As September approaches and the design industry springs back to life with the newest designs, innovations and inspirations, make sure you plan ahead to get the latest insight into the international design industry – and where it’s heading. Kicking off with Maison&Objet with a host of clever design solutions to help attract and retain customers, London Design Festival is set to transform London with the freshest contemporary designs, trailblazing talents and industry trends to celebrate London as the design capital of the world and a gateway to the international creative community.
6th – 10th September
MAISON&OBJET PARIS – Paris, France
MAISON&OBJET (M&O) 2019 will be serving up inspiration for Hoteliers and Restaurateurs. Having been around since 1995 as the international trade fair for the lifestyle, decoration and design sectors, M&O has become the not-to-be-missed event over the past 25 years for industry professionals seeking clever design solutions to help attract and retain customers. This edition is set to celebrate the art of hospitality, sharing and savouring. The perfect opportunity for professionals to explore new concepts, make new contacts and discover thousands of brands. To help café owners, hoteliers and restaurateurs, a special trail is dedicated to focusing on their specific needs. Not only will the trail enable them to explore cookware and tableware solutions, but it will also invite them to discover design pieces and furniture that suit the hotel and restaurant trade’s specific usage needs, such as customisation.
This September, the event will also be turning the spotlight on a brand new theme: WORK! Uniting the entire sector and expressing today’s new art of working, the upcoming event encourages office designers take a fresh approach to the workspace through creative selection of furniture and decorative objects. The very best furnishings for today’s offices and work spaces will be showcased in a dedicated zone, accompanied by a special WORK! trail pinpointing all the exhibitors offering work-related design solutions.
Image by THG Paris
18th September
SBID Breakfast Meeting with THG Paris – London, United Kingdom
SBID Breakfast Meetings aim to bring together relevant industry professionals to facilitate business networking and partnerships between designers and suppliers. The upcoming Breakfast Meeting on Wednesday 18th September 2019 will be hosted by the manufacturer of luxury, design-oriented bathroom and kitchen fittings, THG Paris in Belgravia, London.
To attend or register your interest in attending, please email [email protected]
Held on 14th – 22nd September 2019, London Design Festival is an annual event, designed to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world and as the gateway to the international creative community. The event stages several major trade shows, known as ‘Design Destinations’ throughout the week. These are the commercial pillars of the Festival and are key meeting places for designers, manufacturers, buyers, specifiers, the media and design enthusiasts to discover new product releases and identify current trends.
100% Design featuring Tapio Anttila Collection
18th – 21st September
100% Design – London, United Kingdom
2019 marks the 25th anniversary of 100% Design, the UK’s leading design trade event. Celebrating a quarter century of introducing some of the industry’s most influential designers, makers and producers, the 2019 show will present a stellar line-up of more than 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest products across furniture, lighting, textiles, glazing, surfaces, accessories and more. Striking installations, inspiring collaborations and innovative projects feature thought-provoking experiences and push the boundaries of design. 100% Design will again cover four key areas: Interiors; Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms; Emerging Brands and 100% Build London. The return of leading brands and presentations from new, emerging talent cement the show’s position as a cornerstone event of the London Design Festival.
New for this year, 100% Design will showcase ‘A Sense of Finland’ curated by Finnish/English designer Hanna Laikola, founder of HEMLO in collaboration with renowned Nordic brand Tapio Anttila Collection and Polar Life Haus. Voted the happiest country in the world for the second year running, the Finland pavilion will allow visitors to experience the sounds, sights, touch, smell and taste of Finland in the middle of London, showcasing the Finnish philosophy that simple things make us happy! Other key trends for 2019 are also set to appear with themes of wellness and upcycling taking centre stage.
London Design Fair featuring Armani/Roca
19th – 22nd September
London Design Fair – London, United Kingdom
The London Design Fair is set to open its doors to 29,000 visitors at the iconic Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch. With a host of new components, including The Bathroom Gallery in partnership with ELLE Decoration and Crossovers by Adorno, the event is set to present an inspirational, hand-picked line-up of superlative contemporary design, offering visitors a truly absorbing and informative experience. This highly creative exposition will once again transform the Old Truman Brewery into a thrilling centre of original, innovative and aesthetic design.
The Bathroom Gallery will be a bespoke exhibition for world-leading bathroom brands. The aim is to offer a highly-curated glimpse into the brands and products shaping bathrooms today. The bespoke exhibition design by acclaimed architectural designer Ioana Lupascu provides brands with the opportunity to transform a 20-square-metre space with six options of freestanding wall configurations. Adorno will present Crossovers: 10 curators, 10 collections, 10 global design scenes. As a celebration of designers and communities around the world striving to preserve and revitalise local design and craft cultures, Kristian Snorre Andersen, the CEO of Adorno, remarks: ‘The show will highlight the aesthetic traits and beauty of each scene, facilitating a cross-cultural dialogue”, showcasing collections from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Mexico and Turkey.
