Events
Conversation is the job. I ask the questions that matter, read the room, and get stuck in when the good stuff starts happening. I've hosted the Surface Design Awards in London and the DNA Paris Design Conference since 2022, putting a genuinely global mix of design voices on stage together.
Before this, as International Director of the British Institute of Interior Design, I took the profession's conversation to Europe, Asia and North America. What I care about most: the link between industry, education and emerging talent, backing the next generation without losing sight of what's happening right now. Up for moderation, talks and curated conversations. Send me your most provocative, inquisitive speakers.
TESTIMONIAL
Simon is a great ambassador for British interior design. He really understands the international marketplace and, as a practising designer himself, knows first-hand the challenges faced by businesses in the sector. He understands stakeholder management and the nuances of working with the public sector as well as delivering for BIID members. He is as comfortable speaking on a stage in front of a 1,000 as he is in a room with 1. He is enthusiastic and a joy to work with.
Christine Losecaat MBE FRSA
Independent Senior Business Leader, London
NOVEMBER 2026
DECOR NET ACADEMY DESIGN TOUR 2026
12th - 14th NOVEMBER 2026
Venice Design Tour 2026
Co-hosted with Matteo Bianchi, this is an immersive journey into Venice's architectural soul - beyond the postcard views and into the ateliers, makers' studios and workshops we have exclusive access to.
Timed alongside the Venice Biennale, guests will explore the city's design heritage through masterclasses held at the Hilton Venice and hands-on encounters with the craftspeople keeping Venetian tradition alive.
Adventurous, immersive, and rooted in real Venetian history - this is Venice as we know it, shared with a small group of fellow design lovers, with further destinations in the pipeline. More details about this initial Venice Design Tour will be announced soon.
DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2026
6th NOVEMBER 2026
DNA Paris Design Awards & Conference
The DNA Paris Design Conference returns with an extraordinary new home: the Palais de Tokyo, one of Europe's most dynamic centres for contemporary art and culture.
Over the years, the conference has become a genuine meeting point for the international design community - a place where designers, architects and creative leaders gather to debate the ideas shaping the industry.
I'm delighted to be hosting once again, bringing together an exceptional lineup of speakers for a day of bold, thought-provoking conversation in a space built for exactly that kind of ambition.
OCTOBER 2026
DECOREX 2026
14th OCTOBER 2026
Future Proofing Your Interior Design Business Through Diversification
The interior design industry is changing. Economic uncertainty, evolving client expectations, and shifting market conditions are encouraging studios to rethink how they grow and where they focus their energy.
This conversation at Decorex 2026 will explore how design studios can diversify across residential, hospitality, commercial, and product design to build more resilient and adaptable businesses. Together with leading designers, we’ll discuss how to approach diversification strategically, enter new markets with confidence, and balance growth with a clear positioning and strong creative identity.
DECOREX 2026
11th OCTOBER 2026
Designing the Future : Green Skills and The Next Generation of Interior Design
As the built environment faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, the skills required of tomorrow's designers are evolving fast. This panel at Decorex tackles one of the most urgent conversations facing our industry - drawing on the Design Council's Skills for Planet framework to explore the emerging knowledge, mindsets and opportunities shaping the future of interior design. I'll be joining Jeff Hayward, Eman Akbar and Lyra Chan to discuss how sustainability is reshaping careers and the skills employers are now seeking. Register here for free tickets.
Photography courtesy of Decorex - Rachel Chudley VIP Lounge with Cox London.
SEPTEMBER 2026
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2026
17th SEPTEMBER 2026
Design Burger Talks Series 2026
Join me for an afternoon of talks exploring the cultural shifts shaping contemporary industrial design, hosted by Design Burger and Vizcom at The Product Design 100 exhibition and book launch - part of Shoreditch Design Week and London Design Festival 2026.
I'll be chairing four conversations bringing together leading designers and creatives:
Design Culture in Motion, with Simone Brewster, Ben Evans and Oscar Pearce - how design culture has evolved, the role designers play today, and what needs to happen next.
Purpose & Value, with Shay Alkalay, Luke Pearson and Andre Poulheim - why we design, what gives objects lasting value, and the responsibility that comes with making them.
Pencil to Product, with Tej Chauhan, Brooke Harrington and Tara Harcombe - how new tools and technologies are reshaping the way designers think, create and bring ideas to life.
TPD100: How It Came to Be, with Alex Philpott and Jon Cefai - the ideas, decisions and processes behind bringing 100 products together in one book.
Register here for your free tickets.
