume to tours@dutchdesignfoundation.com
Design Tours
Dutch Design Week (DDW) organises Design Tours for organisations, companies and governmental institutions: relevant tours that provide a glimpse of the design of the future and the future of design. Guided tours of design projects in studios and workshops, at specific locations, based on specific topics, or custom-made.
Why sign up as a Design Guide?
- As a Design Guide, you will have the chance to expand your network by connecting with other Design Guides, designers participating in Dutch Design Week, organisations, companies and professionals attending the Design Tours.
- During the Design Tours, you can share your passion and enthusiasm for design with the tour participants.
- You will tell them about the value of design and how it can benefit them and their organisation. You will also play a crucial role in facilitating connections between guests and participating designers, creating meaningful interactions.
- You will receive an appropriate financial compensation per tour.
- Free access to all Dutch Design Week locations throughout the week.
- In your role as a Design Guide, you will make a special contribution to creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for visitors to this extraordinary design event!
What do we expect?
- You can explain the power of design like no other.
- Your enthusiasm takes visitors on a journey. Applying your exceptional communication skills is a natural and integral part of this role.
- You are always well-prepared, and know all the elements of the tour, the route and the projects like the back of your hand.
- Lots of things happen in lots of places during Dutch Design Week. Maintaining an overview and taking charge of your group comes as second nature.
- You work independently, punctually and have a proactive approach.
- As a design expert, you have a clear understanding of what is going on in the design field and you can make relevant connections between designers and organisations.
What are the requirements?
- You currently work (or are graduating) in the design field.
- You are registered at KVK or are able to send an invoice.
- You speak Dutch (English and/or other languages are a plus)
- You are available during Dutch Design Week 2026, including two or more full days between Monday, October 19 and Friday, October 23.
- You are present at the Masterclass and the Preview Tour.
What do you receive from us?
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As a professional Design Guide, you will receive a fee of €52 per hour (excluding VAT).
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For each type of tour, we compensate 2 hours for preparation time.
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We aim to assign you to the same type of tour as much as possible, so you can truly make it your own.
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If you are scheduled for multiple types of tours, we will also compensate additional preparation time.
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In addition, we ask that you attend a masterclass for all Design Guides (date to be confirmed), and the Preview Tour (date to be confirmed).
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For the masterclass and the Preview Tour, you may invoice an expense fee of €52 (excluding VAT).
What are important dates?
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Friday 29 August 2025
Deadline to sign up and submit your availability
(Additional dates to be confirmed)
Do you have any questions?
E-mail Sjoerdtje Schaap and Julia van der Pas at tours@dutchdesignfoundation.com.