Designjunction 2019 Image Credit: Ruth Ward
Designjunction – London, United Kingdom
The award-winning interiors show, designjunction, is returning to King’s Cross during the London Design Festival, 19 – 22 September 2019. Now in its ninth year, designjunction has proven itself to be the most anticipated event of the Festival, attracting over 27,000 visitors across four days in 2018. This year, designjunction will present a curated mix of over 100 world-renowned furniture, lighting, accessory and technology brands alongside installations, pop-up-shops, temporary structures and major brand activations. These features are set across several key areas throughout the Kings Cross Design District including Cubit House, the Light tunnel, Kings Boulevard and The Canopy.
The event’s theme for 2019, (Re)act calls upon exhibitors to act as agents of change, to react to issues and re-imagine opportunities whilst re-connecting with their audiences. The 2019 exhibitors will create challenging products and activations which encourage visitors this year to think differently about the world we are living in and the spaces we inhabit.
This year, designjunction have also launched a brand-new Talks programme at the Everyman Cinema in King’s Cross sponsored by Clippings. Set against the millennial-pink backdrop of the cinema and curated by design and architecture writer and commentator Grant Gibson, the two-day platform (Thursday 19 – Friday 20 September) is set to challenge, provoke and engage with an eclectic range of topical issues that include sustainability and the circular economy; the relationship between dyslexia and design; the need for increased diversity in design; and the importance of wellbeing at work.
Click here to view the entire Talks programme or register now for your ticket.
As the design industry begins to settle into the swing of Summer and event activity seems to take a breather for the upcoming month, we’re sharing some exciting design events on the agenda to consider adding to your calendar this July. If you want to uncover the latest and freshest talent to hit the UK design scene; make industry connections with leading suppliers at B2B networking events; or take an exclusive factory tour with SBID’s South Coast Stone Summer Open Day, scroll to discover more.
3rd – 6th July
New Designers 2019 Part 2 – London, United Kingdom
Full of disruptive thinking, ambitious ideas and fresh approaches, New Designers presents the work of 3,000 hand-picked graduate design talents from around the country. Hosted at London’s Business Design Centre 26 June – 29 June & 3 – 6 July, the show explores every discipline of modern making. The event has become one of the industry’s most integral design events which gathers the brightest and most radical new creative minds under one roof to launch the next generation of thinkers, makers and disruptors into the UK design scene.
New Designers has been championing the work of young designers for over 30 years and its long-standing reputation attracts a high-profile audience of nearly 20,000, all hoping to establish relationships with young emerging designers.
3rd July
Turkish Building Materials – London, United Kingdom
Turkish Building Materials is a “meet the supplier event” that introduces 11 Turkish manufacturers to the British architecture, design and construction industry. The event is sponsored by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade. The participation is complimentary to invited buyers and all Quality in Construction Summit delegates. The participation includes one-to-one meetings with suppliers that can supply the high-quality materials for all construction and interior design projects and a networking lunch organised within the Quality in Construction Summit.
Email [email protected] to register your interest in attending
4th July
James Latham x XYLOCLEAF Launch Event – Manchester, United Kingdom
Italian design is renowned the world over – unique, stylish, refined and subtle. This July, James Latham introduce a new collaboration with a collection of finishes from the exclusive XyloCleaf decorative surfaces range. All designed in Milan to the highest quality standards, it can be used for any kind of interior furniture and furnishings. To celebrate, James Latham and XyloCleaf will host a preview event in homage to one of Italy’s favourite traditions – aperitivo. Enjoy an evening reviewing the portfolio in James Latham’s Manchester Showroom from 4pm – 7pm on Thursday 4 July.
RSVP to [email protected]
17th July
Designs from the Past, Inspirations for the Future (SBID Accredited CPD Talk & Tour) – Maidenhead, United Kingdom
Interested in textiles and prints? If so, join this CPD talk and guided tour on the origin and history of the Textile Design Archive held by the John Lewis Partnership in their Heritage Centre based in Maidenhead. Starting at 11am, this talk focuses on historic textile printing techniques, the work of reputable designers and how these have inspired more recent designs and products. This is followed by a Q&A session with a John Lewis Partnership Archivist then a guided tour of the Heritage Centre including the textile gallery where the original artworks for many designs from c1800 onwards are displayed.
18th July
SBID South Coast Stone Summer Open Day – Poole, United Kingdom
SBID Regional Director and Design Director of KTM Design, Katie Thomas will be hosting an event in collaboration with South Coast Stone on Thursday 18 July at 1pm. Specialising in the importation, fabrication and installation of all types of natural and engineered stone and ceramic tiling, South Coast Stone have worked on many technically challenging and creative commercial projects for some of the country’s leading enterprises. Offering attendees a guided tour of the full working factory, the event provides a chance to network and meet stone suppliers; as well as the opportunity to view all the finest and highest quality slabs and materials on offer at South Coast Stone. Food and drinks will also be available throughout the day.
