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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
This year, Arper will be opening the doors of its London home to present latest collections and new additions at Clerkenwell Design Week 2018. For the third year running, the showroom will also be hosting the official Bloggers Lounge of the festival, a dedicated space for bloggers and media – the ideal place for working and networking, within an inspiring and engaging environment.
Arper Bloggers Lounge Opening Hours Tuesday 22nd April: 11.00 am – 2.00 pm Wednesday 23rd May: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Thursday 24th May: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Bloggers Tour: Tuesday 22 May: 10.00 am – 11.00 am Meet at the Arper Bloggers Lounge for a dedicated Tour of CDW. Open to bloggers only. Booking required.
Opening Party (Invitation Only): Tuesday 22 May: 6.30 – 10 pm
The Design Museum Live: Wednesday 23rd May: All day Meet the Design Museum team who will be documenting its highlights from Clerkenwell Design Week.
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