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2026
17th SEPTEMBER 2026
Spark Change: Connect for a Greener Future
I'll be joining Green Grads for Shoreditch Design Week, curated by Roddy Clarke, as one of ten industry thought leaders taking part in an energising, speed-dating style session with ten graduates - exchanging ideas, posing questions and exploring solutions to real-world challenges.
Green Grads was founded by Barbara Chandler MBE and is run alongside Co-Director & Show Producer Michael Czerwinski, whose work together has built it into one of the industry's most respected platforms for graduate talent. Each graduate will have 3-5 minutes to pitch an idea or pose a question directly, before we move into a wider roundtable discussion exploring design as a tool for change and the strength of community in responding to the climate crisis.
JUNE 2026
3 DAYS OF DESIGN 2026
9th - 13th JUNE 2026
3 Days of Design 2026
Copenhagen continues to be one of the most energising cities on the design calendar, and this year’s 3 Days of Design was no exception.
Highlights included visits to GUBI, AUDO, Kvadrat, Vitra, Tom Dixon, Ege Carpets, Fredericia, Carl Hansen & Co. and Normann Copenhagen - each offering a different lens on where product and interior design is heading, from material innovation to considered reissues of design classics. The HAY party brought the energy of the festival into sharp focus - a reminder of how central Copenhagen has become to the global design conversation.
MAY 2026
LONDON CRAFT WEEK 2026
14th MAY 2026
‘Designing contemporary living: Italian craftsmanship meets the global home’
Carlo Colombo is one of Italy’s most respected designers, known for his precision, material sensitivity, and quietly confident approach. On Thursday 14th May, I had the privilege of interviewing Carlo at the LEMA showroom, in the Kings Road, London.
As Art Director of LEMA and co-founder of A++ Group, he is shaping the next chapter of the brand through a considered evolution - refining a language built on continuity, balance, and a deeply human understanding of how we live.
MARCH 2026
LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2026
10th MARCH 2026
The Interior Design Studio of Tomorrow
This Design Leaders Talk by Business and Interiors brings together industry leaders to explore how interior design businesses are evolving in practice. The discussion examined the impact of AI and automation, international expansion, and how studios are rethinking structure and leadership to remain relevant and competitive.
The event took place at the Porada Showroom on Tuesday 10th March at 11:30am, during London Design Week.
Keynote speakers were Charu Gandhi of Elicyon, Toni Black of House of Black and Brian Woulfe of Designed by Woulfe.
OCTOBER 2025
DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2025
24th OCTOBER 2025
DNA Paris Design Awards
The 2025 Paris Design Conference, which I hosted, entitled Natural Intelligence, brought together different types of intelligence to face architectural, environmental and human challenges. It was held at an old cardboard factory in the heart of Paris.
Keynote Speakers were Michael Pawlyn and Rafiq Azam. The esteemed panel members from across the globe included Sandra Rey, Stella Lee Prowse, Ezequiel Ruete and Younes Duret. and attendees exchanged some interesting and strong ideas during the Conference.
LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2025
23rd OCTOBER 2025
Designing & Developing London
London remains one of the world’s most dynamic markets for design and development. From prime residential projects to large-scale regeneration, the city demands creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to respond to changing economic conditions and client expectations.
In the panel discussion, with Mads Del, Richard Angel and Louise Rea, they shared their perspectives on London’s development landscape. Their conversation offered valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the capital.
APRIL 2025
DESIGN LEADERS TALKS 2025
29th APRIL 2025
Design Leaders Talk: Colour & Intentional Design – Creating Meaningful Interiors
Colour plays a powerful role in shaping the way we experience interior spaces. It can influence emotion, support wellbeing, and bring clarity to how a space functions, but using it effectively requires thoughtful intention.
In this panel discussion with Emma Bestley, Verity Coleman and Rebecca Hughes, we explored how designers can use colour with purpose, from understanding its psychological impact on perception and mood, to using it to define areas within a space and enhance usability.
MARCH 2025
LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2025
10th MARCH 2025
The Future of Wellness: The Importance of Wellness at Home
I moderated an inspiring discussion featuring Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss, visionary co-founders of Hill House Interiors, Rebecca Lazar, Wellness Design Expert at Technogym, and special quest Dr Federica Amati-best-selling author of Every Body Should Know This and Head Nutritionist at Zoe.
A Journey Into Slow Design
I had the chance to speak to some of the leading figures in craft and bespoke design Bill Amberg, Nicola Cox, Laura Hammett and Jon Flannigan, about the value and benefits of slow design within the interior design sector. This enlightening event was part of London Design Week.
