Skip to main content

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of Dubai Council, registrations are now open for Downtown Design, the region’s leading fair for high-end and quality design. The fair returns this November and will take place in its purpose-built venue on the waterfront terrace in Dubai Design District (d3).

David Ross, Director, Downtown Design, comments: “With the return to a live, in-person edition of the fair this November, coinciding with demand for interior design and architecture services at levels not seen across the region for many years, Downtown Design will provide a perfectly timed, exciting and purposeful platform to reconnect the industry and celebrate original and high-quality design.”

Downtown Design Dubai

When: 8-12 November 2021

Where: Dubai Design District (d3) waterfront, United Arab Emirates

SBID Members can access exclsuive brand activations & tours with the Trade Connect Programme. Email [email protected] to find out more.

2021 event highlights

Over the past decade, Dubai has established itself as the design capital of the region, with Downtown Design as a key meeting point bringing together the region’s interior designers and architects who this year are enjoying a post-pandemic boom, fuelled by some of Dubai’s highest property sales in 12 years.

The fair will showcase more than 150 international and regional exhibiting brands and designers, complemented by extensive collateral activities that include an interactive talks programme featuring global industry experts, conceptual exhibitions by leading designers and interactive installations.

A key feature of Dubai Design Week, the fair will host brands from over 20 countries as well as major national representations from European countries including Austria, France, Hungary, Italy and Spain. Downtown Editions, the fair’s boutique section dedicated to limited-edition and bespoke design, will once again uncover the latest in design by individual designers, studios and creative collaborations, with a spotlight on the region.

Samer Bou Rjeily Table

Brands and designers

Downtown Design will showcase the latest global interior design trends, ideas and inspirations featuring over 150 leading international and regional brands, with highlights including furniture from LEMA, Minotti, Giorgetti and Vitra; textiles from Illulian, Kvadrat and Verdi; major kitchen and bathrooms brands including Grohe, Villeroy & Boch, Laboratorio Mattoni and RAK Ceramics as well as lighting brands including Lasvit from the Czech Republic, Baranska Design from Poland and Shakúff from the USA.

The Italian national presentation, ‘Luxury Interiors – The Art of Italian Design’ from ICE, will be the largest in the fair’s history, featuring over 40 Italian companies showcasing their latest work whilst the French presentation by Business France will bring fine examples of the ‘Art de Vivre’ – with over 15 companies that combine traditional savoir-faire with avant-garde innovation. Spain’s design sector will present a united installation from ICEX with eight leading brands curated by Dubai-based Spanish architect Juan Roldán; WKO, Austria Economic Chamber will showcase seven leading homegrown furniture, lighting and accessories manufacturers and the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency will present the work of emerging national designers under their ‘Budapest Select’ umbrella brand.

Downtown Editions will present a boutique showcase of limited-edition and bespoke pieces from designers and brands including Aline Hazarian, The Line Concept, Nakkash Gallery and Zieta Studio alongside emerging regional creative talents. These individual exhibits will be complemented by a range of showcases uncovering the latest in design from the region, including The Beirut Concept Store, which will feature works by 50 established designers and emerging creatives based in Lebanon, while the UAE Designer Exhibition 2.0 is set to unveil works by 25 emerging and undiscovered creative talents based and producing locally. The works of four designers selected by Tashkeel for the 2021 Tanween Programme will also be unveiled at the showcase.

Designkraft - Hallucination Collection

The Forum

The Forum at Downtown Design will host a series of compelling live interviews and discussions between leading regional and international architects, interior and product designers on each afternoon of the fair.

Staged in a dynamic amphitheatre specially designed by ema to promote interaction and engagement, The Forum is a space where professionals can engage in energising and candid design dialogue, with topics ranging from changing industry dynamics, behaviours and opportunities to how architecture and design can truly embody authenticity and place, and from implementing sustainability in the real world with real clients to placemaking and the future development of Middle Eastern cities.

International speakers contributing to the Forum include design studio founders Sebastian Herkner, Elliott Barnes, Gregory Gatserelia, Massimo Iosa Ghini and Adrien Gardère. In addition, Micael Calatrava, CEO of Calatrava International LLC, will discuss the current flow of their global projects with particular emphasis on their creation of the UAE Pavilion and the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

More than a dozen areas of key importance to the broad spectrum of visitors to Downtown Design will be addressed in panel discussions, with contributions from leading lights of the regional architecture and interior design community including Jonathan Ashmore, Founder & Principal Architect, ANARCHITECT; Laura Bielecki, Group Design Director, Ellington; Pallavi Dean, Founder & Creative Director, Roar; Andy Shaw, Managing Partner, AMA and Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter; Diane Thorsen, Design Director, Gensler and Isabel Pintado, SVP Design & Innovation, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

llulian Skyla - Design Collection

Installations and special features

Visitors will be immersed in an interactive installation at the entrance to the upcoming fair, which will bring together contemporary design and technology in a unique multisensory experience. Designed by award-winning Dubai-based studio NIU, the highlight of this year’s entrance will be an oversized mosaic clad caricature by artist Antonello Blandi, which will be decorated by Fantini Mosaici, one of Italy’s leading brands of hand-cut mosaics found in luxury boutiques, homes, hotels, and palaces. The installation will also be strategically illuminated with sustainable, innovative lighting from Artemide.

