Focus/18 – Conversations in Design

Visitors can get top level insights at a carefully curated programme of talks and panel discussions on the main stage with influential figures as well as rising stars. They include Timothy Corrigan, Allegra Hicks, Manuel Flores-Vianna, Veere Grenney, Rabih Hage, Nina Campbell, Fran Hickman, Adam Bray, Karen Howes, David Bentheim, Edward Bulmer, Jonathan Tuckey, Charles Bateson, Claire Sa, Georgina Cave, Nicola Harding, Ab Rogers, Ariane Steinbeck, Andy Yuill, Emma Masters, Hugh Leslie, and Richard McConkey. 

These sessions are ticketed. BOOK TICKET

 

THE PERFECT INTERIOR: OBSERVATIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE POND
Hosted by Homes & Gardens
Sunday 16 September
11.30am – 12.30pm
Talk, First Floor, Design Centre East
An international panel of experts – Los Angeles and Paris-based tastemaker Timothy Corrigan, Adam Bray, founder of his eponymous studio and Claire Sa, co-founder of design and architecture practice De Rosee Sa – talk to Sarah Spiteri, editorial director of Homes & Gardens, about the changing design landscape in America and the UK. Sharing transatlantic commonalities, differences, influences and defining design directions, find out what it takes to mastermind a dream home. Join the panel as they discuss decorating styles that include eclectic, layered schemes, flexible, wellconsidered spaces and ways to mix European elegance with Californian cool. BOOK TICKET

PERSONAL SPACES: CREATING & CAPTURING TRUE STYLE
Hosted by Cabana 
Sunday 16 September
3pm – 4pm
Talk, First Floor, Design Centre East
In a rare opportunity, two renowned international tastemakers come together to offer a unique personal perspective. With an innate eye for beauty, acclaimed designer Allegra Hicks, whose eclectic textiles are recognised around the world, talks to editor-turned photographer Miguel Flores-Vianna. Instinctively evoking the spirit of place, his images present an entrée into the lives of global artists, artisans and aesthetes and the relationship they have with their homes. Expect revealing insights as Hicks and Flores-Vianna share and discuss what informs and inspires their passion to create and capture highly individual interiors. BOOK TICKET

PAST PRESENT, FUTURE: REIMAGINATION AND RENEWAL
Tuesday 18 September
11.30am – 12.30pm
Talk, First Floor, Design Centre East
Three leading advocates from the worlds of design and architecture – Jonathan Tuckey, Rabih Hage and Edward Bulmer – discuss the creative challenges of working with historic buildings. What responsibility do architects and designers have to preserve the old and how can our architectural heritage be sympathetically adapted for 21stcentury living? Join the panel as they talk to writer Charlotte Abrahams about how they reimagine the past to create dynamic, intelligent spaces for the present and the future.  BOOK TICKET

VEERE GRENNEY: HOW I DECORATE
Hosted by House & Garden
Tuesday 18 September
3pm – 4pm

Talk, First Floor, Design Centre East
Veere Grenney, one of the most respected names in English decoration, talks to House & Garden editor Hatta Byng about his unique approach to classical British design. New Zealand-born Grenney has been creating immaculately tailored interiors for over thirty years, working on a portfolio of international projects from beach houses in Mustique to townhouses in New York. Join him on fascinating journey that brought him to the London design scene in the 1970s, looking at the key influences in his early career and exploring the success of his design aesthetic – elegance, simplicity and comfort – which has earned him such critical acclaim.
Followed by a Book Signing at 4pm -Veere Grenney will sign copies of his new book Veere Grenney: On Decorating: A Point Of View. BOOK TICKET

ELEGANCE AND EASE: AN EVER-EVOLVING STYLE
Hosted by Country Life
Wednesday 19 September
11.30am – 12.30pm
Talk, First Floor, Design Centre East
Nina Campbell, the doyenne of British interior design, is defined by her wit, flair and unparalleled versatility. In conversation with Giles Kime, interiors editor and author of a new book about Nina, she offers an exclusive glimpse into some never-been-seen-before projects, which span the globe from high profiles commissions in New York and Los Angeles to a pied-a-terre in Rome. From pared-back glamour to bold plays of scale and modern use of colour and texture, they are as welcoming as they are comfortable and stylish. Join this legendary influencer as she shares secrets of a 50-year illustrative career that is not only constantly evolving but completely current.
Followed by a Book Signing at 12.30pm – Nina Campbell will be signing copies of her new book, Nina Campbell, Interior Decoration: Elegance and Ease. BOOK TICKET

HOTELS SET SAIL
Hosted by Sleeper
Wednesday 19 September

3pm – 4pm
Talk, First Floor, Design Centre East
The hospitality industry is evolving unlike ever before. Operators are seeking to strengthen their brands through investment in non-traditional hospitality models, while specialist hotel designers are bringing their expertise to the world of luxury travel. Sleeper editor Catherine Martin speaks to Andy Yuill, managing director of SMC Design, Ariane Steinbeck, managing director of RPW Design and Emma Masters, associate, Richmond International to discuss the challenges and opportunities of designing hotels on water, and find what seafaring vessels can learn from their static, landlocked counterparts. Followed by drinks in the Summit Furniture showroom. BOOK TICKET

INFLUENCES AND INFLUENCERS
Thursday 20 September 11.30am – 12.30pm
TALK, First Floor, Design Centre East
In a fast-paced modern world where a mix of cultural, economic and societal factors collide, three acclaimed designers – David Bentheim, founder of Bentheim, Fran Hickman of her own eponymous studio, and Karen Howes, founder and CEO of Taylor Howes – discuss the influences and influencers which have had a profound impact on their work. How do they help to develop and refine their current perspective? From major art movements to the new digital democracy, discover a panorama of inspirations that shape, challenge and characterise their design aesthetic. Moderated by design writer Henrietta Thompson. BOOK TICKET

DISTINCTIVE INTERIORS: HOW TO DECORATE WITH A DIFFERENCE
Hosted by Livingetc
Thursday 20 September, 3pm – 4pm

TALK, First Floor, Design Centre East
Everyone wants a home that is beautifully decorated and works effortlessly. But getting the design right is only just the start. Inspiring spaces also reflect the owner’s personality with a playful use of colour, texture and pattern, combined in a cohesive yet uniquely indefinable whole. Livingetc’s executive editor, Neil McLennan is joined by three acclaimed experts who each bring a fresh approach to decorating, with work that is creative, exciting and speaks of the client rather than the designer. Nicola Harding, founder of Harding & Read, Charles Bateson of his eponymous studio and Georgina Cave, founder of Cave Interiors, explore how they bring imaginative flair by throwing out the rule book and embracing individual style with passion and humour.  BOOK TICKET

COLOURING DESIGN
Friday 21 September, 11.30am – 12.30pm
TALK, First Floor, Design Centre East
Ab Rogers, founder of Ab Rogers Design, Richard McConkey from architecture and interiors practice, Universal Design Studio and interior designer Hugh Leslie of his eponymous studio discuss the creative challenges of working with colour. What impact does the use of colour have on their work – whether in private or public buildings – and how do they keep it relevant as well as inspiring? Expect engaging and animated perspectives as they share invaluable insights, revealing how they create contemporary, timeless spaces with visual impact. Moderated by Sarah Miller, CEO of Sarah Miller & Partners.  BOOK TICKET