Elora Hardy has been made an Honorary Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) for her pioneering work in architectural design, in particular for the design and build of bamboo structures.

Hardy was born in Bali and spent 14 years of her life growing up in the US, where she received a degree in fine arts and went on to work in the fashion industry. In 2010, she left fashion and moved back to Bali, where she founded the design firm Ibuku, which creates sustainable bamboo homes, hospitality venues and furniture.

In 2018, Elora and her father John Hardy spoke to CLAD about how their nature-inspired homes are changing the way we view the places we live (CLADmag Issue 3 2018).

The Royal Designer for Industry title is a prestigious award that celebrates individuals who have made a "substantial contribution to design for positive social, economic and environmental change".

“Building on a decade of dreams from our jungle studio, we've been invited into the company of extraordinary designers,” said Hardy of the appointment. “With my team, I look forward to getting to know this wondrously talented group. I'm thrilled at the prospect of collaborating to design more of our world.”

Discussing its recognition of Hardy, the RSA said: "She has worked alongside Balinese artisans, innovative designers and architects with the goal of making Bali a global centre for sustainable design."

This year's other winners were Kim Avella for work with textiles, Paule Constable for lighting, Tom Gauld for cartoons, Johanna Gibbons for landscape architecture, Adam Lowe for the design of art and Michael Marriott for product and furniture design.

Current Ibuku projects include a yoga pavilion for Four Seasons Sayan Bali, two new homes at the Green Village on Bali and a riverside spa at the Permata Ayung Private Estate, also on Bali.