THE JOURNAL
trimmings, hardware, tiles and carpets. In fact, it is a measure of the Design Centre’s influence that people fly in from all over the world to see what is on the style radar here. “Every year that goes by it becomes more international, more established – there are more designers and more end-users, and the Design Centre does all that,” comments Andrew Hills, creative director at Porta Romana, which has had a showroom on the ground floor since 2005. But that is not all: there is a top-notch restaurant and café run by Social Pantry, a Personal Shopping Service and the Design Club – the private members’ club for people in the creative industries. Everything has been carefully considered to create a highly desirable shopping experience. “This is the hub of everything for our industry,” says interior designer Laura Hammett. “It’s where you physically get to see things, it’s different and so inspiring the way things are put together here.” The Design Centre’s influence stretches beyond
its UK base; it plays a pivotal role on the world design stage. Its mission is to champion creativity, entrepreneurship and business, representing the very best that design can offer. “We want to help people discover design, and support those doing it best: from big name brands to emerging makers, as well as highlight the skills they use to make quality pieces of lasting value,” says the Design Centre’s CEO Claire German. Interior design plays a vital role in placing
craft at the heart of homes, hotels, yachts and public spaces. Now in its third year, Artefact 2023 will bring the collectible to an international audience sourcing unique
objects for residential and
commercial
projects, as well as curators and collectors seeking highly individual pieces for museums, institutions and private collections. The Design Centre has also given greater focus to Future Heritage, the forward-looking showcase of makers curated by design journalist and curator Corinne Julius. Alongside next-generation talent, limited edition pieces by independent makers and alumni were given top billing at a new show on the design calendar. Their work spanned disciplines including ceramics, glass, metalwork, basketry and paper to non-traditional materials such as mycelium. At Lighting by Design, visitors were dazzled by
products that combined technical complexity with aesthetic brilliance from some of the world’s best lighting brands. Given lighting’s transformative powers, along with the high calibre of the international exhibitors, it is little wonder that it generated huge interest among leading design practices. “People have said how nice it is to connect with the people who are actually making the products,” said Carmen Pattinson, co-founder of Lyngard, who exhibited at the event. New seasonal experiences have also been introduced to attract a different demographic. The first Twinkle of Christmas Fair saw an abundance of luxury lifestyle
brands selling tempting wares in the Design Avenue. Handmade presents, homeware, organic beauty products, bespoke jewellery, fashionable winter wear and sustainable options brought a new crowd to the Design Centre. An accompanying events programme included hands-on crafting workshops as well as sessions on tablescaping and wreath making. One of the Design Centre’s greatest strengths is
its unique ecosystem; through its activities it inspires, empowers and nurtures, sharing knowledge, building networks and sparking conversations. A roster of tours and talks continue to engage and inspire. At Focus and London Design Week, it convenes the acclaimed Conversations in Design series that brings together A-list designers, thought leaders and media hosts. One-to-one interviews and business-focused panel discussions offer thoughtful debates and in-depth analysis for those looking to position their businesses for success in the years to come. More tightly focused sessions mirror specialist subjects throughout the year. As the world’s premier design centre, it is uniquely
placed to explore compelling global stories which highlight the important role that design plays in our lives. “It’s a world of wonder and the most useful resource for design and interiors in Europe,” says Charlotte Rey, co-founder of interior design practice Campbell-Rey, a WOW!house 2022 alumni and regular Design Centre visitor.
OPPOSITE: The Design Centre’s events programme is second to none, with talks, tours and workshops that aim to inspire, inform and bring the industry together
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Pop-ups in the Design Avenue bring another layer of creative excellence to shows; big international brands – such as Lighting by Design exhibitor Lladró, pictured – come to connect with a discerning global audience
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