JANUARY 2025
DESIGN LEADERS TALKS 2025
30th JANUARY 2025
Design Leaders Talks: Delivering Exceptional Client Experiences
I moderated an insightful panel discussion exploring the essential strategies for understanding and meeting the ever-evolving needs of luxury clients. The expert panellists of Louise Bradley, Rose Murray and Mia Karlsson shared their strategies for creating a seamless and enjoyable client journey.
NOVEMBER 2024
DESIGN LEADERS TALKS 2024
26th NOVEMBER 2024
Design Leaders Talk: Leading Design Projects with Confidence
I had the opportunity to moderate a panel with Alex Dauley, Carmelina Dalton and Rose Narmani They discussed the essentials of managing interior design projects, including project coordination, client trust, supplier collaboration, problem-solving, and purposeful leadership.
OCTOBER 2024
DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2024
25th OCTOBER 2024
DNA Paris Design Conference and Awards 2024
For the third year in a row, I was invited to moderate the DNA Paris Design Conference. I feel privileged to be hosting the daytime conference and present an award at the grand evening event which will take place in central Paris.
Click here for more details.
DECOREX 2024
6th to 9th OCTOBER 2024
Decorex 2024
In my role as YesColours Design Director, I moderated three of the talks in the VIP Lounge at Decorex.
Click here for more details.
SEPTEMBER 2024
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2024
16th SEPTEMBER 2024
Building a Resilient Interior Design Business
I moderated a frank and insightful panel discussion about how to survive as a design business, with Brian Woulfe, Carly Madhvani and Cinzia Moretti.
JUNE 2024
RCA SUPER SATELLITE 2024
26th JUNE 2024
Entrepreneur or Employee - How do you choose?
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a career-driven professional, this event is designed to provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to explore your options. It’s also a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain new perspectives. Click here to book your free tickets.
FEBRUARY 2024
WORKSPACE DESIGN SHOW 2024
27th FEBRUARY 2024
Workspace Design Show
As part of the Occupiers Forum Agenda, I was invited to moderate the panel discussion with Sarah Murdoch, Corporate Real Estate Director, Visa Europe, Steve Wright Director of Workplace Design and Change Management, GSK and Pinar Erdem, Head of Workplace and Colleague Experience, Global Corporate Services, HSBC who explored diversity and equality to create truly inclusive workspaces.
NOVEMBER 2023
1st NOVEMBER 2023
Dulux & Allermuir at The Senator Group showroom in Clerkenwell
On Wednesday 1st November, I took part in a panel discussion with Marianne Shillingford, Peter Howard, Michelle Heath and Dawn Scott asking : Is Colour selection a science that can be learnt to improve wellbeing in commercial environments?
OCTOBER 2023
DECOREX 2023
8th OCTOBER 2023
Decorex, Olympia London
Why Do We Need Colour - Can we live without it?
In early October, I had the pleasure of moderating a fantastically colourful panel including Karen Haller and Ella Doran, and Esther Patterson of Curiousa. They unpacked the myths and mysteries about colour which kicked off the first day of Decorex 2023 at Olympia.
DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2023
6th OCTOBER 2023
DNA Paris Design Conference & Awards 2023
For the second year in a row, I moderated the DNA Paris Design Conference. It was a privilege and pleasure to be invited to host the daytime conference and present the Professional Architecture Award at the grand evening event which took place at the Espace Niemeyer in Paris.
Click here for more details.
SEPTEMBER 2023
FOCUS 2023
20th SEPTEMBER 2023
FOCUS / 23 Chelsea Design Centre
Grow Your Business In Association With BIID : Building A Diverse and Inclusive Interior Design Business.
On 20th September I was on a panel with Tola Ojuolape and Jo Sampson. Chaired by Elspeth Pridham at the Arte Showroom. There were plenty of tips on the tools that have been created to support designers, advice on career choices, business opportunities and ways that diversity within the industry can be increased. Find out more here.
SUMMER 2023
Design Career Consulting Creative Student Series 2023
During August and September I showcased the work of a selection of very talented creative students from the University of Plymouth. This is also available on the Design Career Consulting instagram account with a follow up on the DCC website.
MAY 2023
24th MAY 2023
Clerkenwell Design Week
As part of the Conversations at Clerkenwell programme on Wednesday 24th May, I was invited to discuss diversity with esteemed guests Emma Morley, Vicky Yang and Liliana Saldanha. Beautifully chaired by Design Council Chief Executive, Minnie Moll. Simon talked about discrimination from the perspective of age and mobility in design, as these have been important issues during his career.
