At Commercial Interiors UK, we don’t just champion the commercial furnishing sector—we shape its future. And this year at Clerkenwell Design Week, we did exactly that.
Through our media partnership with Design Insider, we delivered a programme of thought-provoking, high-impact talks that tackled the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our industry today. From sustainability and sensory design to hybrid workspaces and the power of narrative, the conversations were well-attended.
Curated and moderated by Design Insider’s Editorial Director Alys Bryan, each session was grounded in real-world insights and designed to spark actionable outcomes. We worked closely with leading brands including Ege Carpets, Humanscale, Umbrella Furniture, Wagstaff Interiors Group, Panaz, Ulster Carpets, Newmor Wallcoverings, Harlequin, and Hypnos to ensure the content was not only relevant but resonated deeply with designers, specifiers, and end-users alike.
If you missed any of the events, don’t worry. All four discussions will be published in full on Design Insider in the coming weeks—providing a lasting resource for designers, specifiers and manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Conversations at Clerkenwell - Design and Narrative
Venue: The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square
Speakers: Johannes Karlström (Note Design Studio), Bo Hellberg (String Furniture), Emma Morley (Trifle*), Marie Karlsson (Cole & Son
In an age of digital saturation, shifting consumer values, and the rise of AI, this panel examined how storytelling remains an essential tool for creating emotionally resonant, authentic design. The discussion explored how narrative emerges from brand values, cultural context, user input, and even craft tradition—shaping both physical space and product identity.
Key takeaways? Narrative builds connection, extends product longevity, and enhances brand trust. Storytelling must be honest, multi-layered, and evolve through collaboration.
“Meaning is the difference between something that functions—and something that holds value.” Bo Hellberg, String Furniture
Ege Carpets: The Hospitality Crossover – Designing Spaces That Work and Welcome
Venue: Ege Carpets Showroom
Speakers: Federico Toresi (Accor), Giorgia Harrod (Ege Carpets), Erik Svensson (Perkins & Will), Megan Dobstaff (Gensler), Simon Kincaid (Conran and Partners)
As workplaces become more like hotels and hotels become places to work, this panel tackled one of design’s most exciting intersections: where hospitality and workplace design collide. The conversation explored hybrid expectations, ROI metrics, and the power of experience-led spaces to build community and foster loyalty.
Key takeaways? Designers must champion flexibility without compromising identity, ROI is no longer a dirty word in design conversations, and experiential spaces must go beyond surface-level aesthetics to truly work.
“We’re not just designing rooms anymore—we’re designing reasons to return.” Federico Toresi, Accor
Wagstaff Interiors Group + Umbrella Furniture - Colour and Biophilia in the Workplace
Venue: Umbrella + Friends
Speakers: Emma Bestley (YesColours), Dirk Wynants (Extremis), Pål Eid-Hviding (Fora Form), Sam McCarthy (PlantPlan)
As organisations adapt to hybrid work and rising wellness expectations, this panel explored how colour and biophilic design can be harnessed to create inclusive, engaging, and high-performing workplace environments. With insights spanning furniture, planting, architecture, and product design, the conversation unpacked the psychological and strategic power of these tools to boost productivity, emotional connection, and design longevity.
Key takeaways? Successful workplace design now hinges on intentional use of sensory experiences, choice-led zoning, and human-centred collaboration between designers and suppliers. Emotional resonance is measurable, ROI is linked to wellbeing, and spaces must feel good!
“People don’t want to be mandated back to the office. It’s up to design to nudge them there—with feeling.” Sam McCarthy, PlantPlan
Material Impact – Designing with Integrity
Venue: Ulster Carpets. Hosted by Panaz, Newmor Wallcoverings, Harlequin, Hypnos, and Ulster carpets
Speakers: Sam Hall (IHG Hotels & Resorts), Tom Thorogood (Studio Moren), Joanna Knight (The Sustainable Design Collective), Jack Pringle (Studio Pringle/RIBA)
In a time of tightening environmental standards, digital traceability, and rising demand for authentic, accountable design, this panel explored how UK manufacturing, circular principles, and material storytelling can shape a more sustainable future. With perspectives spanning hospitality, workplace, and architecture, the conversation challenged the industry to shift from intention to implementation.
Key takeaways? Collaboration with manufacturers must be early and honest. Local sourcing isn’t just carbon-smart—it’s a creative asset. And material reuse must move from exception to standard practice.
“We can’t keep making new things—even if they’re marginally better. Reuse must become the norm.” Joanna Knight, Sustainable Design Collective
New Horizons for Workplace Design
Venue: Humanscale Showroom
Speakers: Daniel Callegari (BW), Blair Boyle (Savills), Andre Loosemore (Humanscale)
This panel explored the evolving realities of workplace design in response to Commercial Interiors UK’s newly launched Workplace Sector Report. Topics ranged from short-term leases and pop-up spaces to sensory wellbeing and inclusive design strategies—framed by the shifting expectations of modern occupiers.
Key takeaways? Agility must be matched with purpose. Specification should prioritise adaptability, longevity, and emotional resonance. And intuitive spaces—whether quiet zones or huddle areas—are essential to building workplaces people want to return to.
“You’re no longer just creating a space—you’re creating an asset that has to prove its worth, even if the tenancy is short.” Daniel Callegari, BW
For our host brands, these discussions offered more than just visibility—they provided a meaningful platform to position their products and values at the very heart of industry conversation. For attendees, they became a source of inspiration and practical strategies to elevate their own work.
And we’re just getting started.
If you’re looking to position your brand at the forefront of the commercial interiors sector, there’s no better platform than a Commercial Interiors UK-led panel or roundtable. With expert moderation, targeted audiences, and powerful editorial reach, we offer the tools to elevate your message and lead the conversation.
To host a panel discussion or roundtable chaired by our team, get in touch today: info@commercial-interiorsuk.com
Let’s put your brand where it belongs—at the centre of the conversation.