If you’re still on the hunt for design inspiration and innovation to spark your imagination, we’re sharing a selection of design events to add to your agenda for June; helping to put a spring in your step this Summer as you set foot on new project territory for the year ahead. London Festival of Architecture introduces its new theme of ‘boundary’ for 2019, whilst San Francisco Design Week draws the focus to the sense of ‘commUNITY’. Scroll to discover more!
1st – 30th June
London Festival of Architecture – London, United Kingdom
The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) will take place from 1–30 June, featuring exhibitions and installations, talks and debates, open studios, tours, family activities, film screenings, student shows and architecture evenings which focus on the importance of architecture and design in London today. The London Festival of Architecture is Europe’s biggest annual architecture festival.
The theme for 2019 is ‘boundary’: of people, buildings, places and experiences. The metaphorical, physical and literal connotations of ‘boundary’ will be explored through architecture and its multitude of forms across the capital. From exhibitions, installations, open studios, talks and debates, to cycle rides and guided walking tours across renovated London estates, London Festival of Architecture celebrates the many meanings of boundary.
6th – 7th June
The Wellness and Biophilia Symposium – Watford, United Kingdom
How can nature-inspired design foster office occupant wellness? What are the key interventions that can capitalise on the return on investment in an office refurbishment? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this launch event for BRE’s Biophilic Office, a world leading research project to gather the evidence for the impacts on people and business of nature-inspired design and technology. Featuring an array of speakers on biophilic design at the immersive and interactive two-day event, guests will be given exclusive site tours to ‘biophilic’ themed satellite projects and showcases in the nearby Greater London area. Click here for the programme.
SBID members can claim 20% discount to attend, just register using your unique discount code.
Email [email protected] to request your code
20th – 28th June
San Francisco Design Week – San Francisco, USA
Collaborations among creative professionals are on the rise, creating a dynamic community of purpose in today’s complex world. This year, San Francisco Design Week (SFDW) returns, June 20 – 28 at Pier 27, announcing its 2019 theme: CommUNITY. CommUNITY highlights inventive new services, products and experiences that affect the daily lives of billions of people
The community event is organised by AIGA San Francisco, the professional association for design in partnership with industry organisations IDSA, the Center for Architecture and AIA, SFFAMA and IXDA. The eight-day celebration highlights San Francisco as the world’s most influential design centre, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with the region’s thriving design industry. Over 350 events across the San Francisco Bay Area, from Silicon Valley to San Francisco, will be promoting dynamic design-led ideas from more than 60 partners.
26th – 28th June
Design Tokyo 2019 Design Products Fair – Tokyo, Japan
Design Tokyo is one of Japan’s leading design events and trade show for “marketable” design products, focusing on design products with a clear native market. All items showcased must pass a screening process by a panel of leading designers and stylists in order to be displayed at the fair; for this reason, Design Tokyo has become a popular choice for key buyers looking for fresh Japanese trends. The show attracts key buyers coming in flocks to find new vendors and see what’s fresh in the design and lifestyle fields, providing the opportunity for new products to enter the design conscious market of Japan.
Cover image photo credit: BAMPFA 2019 – Masako Miki “Forest of Yokai” (shapeshifters)
Following another successful Design Week in Milan which never fails to leave visitors short of fresh interior insight and new ideas for innovation, and as the industry recovers from the intensive overload of design inspirations at the annual Salone del Mobile, May has plenty more excitement in store. With the introduction of new formats, this year’s RetailEXPO will be unifying three leading retail shows; SBID will present essential networking opportunities with a tailored matchmaking event for Turkish Stone, as well as this month’s Business Breakfast Meeting with Wet Room Materials; and the eagerly-anticipated Clerkenwell Design Week will be celebrating its 10th edition in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture.
1st – 2nd May
RetailEXPO – London, United Kingdom
The RetailEXPO is Europe’s leading retail solutions show, which unifies three leading retail shows – RBTE, RDSE and RDE – into an exciting new single show event that mirrors the transformation within the retail industry. Taking place on 1 and 2 May 2019 at London Olympia, RetailEXPO will bring together more than 15,000 retailers, brands, tech exhibitors and retail design businesses. RetailEXPO gives retail and hospitality firms the insight, latest retail technology innovations and design inspiration to re-energise their businesses, enhance customer experience, and drive performance.
A reinvigorated conference programme brings together six streams of insightful content, presented by leading retailers and brands including Lego, Virgin Holidays, Naked Wines, Mamas and Papas and Asda. There will also be a TriED It Talks stage, which showcases how retailers and brands have worked with tech vendors and design businesses to create engaging shopping encounters that deliver enhanced customer experience.
2nd May
Turkish Stone in Projects – London, United Kingdom
This Business Matchmaking Event brings Turkish Stone companies and the British architecture, design and construction industry together at RIBA HQ. The event is a part of a trade delegation which is sponsored by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade and organised by Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association (IMIB) with the Society of British and International Design (SBID). Attendance is complimentary for Architects, Interior Designers, Contractors, Furniture Designers, Stone Consultants, Trade Associations and Chambers and includes a networking lunch and one-to-one B2B meetings with Turkish suppliers and natural stone installation companies.