Dubai-based Broadway Interiors has designed The Lounge Bar for Downtown Design 2021, creating an eclectic, stimulating environment inspired by the Dubai landscape and vista. Situated in the main exhibition area, The Lounge Bar will provide another important yet informal meeting space for brands and buyers to connect, and comprises two distinct sections including an outdoor water-facing terrace.

Downtown Design will also give visitors the opportunity to comfortably network and foster contacts in The Lighthouse Café created by prominent Dubai-based practice Lulie Fisher Design Studio and inspired by Virginia Woolf and her Bloomsbury Set contemporaries. Featuring a large, boldly patterned and richly coloured mosaic feature wall by Trend Middle East, the café will include a custom-built bar counter clad in matching mosaics and topped by a timber canopy that will sit beneath the tented exhibition roof.

About Downtown Design

Downtown Design is the leading platform in the Middle East for the region’s trade professionals to discover original, high-quality design and the commercial centrepiece of Dubai Design Week. Alongside brand debuts, product launches and the latest collections from contemporary international and regional design brands, Downtown Editions, the fair’s boutique showcase for limited-edition design presents established and emerging designers, collectives and individual studios from around the world, with a spotlight on the Middle East.
Offering visitors a dynamic design experience, Downtown Design’s curatorial approach encompasses large-scale installations and specially commissioned projects by leading designers. The fair’s programme of talks, The Forum, annually brings global design leaders, strategists and editors together to discuss the industry’s most pressing matters.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories here, get in touch to find out more. 

Lorenzo Tondelli Collection is delighted to invite you to the official launch of Hyperborea: a contemporary and intuitive family of decorative pieces.

From 11 to 15 October, you will have the opportunity to preview the latest products, enjoy a private digital tour of the showroom and satisfy your curiosity: the event will be exclusively dedicated to you!

To ensure everyone who will join the event the best possible experience, allow an exchange, and give you the opportunity to ask specific questions, Lorenzo Tondelli Collection has decided to host individual meetings, a moment dedicated to you and your team. For this reason, places are limited.

Booking your appointment is very easy: just go to the link below and choose your preferred date and time according to availability. You will receive an email with all the information you need to access the presentation.

For any enquiry: [email protected]

Book your place

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

19th – 22nd September

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.

Email [email protected] to register your interest in attending

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!

London Festival of Architecture event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

 

BRE Group event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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 

 

San Francisco Design Week event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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 AIASFFAMA 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.

 

Tokyo Design Week event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

RetailEXPO event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

 

Turkish Stone event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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]

 

Interior design and architecture event feature image for Mailbox by Design May 2019

2nd May

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

 

SBID Breakfast Meeting and CPD with Wet Room Materials event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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!

 

ICFF event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

 

Clerkenwell Design Week event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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 Awards 2019 event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

 

Salone del Mobile.Milano event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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

 

iDOGI SBID Cocktail Party event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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! 

Register now

 

Euroluce event image for SBID interior design events blog post

9th – 14th April

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.

 

The Natural Stone Show event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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!

 

Industry events news Get me 2 the Top UK student design competition launch

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.

Register now

 

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. 

Surface Design Show event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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

 

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

Discover more

 

SBID student design event for Get me 2 the Top competition

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.

 

Mailbox by Design event image for SBID interior design events blog post

21st February  

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 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.

Register now

 

Design event news with IAS government visa applications architect feature image

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

 

Lineapelle event image for SBID interior design events blog post

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.

Register now

 

Perrin & Rowe product feature for SBID interior design blog

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.

 

SBID design event for Roca jumpthegap international design competition

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.

Register now

An overview of some of the most essential interior design events over the past month.

Following the design extravaganza that was every designer’s dream at Salone del Mobile in April last month (read our Salone round-up here), we take a snapshot look at what design events May had to offer and still has in store for all the design professionals, students and enthusiasts among us who are keen to keep the momentum going after such a triumphant exhibition of the design industry’s latest products and trends in Milan.

10th May: London

Vectorworks Interior Desigfn Seminar - 10thMay

Interior Design Seminar with Vectorworks

Vectorworks are committed to developing the world’s best cross-platform CAD and BIM software, providing powerful tools to help designers capture their ideas, communicate effectively, and realise their vision with their innovative creative solutions. 