MARCH 2023
London Design Week
On Tuesday 14th March, I moderated a design talk at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre as part of the Access All Areas series Why You Should Start With Floor Art?
I was joined by an enthusiastic audience at the brand new Wendy Morrison Showroom on the First Floor of Design Centre East for a special discussion with Wendy Morrison, Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves of Hill House Interiors, discussing their approach and work. You can find out more details here.
NOVEMBER 2022
The Art of Light & Colour
On Tuesday 15th November, I joined colour and design psychology consultant Karen Haller and Erco Lighting’s Managing Director, Jim Ashley-Down, for an informal and sometimes interactive chat about light and colour in the ERCO London showroom.
We had a lively discussion with a very engaged audience of designers, architect, clients and specifiers.
To see more from that evening, just click here.
OCTOBER 2022
DNA Paris Design Conference & Awards
Earlier in the year, I was invited as moderator for the DNA Paris Design Awards Conference entitled ‘Design. in harmony, for a more social and greener future’
Simon had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Suné Stasssen, Philippe Nacson, Sebastien Roussel and Bertrand Schippan. Later that evening, he attended the DNA Paris Design Awards at La Caserne, Paris.
You can see the full Paris Design Conference 2022 here.
SUMMER 2022
Design Career Consulting Student Designer Series
During August and September, I showcased the work of a selection of very talented designers from the University of Plymouth. This will be available on the Design Career Consulting Instagram account with a follow-up on the DCC website.
Summer 2022 | London
Click here to find out about the DCC Student Designer Series.
JUNE 2022
Interior Design & Architecture Summit
I took part in the 2022 Interior Design & Architecture Summit.
Moderated by Hamish Kilburn, Simon will be in discussion with Fameed Khalique, Lewis Taylor and Dale Atkinson.
Living In A Materials World
Thursday 30th June @ 2.00pm - 2.35pm | Hilton London Canary Wharf, South Quay, Marsh Wall, London E14
Click here to find out more.
MAY 2022
Clerkenwell Design Week
Founder and colour principle Justine Fox chaired The Colour Beyond Aesthetic talk, at Clerkenwell Design Week.
This panel discussion was an exploration of colour-use beyond aesthetics to promote Identity, mediate Urban Density, build Community, foster Wellbeing, and drive Sustainability within interior design and architecture.
I was thrilled to be part of a great line up in the panel including Stephanie King from Dulux and artist Liz West.
MAY 2022
CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK 2022
Hosted by Kate Watson-SmythofMad About The House, I was part of a panel who will be dissecting sustainable design within the furniture and design community, looking at the myths of sustainability and how to avoid greenwashing.
The other panellists were Harry Peck, Roddy Clarke and Hani Hatami of Humanscale.
Design For Life - Sustainable Design for the Home
Thursday 26th May @ 3pm - 4pm | Humanscale, 200 St John Street, London, EC1
Click here for more details.
MAY 2022
CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK 2022
Curated by Morag Ofilli, founder of Diversity and Inclusion consultancy Kiltered, I was joined by design professionals Daniel Peters and Sarah Malik to discuss whether the industry has lost its’ way, whilst attempting to make design more inclusive and diverse.
Diversity in Design - Are we missing the point?
Thursday 26th May @ 4pm - 5pm | Spa Fields, Northampton Road, London, EC1
Click here for more details.
MAY 2022
Clerkenwell Design Week
I was in conversation with Sharon Simpson of Dark Romantix Design to discuss the important role lighting can play in interior design, and how art and colour can come alive through the right light.
We discussed interior design through the lens of light, art and colour, and our audience enjoyed delicious cocktails while we did it. Limited tickets were available.
The Perfect Interiors Cocktail
Wednesday 25th May @ 4pm - 5pm | Fritz Fryer, 1 Albemarle Way, London EC1.
MAY 2022
CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK 2022
I was in conversation with Sharon Simpson of Dark Romantix Design to discuss the important role lighting can play in interior design, and how art and colour can come alive through the right light. Discover interior design through a beautiful and interesting lens of light, art and colour, and enjoy a delicious cocktail while you do it. Limited tickets available.
The Perfect Interiors Cocktail
Wednesday 25th May @ 4pm - 5pm | Fritz Fryer, 1 Albemarle Way, London EC1
Click here to find out more.
MAY 2022
CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK 2022
I was at the Wilkhahn and Soundtect showroom, discussing how I work with clients and suppliers to create sustainable solutions in commercial environments.
The sustainable way to ease anxiety and stress in the workplace
Tuesday 24th May @ 3.30pm - 4.15pm | 45 Great Sutton Street, London EC1
Click here to find out more.