With a varied palette of Turkish Stone from 14 natural stone installation and supply companies, materials to be exhibited include marble, granite, limestone, onyx and travertine. Suitable for all projects from flooring, cladding, hard landscaping and kitchens, to bathrooms, roofing, fireplaces, memorials and sculpture.
To register your interest in attending, email [email protected]
Mailbox by Design – Birmingham, United Kingdom
Mailbox by Design is a series of design and architecture events that brings together leading industry professionals based in the West Midlands. Register now to attend this edition on 2 May 2019 which focuses on Alternative Thinking with K4 Architects. Bob Ghosh RIBA, Founder and Director talks about the practice’s philosophy and unique approach to design. The narrative focuses on a number of case studies, which explore how historic layers are used to inform interventions and reinforce identity of place. The event will take place at Home at the Mailbox, Birmingham’s premiere destination for interiors and homes that houses brands including Heal’s, Calligaris and Made.com.
Register now
8th May
SBID Breakfast Meeting and CPD with Wet Room Materials – London, United Kingdom
This month, the next SBID Business Breakfast Meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th May 2019 at 9:00am, hosted by the suppliers of luxury Scandinavian inspired wet room solutions, Wet Room Materials in the Milliken Showroom, London. Wet Room Materials will also be presenting their official SBID Accredited CPD, ‘Scandinavian Wet Room Systems: Wet Room Design, Specification and Waterproofing’ to the audience of professional interior designers who gather with SBID to network and connect.
Interior designers or Architects interested in attending can email [email protected] to register their place!
19th – 22nd May
ICFF – New York, USA
For over 30 years, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) has built a solid reputation as North America’s platform for global design. Over 900 exhibitors from across the globe showcase the newest frontier of what’s best and what’s next for luxury interior design to more than 38,000 attendees in the design industry. Expanding with the market it serves, ICFF has more than doubled in the past three editions and become more international in composition. Architects, interior designers, developers and visual merchandisers assemble to find new, unique ideas and concepts and to find inspiration and innovation which fuels the high-end interiors marketplace. The Fair is also a resource for thousands of retail buyers representing the best in luxury retail establishments.
21st – 23rd May
Clerkenwell Design Week – London, United Kingdom
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is London’s leading design district and an important part of the global design calendar, taking up residency in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture. Set across seven exhibition spaces, CDW venues include fabric, The House of Detention, St. James Church and Spa Fields. Each venue reflects the unique nature of this culturally rich area, with leading UK and international companies exhibiting and launching new products during Clerkenwell Design Week. From luxury interiors to innovative lighting, emerging talent and the best of British brands, the exhibition spaces at CDW encompass every facet of design.
This year sees Clerkenwell Design Week celebrate its 10th edition. Exhibiting new designs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Established & Sons to Fritz Hansen’s exhibition in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects and an outdoor cooking space serving food by Kitchen Architecture, CDW’s 10th edition is a show full of celebration and achievement. For CDW Presents’ 10 year anniversary, visitors can expect exciting street spectacles, including Once Upon A Time; collaborating with UAL and in partnership with Landsdown’s London, Graphic Design Communication students create a series of vibrant, graphic installations inspired by the stories relating to the significant locations.
This month the design industry turns once again to Milan for another year of the innovative, trend-setting edition of Milan Design Week 2019. Launching the 58th exhibition of Salone del Mobile.Milano which is set to dominate design news in the realm of interiors and furniture as professionals world-wide flock to Milan, SBID have 10 3-day pass tickets exclusively for SBID members to win! What’s more, the SBID Awards has officially announced its plans to open this April, with some exciting news up its sleeve..
SBID International Design Awards launches in April with a brand new website in anticipation of global expansion!
With the 2019 edition of the SBID International Design Awards due to open next month and an expansion of international awards planned; organisers have announced their plans to launch with a brand new responsive website. The website has been redesigned to not only cope with higher entry demand, but also perform with improved functionality and enriched content, so entrants will be able to seamlessly submit their projects with ease from any device.
Last year saw one of the most globally represented editions to date, with more entries than ever before and an astounding 225,000 unique public votes. With industry talent from over 42 countries across the globe, and winning projects hailing from the UK, South Africa, China, New Zealand, Canada, China and Dubai; organisers are progressing with plans for international expansion. This year also brings brand new additions to the revered panel of judges including Director of Architecture at Burberry, Associate Director at the Guggenheim Museum and Director at Jacobs; the full line-up and new additions will be announced soon.
9th – 14th April
Salone del Mobile. Milano 2019 – Milan, Italy
The 58th edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano will be held from 9 to 14 April at Rho Fiera Milano. In the wake of the ‘new approach’ launched with the Manifesto in 2018, the Salone is putting the spotlight this year on both the centrality of Milan, which continues to garner international plaudits and recognitions, and on the creative capacity and generosity of spirit of the industrial network that underpins it and works to deliver global excellence.
