CONNECT WITH ‘MASTERS OF DESIGN’

This year’s Conversations in Design talks, all in TALK Lecture Theatre, Third Floor, South Dome, provide privileged perspectives from some of the industry’s leading lights. Speakers include Beata Heuman, Carole Annett, Charlotte Abrahams, Elnaz Namaki, Emily Todhunter, Emma Pocock, Giles Kime, Hatta Byng, Hannah Lohan, Helen Barrett, Ivaylo Lefterov, James Lohan, Jay Grierson, Jeremy Grove, Kate Burnett, Kristofer Thomas, Martin Hulbert, Michelle Ogundehin, Mike Fisher, Olga Polizzi, Patrick Frey, Peter Mikic, Pip McCormac, Rita Konig, Samantha Todhunter, Sheena Murphy, Tatjana von Stein and Tom Bartlett.

To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

Lecture Theatre for Conversations in Design talks at London Design Week 2020

EVERY ROOM SHOULD SING: THE SECRET OF INTUITIVE INTERIOR DESIGN
Sunday 8 March
11.30am – 12.30pm
Hosted by Homes & Gardens
Swedish-born Beata Heuman has emerged as one of the UK’s most respected interior designers. Her playful, harmonious style is informed by her Scandinavian heritage, skilfully mixing the bold and theatrical with classical restraint. With an intuition for colour and detail, and the ability to draw inspiration from sources past and present, she shares her approach to creating imaginative spaces with acting editorial director Pip McCormac.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

GROW YOUR BUSINESS. THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE: PUSHING CREATIVE BOUNDARIES
Sunday 8 March
3pm – 4pm

Three leading designers – Tom Bartlett of Waldo Works, Tatjana von Stein, joint founder of Sella Concept and Peter Mikic of his eponymous studio – put the spotlight on the balance between creative fulfilment and running a successful business. Each is celebrated for their experimental mindset, but how do they achieve the realisation of their highly inventive concepts while satisfying the needs of the client? From conceiving a luxury penthouse, designing pop-up ‘living rooms’ for Netflix and Google to reimagining homes in the Balearics, join them as they reflect on the challenges of creating compelling interiors in a highly competitive market. Chaired by writer Charlotte Abrahams.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

INSIDE THE MIND OF MASTER AND MAVERICK
Monday 9 March

3pm – 4pm
Hosted by FT How To Spend It
Patrick Frey, patriarch of renowned Parisian design house Pierre Frey, has a unique vision that challenges the norm. Relentlessly curious and an ardent traveller, he has a daring and optimistic approach that encourages us to consider the limitless possibilities of design. He shares his insights with Michelle Ogundehin, writer, design consultant and TV presenter, delving into what drives his imagination – from collaborations with cutting-edge artists to explorations of world cultures – and examining how he creates fabric and wallpapers that joyfully break the rules and shape the future of interiors.

To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

GROW YOUR BUSINESS: HOW TO THINK BIGGER
Tuesday 10 March

11.30am – 12.30pm
Hosted by FT House & Home
Sharing how they made the leap from small practice to growing studio, three acclaimed interior designers explore their business success. Mike Fisher founder of Studio Indigo, Samantha Todhunter of her eponymous studio and Emily Todhunter of Todhunter Earle reflect on their journey from fledgling designer to thriving, creative business leader. Expect personal insight, sage advice and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit as the panel delve into their rule books, revealing the pivotal decisions and shrewd strategies instrumental in growing their now well-established, dynamic studios. Chaired by editor Helen Barrett.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

OLGA POLIZZI: DESIGNER, HOTELIER, TASTEMAKER
Tuesday 10 March

3pm – 4pm
Hosted by House & Garden
Renowned interior designer, hotelier and director of design for Rocco Forte Hotels, Olga Polizzi is admired for capturing the essence of a location in her interiors. Marking an exciting period of new and forthcoming projects – from the landmark Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh to an 18th-century palazzo atop Rome’s Spanish Steps – she explores her design philosophy in conversation with editor, Hatta Byng. Expect captivating insights and learn the secrets to hotel interiors that are highly individual, yet alike in quality and comfort.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

THE DEVIL IN THE DETAIL
Wednesday 11 March

11.30am – 12.30pm
hosted by ELLE Decoration
Renowned for creating elegant, effortless interiors, designers Martin Hulbert and Jay Grierson of Martin Hulbert Design pay extraordinary attention to the smallest detail. In conversation with editor Ben Spriggs, they explore what drives this highly considered approach, the hallmark of an impressive portfolio of projects that includes Cliveden, Nobu and The Grove as well as homes across the globe. Expect insider insights from this design duo who bring a rare combination of style, wit and artistry to their work in their quest for authenticity and individuality. 

To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

A NEW COUNTRY LIFE: RITA KONIG’S RURAL TRIUMPH
Wednesday 11 March

3pm – 4pm
Hosted by Country Life
Rita Konig’s relaxed style has made her one of today’s most sought after interior designers on both sides of the Atlantic. Deftly layering pattern, texture and colour, her schemes bring a relaxed comfort, pairing quirky, classic pieces with modern accents. In conversation with executive editor Giles Kime, she discusses the secrets to her creative approach as well as her passion for sharing her expertise. Defining a new chapter with a very personal project – the renovation of a Victorian farmhouse in County Durham – she reveals the challenges faced transforming the seven-bedroom rural property into a dream family home.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

A NEW VISION: WHAT DOES THE DIGITAL ERA MEAN FOR INTERIOR DECORATION?
Thursday 12 March

11.30am – 12.30pm
Hosted by Livingetc
The digital age has transformed the lives of interior designers, creating new ways for them to imagine and communicate their vision for living. Three leading designers – Emma Pocock, co-founder of Turner Pocock, Elnaz Namaki, founder of her eponymous studio and Sheena Murphy, founder of Nune – share how the growth of social media and design apps have changed interiors. The discussion will explore how the digital landscape has democratised the design process, allowing everyone to share in the creativity, and ask whether, at the dawn of a new decade, there will be even more change to the way our homes are designed and seen. Moderated by acting executive editor, Kate Burnett
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

HOSPITALITY DESIGN: GROWING A GREENER FUTURE
Thursday 12 March
3pm – 4pm
Hosted by Sleeper

Sustainability has been a hot topic in hospitality design circles for over a decade now, but as the effects of environmental disruption grow stronger and the planet approaches a true carbon crunch, what will be the responsibilities of hotel designers be? Three industry experts – Jeremy Grove co-founder and Managing Director of Sibley Grove, Ivaylo Lefterov, Development Director of Svart, the world’s first energy-positive hotel and Fiona Thompson, Principal of Richmond International discuss how their businesses are realising a vision to design innovative global hospitality projects which foster a more sustainable, harmonious relationship with the natural environment. Chaired by Kristofer Thomas, features editor of Sleeper.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE

HOME AND AWAY
Friday 13 March

11.30 – 12.30pm
Hosted by Country & Townhouse
Credited with popularising the boutique escape, James Lohan, founder of Mr & Mrs Smith and his sister, interior designer Hannah Lohan, explore the growing influence of hotel trends on our own homes. The dynamic pair talk to interiors editor Carole Annett about what makes guests fall in love with a particular place – from hotel city breaks to beach resorts, safari camps and wellness retreats – and predict what’s next when it comes to the crossover between where we live, and where we stay.
To book tickets at £10 each CLICK HERE