MAY 2022
LONDON
As a celebration of craft during this special week, EDGE are hosting a selection of Kam Ce Kam in-house designs, handmade by their team in India by their team of highly skilled craftspeople. The goal of this discussion is to identify which tasks in craft are at present labour intensive and can be aided by robotics to make them readily available to the wider artisan community.
Sustainable Crafts in an Age of Technology
Wednesday 12th May @ 6pm - 9pm | EDGE, 146 Marylebone Road, London NW1
Click here for tickets and more information.
MAY 2022
BREAK FREE EXHIBITION 2022
I was invited to moderate a design panel discussion with
Actress, Writer & Director - Leann O’Kasi, Interior Designer - Matteo Bianchi, and Dance Artist - Petra Haller
with Jorge Luccas with Lingo Scott.
Jorge Luccas is a Fine Artist and Designer based in London that has been collaborating with brands such as Baboon, Elle and Artefiera Bologna, showcasing his works across Europe - London, Paris, Milan.
Lingo Scott is a Singer-Songwriter and Musician based in East London. He has performed internationally on stages in Jamaica, Miami, Switzerland, Thailand, London and the UK. Received plays on BBC Radio 1 as well as features on Complex.com and Hype TV Jamaica.
During the month long exhibition at the Omnide in Belsize Park there was live music, NFTs, live singing, live painting, moderated panel talks with special guests, a fashion show of the duo's exclusive fashion collection, and a live fashion panel talk with selected guest speakers from the fashion industry.
Jorge - Fine Artist & Designer plus Lingo - Singer-Songwriter & Musician
Thursday 11th May @ 6pm - 9pm | Omnide Gallery, 96 Belsize Lane, London NW3
Click here for tickets and more information.
MAY 2022
DESIGNERATI PODCAST
I was interviewed and talked about my career, my mentors, representation, discrimination and bullying in the workplace. Huge thanks to Melissa Porter and everyone at Designerati.
You can find it via Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you get your podcasts.
Click here to listen and watch.
APRIL 2022
ARCHITECT @ WORK LONDON 2022
I have been recording podcasts, curating photoshoots, writing new content and preparing for Spring and Summer events. As part of this preparation, I attended Architect @ Work London at The Truman Brewery in Spitalfields.
Click here to find out more.
Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th April 2022 | The Truman Brewery, Levels G1 & T1, Brick Lane, London, E1
FEBRUARY 2022
SURFACE DESIGN SHOW
I felt very privileged to be invited to host the Design Awards at the Surface Design Show 2022.
There’s nothing like being there and seeing and hearing live the excitement, and as the winners make their way to the stage to be presented with their coveted trophies. The networking champagne breakfast was held at The Business Design Centre in London’s Islington for the 2022 Surface Design Awards Presentation.
Thursday 10th February @ 8.45am - 10.30am | Business Design Centre, Islington, London, N1
Click here to find out more.
SEPTEMBER 2021
DESIGN LONDON 2021
As we navigate our way out of the pandemic and enter a new era in design, now seems like an ideal opportunity to reflect how the world has changed. At Design London2021, I was in conversation with a selection of interior designers to discuss their responses to issues raised in the last 18 months and what the industry could look like in the future.
Saturday 25th September @ 1.00pm - 2.00pm | Discussions at Design London
‘What next for designers in the 21st century?’
Iwas joined by interior designers Alexandria Dauley, Sharon Simpson and Tash South.
Click here to find out more.
SEPTEMBER 2021
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2021
As part of the London Design Festival2021, Simon was invited to take part in the Creative Conversation series by Creative Skills Network.
Friday 24th September @ 11.00am - 12.00pm | Getting Started - The first 5 years after graduation
Hosted by Creative Skills Network Founder, Sebastian Bergne, with Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir, Riya PanchalandSue Pryke.
Click here to find out more.
AUGUST 2021
BRITISH INSTITUTE OF INTERIOR DESIGN 2021
I was interviewed by the British Institute of Interior Design(BIID) for their newsletter, about finding a job in the interior design industry, with particular reference to the current situation. In the article I cover job searching, recruitment agencies and recruiting practices.
You can read the article by clicking here.
TESTIMNONIAL
Simon is a passionate and articulate advocate for the interior design profession. He represents the Institute in the UK and at events abroad, helping to build its reputation for quality and professionalism within the world of interior design. Simon is also very well-connected and is adept at creating new partnerships which bring significant benefits to the Institute.
Jeff Hayward
Wildwood Public Relations, West Sussex