The exhibition showcases endless approaches to furniture and design from all around the world and is the most prestigious place for designers to display their new products. The press conference for the 58th edition of the Salone del Mobile at the Triennale di Milano, was the harbinger of much important news. From the addition of a new term in the Manifesto launched last year, to new exhibition formats at Workplace3.0 and S.Project, alongside two great installations dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci in the city and fairgrounds; as well as a three-year collaboration with the Teatro alla Scala Foundation.
SBID have launched a competition exclusively for SBID members with the opportunity to win tickets to the world-renowned trade event, Salone del Mobile. In collaboration with FLA Eventi, 10 lucky winners will receive a free 3-day pass to the 58th edition of the event held from the 9 – 14 April at Rho Fiera, Milan.
Enter now
10th April
To celebrate SBID’s 10 Year Anniversary, iDOGI are hosting an SBID Cocktail Party at Salone del Mobile
iDOGI® are the highest expression of luxury chandeliers and unique pieces of artistic lighting. The best Venetian glassmaking heritage matched with lasting design and masterly handcrafted. Their fully tailor made creations are precious works of art, seeing their lighting creations shine in the most prestigious interiors around the world. In celebration of SBID’s 10 Year Anniversary, iDOGI will be dedicating a Special Cocktail Party on Wednesday 10 April during Salone del Mobile at 5pm in xLux Hall 4, Stand C05, D02.
All SBID Members are invited to attend this exclusive event. RSVP via email before Monday 8 April to register your place!
Euroluce – Milan, Italy
Euroluce is the world-renowned biennial lighting exhibition that puts people back at the centre of lighting design; the International Lighting Exhibition, has been running every two years since 1976 and presents the most innovative solutions in the field of light for interiors and exteriors. The trade show exists as an important bridge between the lighting and furniture industry, bringing a whole new perception of what lighting can enhance the look of the space as a design element. The event, which is considered the global benchmark for cutting-edge technologies and design culture, is the most anticipated lighting mega exhibition for lighting manufacturers, designers, architects, dealers and sellers who seek to strike a harmonious balance between lighting products’ twin values – functionality and emotion.
30th April – 2nd May
The Natural Stone Show 2019 – London, United Kingdom
The Natural Stone Show remains the only UK exhibition and conference dedicated to natural stone. Thousands of architects, designers, developers, stonemasons, wholesalers and retailers will flock to London’s ExCeL to see exhibitors from across the globe and enjoy 3 days of seminars; each seeking inspiration and advice for their next stone project. Designed to showcase the extraordinarily varied palette offered by Stone from around the world and the Best of British Stone, sourced from over 200 exhibitors.
As momentum in the design industry builds, March is set to kick off with some of the most prestigious and globally-anticipated design trade shows and events for 2019; attended by all walks of industry professionals from Architects, specifiers and designers to buyers, property developers and retailers – we look toward Shanghai, Singapore and London to set the standard of design for the year ahead.
5th – 7th March
Futurebuild 2019 – London, United Kingdom
Futurebuild 2019 brings together opinion-shapers, decision-makers and product innovators under a common purpose to explore the latest technologies and approaches, and debate the biggest issues facing the built environment. Whether you’re an architect, designer, consultant, energy or sustainable manager, Futurebuild 2019 will provide you with insight, innovation and inspiration in a packed three day programme including an exhibition of future-focused brands, a conference, seminars, workshops, showcases and much more!
Win a 3 month internship with Get me 2 the Top UK 2019, now open for entries!
Three interior design students have the opportunity to win an internship at leading London design studios as SBID launches its latest student design contest. Design studios include 1.61 London, Crawford Partnerships and one more to come. Dr Vanessa Brady OBE comments: “The knowledge and insights that students receive during a three-month internship are immeasurable in terms of career and employment opportunities”.
Find out more
6th – 9th March
Design Shanghai 2019 – Shanghai, China
Showcasing the best design brands and galleries from across the globe, Design Shanghai provides a unique and exciting platform to network and establish long-term business relations with Asia’s top architects, interior designers, property developers, retailers and private buyers. Design Shanghai will be returning to the stunning Shanghai Exhibition Centre from 6-9 March 2019, celebrating its 6th anniversary with exciting new content. Set across five remarkable design halls, Design Shanghai 2019 is set to be the biggest and best yet.
9th – 12th March
IFFS Singapore 2019 – Singapore
At Asia’s premier furniture sourcing platform and design-led exhibition, the IFFS International Furniture Fair, which will take place in the exhibition centre of Singapore, furniture of all kinds and for all rooms including office and garden furniture, lamps and decorative accessories are presented by well-known exhibitors. To enhance its industry-leading position as the region’s top furniture trade exhibition, IFFS remains committed to curate a multi-sensorial show experience that introduces technology, celebrates design and facilitates connections.
10th – 15th March
London Design Week 2019 – London, United Kingdom
For one week in March, London becomes the design capital of the world as interior designers, architects, taste makers and magpies from across the globe flock to the capital for London Design Week 2019. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or a style-seeker with a passion for ingenuity, you’ll love exploring the various booths and stands housed under the famous glass dome of the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. London Design Week prides itself on showcasing collection launches from the best in stylish innovation, with products ranging from fabric and furniture, to carpet and kitchens.
