Design London (21 – 24 September 2022) is pleased to announce the first series of speakers for its 2022 talks programme, Discussions at Design London. Sponsored by Kohler, this year’s talks see some of the best industry and household names descend on the show at Magazine London in North Greenwich and will open with internationally acclaimed designer, Lee Broom.

Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis; sustainability advocate Jay Blades MBE, best known for presenting the hit TV series on the BBC, The Repair Shop; and multidisciplinary artist Marco Oggian will also feature as speakers for 2022.

Now in its second edition, Discussions at Design London – curated by brand consultant Katie Richardson – are made up of talks, trend forecasts and panel sessions featuring a whole host of high- profile and emerging designers, industry experts and thought leaders. Running daily throughout Design London, the dynamic programme offers an insight into future trends while addressing the most pressing topics within design, architecture and the wider creative industries.

Marlon Cera-Marle, Director of Design at Media 10, comments, “This year we return with the second edition of Discussions at Design London, and we couldn’t be more excited about such a strong and diverse line-up of speakers joining our programme – including some of the best names in our industry and beyond.

“Following last year’s success, we’re thrilled to bring Design London back with a great portfolio of brands and partners from around the world – and not least, our expanded show space. Once again, we look forward to welcoming our visitors during the London Design Festival this September.”

Headline talk

Lee Broom

Wednesday 21 September 2022 (11:00 – 12:00)

Discussions at Design London 2022 will open with award-winning British designer Lee Broom, a true innovator in the creation of furniture and lighting, typified by a seamless fusion of classic and modern design. In conversation with design journalist Becky Sunshine, Broom will look back over 15 years of an illustrious career, touching on his influences and global successes as well as his upcoming launches.

Other highlights (more details to be announced in the coming weeks)

Sabine Marcelis

Thursday 22 September 2022 (11:00 – 12:00)

Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis will talk to Bethan Ryder, Editorial Director of WGSN, about her spatial work, lighting and product design – as well as her landmark project for this year’s London Design Festival. Known for her strong focus on materiality and form, Marcelis will give an insight into her inspiration and creative processes.

Jay Blades MBE

Friday 23 September 2022 (11:00 – 12:00)

London-born TV presenter and sustainable design advocate, Jay Blades MBE, will speak to stylist and journalist, Roddy Clarke, about his approach to design, education and making – including his own furniture brand, Jay&Co, which specialises in using materials that are recycled or reclaimed.

Marco Oggian

Friday 23 September 2022 (15:00 – 16:00)

As part of ICON Presents, Italian visual artist Marco Oggian will discuss his work and democratic approach to art and design with the magazine’s editor, Jessica-Christin Hametner. Oggian is known for his use of simple shapes and bright colours to highlight ​ social issues and has exhibited in key cities from Paris to Barcelona, London to Seoul.

Wednesday 21 September 2022

While the Danish Embassy will explore the beginnings of its nation’s historic design and designing for circularity, Swedish lift brand Aritco will host a panel discussion on how innovative design can transform the home to accommodate an ageing population – joined by David Schill, Marketing Director of Aritco; Colum Lowe, Director of Design Age Institute; and Kyle Scorgie, Project Head at PriestmanGoode. This talk will be moderated by design writer and curator, Riya Patel.

Thursday 22 September 2022

The afternoon sessions will start with the Thai Design Embassy discussing the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) approach, the new business model that is committed to the environment and sustainability.

Later, live demonstrations will take place, hosted by members of the House of Upcycling – the UK’s leading authority on professional upcycling for interiors. Founded in 2014 by eco-interiors educator and designer Chris Billinghurst, the organisation champions the benefits of buying and commissioning designer upcycling in support of a more environmentally positive lifestyle.

A panel talk – chaired by colour design and futures expert Justine Fox – will examine the role that colour plays in identity and placemaking to promote inclusivity and wellbeing.