They hosted a free seminar to teach designers how to utilise the Vectorworks software and produce high quality visuals; covering the use of VectorworksArchitect and Renderworks to create plans, sections and elevations, as well as visualisations of interior design schemes. If you’re keen to continually develop your skills as an interior designer, making the most of free, valuable seminars like this is the best way to stay relevant and keep your finger on the pulse of an ever-evolving industry which is increasingly relying on technology to aid project development from concept to construction and improve the design process.

Check out other Vectorworks events, here, or catch one of their free webinars! Click here to find out more.

14th May: Birmingham

Diversity in Built Environment poster for interior design event

Diversity in the Built Environment

Whether you directly work in, are involved in, or simply interested in the built environment, whether it be through interior design, architecture, engineering or the wider construction industry, we all have a responsibility to make sure the profession is more diverse, inclusive, and representative of the societies and communities this line of work functions within.

“Inclusive design is a process of designing, building, managing and populating places and spaces that ensures that they work for as many people as possible.” – Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

The BDP Birmingham studio’s Kieren Majhail hosted a cross institute event to discuss diversity in the built environment with other hosts including Pinsent Masons, Birmingham Architectural Association, and Women in Property.  The subject is particularly topical as recently published gender pay gap figures suggest the construction industry needs to significantly improve in recruiting and retaining women, particularly at senior level, and that racial equality is potentially an even more prominent issue. A panel of guest speakers were brought together to discuss these issues and look at ways of improving diversity across the industry as a whole.

You can help support diversity in the built environment too by attending, engaging with and talking about events like this! Support BDP’s next event to promote and celebrate women in engineering on Friday 22nd June 2018. Click here to find out more.

16th May: London 

Interior design events designed for interior designers to network and connect at Hastens Beds showroom

Hästens Breakfast Meeting

The SBID Business Breakfast Meeting interior design events aim to bring together relevant industry professionals. Connecting prestigious designers or specifiers with high quality manufacturers to facilitate networking opportunities and encourage the development of professional partnerships to generate mutually beneficial business opportunities. This Breakfast Meeting was hosted the experts in handmade and ethically-sourced beds and bedding, Hästens Beds. The events are designed on a monthly basis so if you missed out this time, make sure you register your interest for the next Breakfast Meeting on 13th June 2018 with Poggenpohl to avoid disappointment.

SBID networking opportunities are exclusively available for SBID members. If you would like the chance to attend, find out how to become a member, here

22nd – 24th May: London

Clerkenwell Design Week showroom preview image for interior design event

Clerkenwell Design Week

This month will see the ninth edition of Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), one of the UK’s leading design events, take place from May 22-24th 2018 in EC1; the heart and home of design. As the annual focus for London’s leading design district, the festival programme has been created to reflect the unique nature of this vibrant London hub which is home to a plethora of creative businesses, design consultancies, showrooms and architectural practices. 2018 will again play host to hundreds of design events including design-led fringe events, a programme of showroom presentations, product launches, workshops, talks and public-facing installations. Activities will run over three days and follow a distinct trail from North to South, beginning at Spa Fields and stretching down to Farringdon.

Conversations at Clerkenwell

In partnership with Mapei UK, Conversations at Clerkenwell has become an integral arena to introduce and discuss new products, raise industry issues and network with fellow A&D professionals. Our SBID Colour Council Co-chair, Carolina Calzada Oliveira, will be among the high-calibre of speakers exploring current industry topics on 24th May 2018. She will be leading the conversation in a colour trends session about the influence of colour in different spaces and the practicalities of the colour blue through applied colour psychology, with a focus on interior designers and commercial projects.

Click here to find out more.

24th May: Paris 

Manufacturer Gallery Paris dedicated exhibition space for interior design industry professionals; decorators and architects

Manufacture Gallery Paris

Maison Images D’epinal and six other creative french workshops open a new showroom. On May 24, a new exhibition space dedicated to interior decorators and architects will open in the Marais in the former space of the renowned Zürcher contemporary art gallery. Seven French creative houses are joining forces to showcase their complementary savoir-faire and French craft excellence at the service of interior decorators and architects. Called the MANUFACTURE GALLERY PARIS and distributed throughout various different rooms, the showrooms offer visitors the opportunity to discover beautiful creations, tailor-made furniture, upholstery, table art, layout and decoration for hotels, palaces and private residences.

Discover more about the 7 exhibiting creative brands…

25th May: Berkshire 

Interior design event CPD for designers continual professional development

John Lewis CPD – Talk and Tour

Interested in textiles and prints? If so, you can 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 they have inspired more contemporary 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. Educate yourselves on the designs from the past, to give you inspirations for the future.

John Lewis for Business host their Talk and Tour CPD on multiple dates throughout the year. The next event will be held on the 20th June 2018. You can also see all the upcoming dates, here, or email [email protected] if you’re interested in attending.

Join SBID

Join SBID

Find out more about our flexible membership structure.

Apply Online