12th March
The Psychology of Colour at LDW with Sophie Robinson and Martha Roberts – London, United Kingdom
Taking place during London Design Week at the Victoria + Albert Baths showroom, interior designer and co-host of The Great Indoors podcast, Sophie Robinson, alongside journalist, author and colourphile Martha Roberts of The Colour File will host a richly inspiring discussion on the use of colour in the home. Learn about the power of Colour Psychology and how it can transform the way a room feels, as well as looks.
25th – 29th March
Latin America and the Caribbean UK Roadshow – Multiple locations
The Latin America and the Caribbean UK Roadshow (LATAC Roadshow) is the ideal event for experienced UK exporters to gain an insight into business opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Department for International Trade (DIT) will bring together senior experts from Latin America and the Caribbean to update UK companies on the latest opportunities in these promising markets. The Latin America and Caribbean region is home to over 650 million people where growing economies are demanding ever-higher quality products and services. British companies have seen their business expand in the region in recent years, with the expectation that this growth to continue.
Register now or find out more
January is coming to a close, so it’s time to shake off those January Blues and look for new inspiration and fresh motivation for the month ahead with our round-up of design industry news and the upcoming events that should be on your radar as we enter into February.
5th – 7th February
Surface Design Show – London, United Kingdom
For architects and designers the Surface Design Show has become an essential date in the calendar. Billed as the only event in the UK that focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces, the Surface Design Show is an opportunity to meet suppliers and experience innovative and exciting materials. For this years exhibition, Porcelain Tiles Ltd will be showcasing their TAILOR-MADE Collection and demonstrating the versatility of porcelain as an exciting and practical surface material!
Discover more
5th – 9th February
Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair – Stockholm, Sweden
The Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is brimming with the latest innovations within interior design and lighting for both homes and public spaces. New products, new materials, new knowledge, new trends and new environmental and technological solutions are displayed in a both informative and inspirational manner.
Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair has also initiated 25h Design, a new design festival open to the public. Starting on Friday 8 February at 4:00 pm, Stockholm’s design scene will offer events and workshops for the public. Mingle and be inspired together with other design enthusiasts. On Saturday 9 February, the fair will open its doors to the public, offering everyone the opportunity to come see the newest products before they arrive in stores.
Get me 2 the Top UK competition for first and second year design students will launch with new categories!
The Society for British & International Design will be opening their annual ‘Get Me 2 The Top’ internship competition – offering students the chance to work in one of three leading London Interior Design studios for 3 months this summer! Get Me 2 The Top, now in its third year, was developed to find innovative and talented first and second year University students. The competition has been created to offer students the opportunity to develop key relationships and give them the tools and advice they need to kick-start their careers whilst studying.
The categories have now been split into specialised sectors of the Interior Design Industry and students will be asked to complete a ‘project task’, selecting the project brief from either Residential Design, Public Space Design or Product Design. Each task has been set by this year’s judges; Hospitality Designer, Hans Galutera;; Healthcare Interior Designer, Diana Celella; and SBID Founder and Interior Designer, Dr Vanessa Brady, OBE.
21st February
Mailbox by Design is a series of design and architecture events that brings together leading industry professionals based in the West Midlands. Register to attend on 21st February to hear Interior Designer and Project Manager, Suzanne Barnes from SBDP Ltd discuss relationships between Client, Architect, and Contractor to realise a residential project. Using a particular case study, she will identify the pitfalls and show how good collaboration can achieve a project to finish on time and on budget. The event will take place at Home at the Mailbox, Birmingham’s premiere destination for interiors and homes.
The UK Government opens up Tier 1 Visa for Architects
Architects now have the alternative option of applying for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa which had previously only been open to migrants working in digital technology, science, engineering, humanities and the arts. Fashion designers were recently added to the list and now architects can begin applying from 10 January 2019. RIBA chief executive, Allan Vallance said the move will allow the architecture industry to attract the international talent it needs and hopes that “architects across the world will seriously consider looking at applying to work in the UK on this route.”
SBID are pleased to offer SBID Members fast-track services when applying with the Immigration Advice Service if they are eligible for the Exceptional Talent / Promise visa category!
Read more about the visa or find out how to apply
20th – 22nd February
International Exhibition of Leather and Accessories – Milan, Italy
LINEAPELLE is the most important international exhibition dedicated to leather, accessories, components, synthetics and models for footwear, leather goods, garments and furniture. Launched in 1981, it has become the most qualified international exhibition of its kind. The event takes place twice a year, in February for the summer and September for the winter collections, at the Milan exhibition centre with the upcoming exhibition on Wednesday 20th February.
27th February
SBID Breakfast Meeting with Perrin & Rowe – London, United Kingdom
SBID Business Breakfast Meetings aim to bring together relevant industry professionals to facilitate business networking and partnerships. The upcoming Breakfast Meeting will be hosted by Perrin & Rowe; specialist manufacturers of the finest Kitchen and Bathroom Collections, designed with cutting-edge precision engineering, on the Wednesday 27th February.
Find out more or email [email protected] to register your interest in attending.
The 8th edition of Roca’s jumpthegap International Design Contest is now open for registrations
Jumpthegap is a biennial competition launched in 2004 by bathroom brand Roca in collaboration with the Barcelona Design Centre. The aim of the contest is for architects, designers and students to showcase their talent and submit new, innovative and sustainable concepts for the bathroom space of the future. Entrants are encouraged to use their vision and create conceptually futuristic and innovative bathroom solutions, whether it’s a new product, new space or even new uses and functions for the bathroom. This international design competition is open to students under 30 and professionals of architecture and design under 40. The three awards include €10,000 each for the professional and student categories and €6,000 for the special We Are Water Foundation prize.
This week SBID delved behind the scenes with one of our student design competition judges, Jane Hay, the International Managing Director for Christie’s Education. As students across the UK have been celebrating the announcement of the Designed for Business category finalists, revealed on Monday 29th October 2018, Jane shared her advice about curating creative careers and how she would choose to spend the £30,000 prize fund to help kick-start a career in the competitive industry.
Can you describe your current job?
I am the International Managing Director for Christie’s Education, a global division of the world’s leading art business, Christie’s.
Christie’s Education is a specialist provider of higher and continuing education, and an internationally recognised centre of academic excellence in the study of art business and the art market, art history and art world ecosystems, curating and connoisseurship. We offer master’s degrees in London and New York, and are dedicated to preparing students for entry into the art world, placing great importance on analytical skills, object-based learning, research and scholarship, and the practical experience of art and business as the keys to professional success. We also offer a wide range of continuing education opportunities, both online and on location in London, New York and Hong Kong, designed to introduce the fundamentals of art, collecting and art business.
What is your background and how did you get into your industry?
My father was an art teacher and latterly an antique dealer. Appreciation of art and design, and its role in creating our social fabric, was a theme running throughout my childhood. I was very lucky to secure a job at Christie’s by writing to them and asking if there were any positions available. Since then I’ve held several positions in the company, including Specialist, Auctioneer, Global Divisional Director and UK Managing Director of Christie’s. I have now been at Christie’s for thirty years, including six years at Christie’s Education.
Which people do you admire most in the industry and why?
I most admire those who have deep knowledge and expertise in their chosen field, are generous with that knowledge, and continue to look for ways to challenge and innovate.
How do you feel about being a judge for SBID’s new student design competition?
I welcome every opportunity to support young creatives. The Designed for Business student design competition should have a significant impact for the eventual winner’s career prospects, so I am excited to be part of it.
How did you find your judging experience?
We considered works of a very high standard from across all categories. I was impressed by the dynamism of the entrants and their ability to connect deeply and creatively with topical issues and to use their talents to communicate ideas in ways that could have real commercial potential.
What advice would you give a young designer starting out in the industry?
Immerse yourself in the creative hub in your city, live where the creative people live and work, and insert yourself into their world. Spend six months listening before you start selling yourself – you will learn a lot. Any job is better than no job; it’s about being there and gaining visibility. Be part of the conversation.
If you had won £30,000 just after graduating from University, what would you have done with it?
I would have rented live-work space in the creative hub I just referred to and got to work! There is no substitute for hard work.
Click here to find out more about this year’s Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website here for further announcements and information about this inaugural student design competition!
In keeping with the aim of global design excellence for the next generation, we gathered the world’s best experts across five competitive creative sectors to be judges in the SBID & BEOPEN Student Design Competition, Designed for Business. On Tuesday 18th September, we rounded up this panel of esteemed professionals to discuss, deliberate and decide on our fortunate finalists and lucky winners for each of the creative categories across Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Product Design, Art and Fashion. The finalists are set to be announced on Monday 29th October 2018!
Following our interview with the Founder of HG DesignWorks, Hans Galutera, we spoke with Architect and Courser Leader, Russell Gagg to discover what he has learned from working in architectural practice since the 90’s, before becoming a degree level educator.
I am currently Course Leader and Principal Lecturer of BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at the Arts University Bournemouth.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
Having graduated, I entered the Manchester architectural scene in the early ‘90s – an environment that was dynamic and highly competitive. The city was enjoying a re-birth and understood that the re-use of its industrial heritage was the best route to a sustainable future. At the time, a small number of practices shared this understanding and pushed themselves to create ever-more progressive architecture which would meet the demands of urban growth. Working for them was equally demanding but also rewarding, enabling young architects such as me to gain diverse and invaluable experience across a wide range of design. You were expected to learn quickly, be adaptable, resourceful and resilient and to meet deadlines; you were also expected to challenge the norm and take creative risks. It was tough – it still is tough – but it was worth it when you see people enjoying a city that you played a part in rebuilding.
Over a period of some fifteen years I worked in architectural practice in Manchester, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. After a year travelling around Central and South America we settled in New Zealand where I spent a short time in practice and then started teaching architecture at undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the Victoria University of Wellington.
This experience enabled me to apply for the leadership of the Interior Architecture and Design course at the Arts University, where I have been since 2006. It’s a great job in a dynamic institution and I share this with highly creative staff and students. Together we have grown and developed the course to become one of the largest and most progressive in the UK – a course which really challenges the accepted boundaries of what the “interior” can be.
There are many highly successful individuals and practices. What I most admire is the adaptability, dynamism and skills of the industry itself. Interior design practitioners are experts at understanding the potential of design opportunities and applying their creativity to grasp those opportunities – it really is the most exciting area of design.
How do you feel about being a judge for this new student design competition?
This is one of those opportunities. The SBID Design for Business student competition will have such an impact on the lives and careers of those who enter. For the winners, it could really be a game-changer.
It was such a pleasure to see such a high standard of work from across all the categories and to listen to the comments from design experts and industry leaders in those fields. I hope the students enjoyed their projects because the judges certainly enjoyed looking at them.
Patience. You have to work hard. Enjoy yourself when things go well and reflect critically when they do not. Accept that this all takes time and does not happen instantly. Working in the creative industries is immensely rewarding but that reward only comes to those who stick with it and keep working at it.
I would travel – there is no better inspiration.
Click here to find out more about this year’s Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website, here, for further announcements and information about this inaugural, life-changing student competition!
In keeping with the aim of global design excellence for the next generation, we gathered the world’s best experts across five competitive creative sectors to be judges in the SBID & BEOPEN Student Design Competition. On Tuesday 18th September, we rounded up this panel of esteemed professionals to discuss, deliberate and decide on our 15 fortunate finalists for each of the creative categories across Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Product Design, Art and Fashion. The finalists are set to be announced on Monday 29th October 2018!
We interviewed our judge; leading global hospitality Designer and Founder of HG DesignWorks, Hans J. Galutera to get insight on his experience within the industry. He shares his valuable advice for students and young designers alike who are about to embark on their journey into the diverse field of design.
Having worked on multiple public spaces on the largest cruise-liners and some of the most technological ships of the world, I am now focusing work on hotels – primarily restaurants, bars and lounges which are currently in construction in my hometown Melbourne, Australia. I am also working on a number of luxury residential properties in New York City and Asbury Park New Jersey.W
My background is in interior architectural design. I graduated from Melbourne College of Decoration in Australia and then further studied in the Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Interior Design Magna Cum Laude in FIT SUNY in New York City in the United States. I then apprenticed for prestigious high-end architectural design firms such as Daniel Romualdez Architects, CITE Design and Birch Coffey Design Associates. Shortly after in New York City Feb 2002, I established my own multidisciplinary firm with an Italian business partner to form BG Studio International Inc. which encompassed all aspects of design – from commercial and residential interiors to furniture, products, exhibitions, and graphics. In 2004, the studio began specializing in maritime hospitality design onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Enchantment of the Seas. This is the first ever lengthening project of a ship cut in half and rejoined to create revenue generating spaces for the second biggest owners of cruiseliners of the world. Since then, signature restaurants have been created for celebrity chefs on Celebrity Cruises Specialty Restaurants and largest ships of the world at the moment – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas just to name a few. My most memorable and ultimate best design was the Penthouse Suite with the prize-winning Celebrity Cruises Reflection of the Seas for the Society of British International Design awarded at the House of Lords in London, UK.
It really depends but in terms of inspiration I am always drawn to iconic legendary designers. I am an avid admirer of French designers such as Jean Michel Frank who is often known as a minimalist, but his layering of rich textures and luxurious materials give a sense of maximalism that makes his work so interesting and complex; Andre Arbus furniture designer, sculptor and architect; Jean Prouve whose furniture is a wonderful blend of architecture and engineering; and America’s William Haines for his courageous story as an actor turned interior designer, and one of the progenitors of interior design’s Hollywood Regency period. There are so many!
I think this design competition is quite unique as it combines all facets of creatives from fashion, product and interior design, but most importantly – the big cash prize which will really make a difference in a student’s life. It would be interesting to see the student’s career follow up and the amazing things that could potentially be life changing for the economy and perhaps the world with their design cleverness and solutions.
The judging experience was very well organised as it is always a challenge to carefully vet and decide on multiple criteria, especially with the various design categories. Also I think having the judges reconvene and continue to debate the comparative merits of each design project is a wonderful way to reaffirm the final prize winner.
Travel, Educate, Absorb Culture! Be humble and watch out for your ego. It is the number one obstacle that stops you as pride will always get in the way and then you head for a great big stumble. After over 20 years of doing this, I am still learning that. And finally, as the old cliche says – “do what you love and you will never work another day in your life…”
If I had won that top prize, the first thing I would do is pay off my student loans and if there is any left then I’d book a holiday to my favourite vacation spot!
Click here to find out more about this year’s Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website, here, for further announcements and information about this inaugural student design competition!
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