Simon Hamilton, the BIID’s International Director and Dan Hopwood, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Director provided two of the highlight talks in the seminar programme at this year’s 100% Design.
On Friday 21st of September, visitors to the show were treated to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the export challenges facing designers, featuring Simon Hamilton alongside Sebastian Conran and Mark Krusin. The packed audience enjoyed a scene-setting presentation from panel chair, Christine Losecaat who acts as Creative Industries Adviser to UK Trade & Investment Christine Losecaat. Using their experience gained from working internationally within the UK Interiors sector, Simon, Sebastian and Mark then offered their thoughts on the key issues, providing export development advice for visitors.
The next day, Dan Hopwood led a session entitled ‘The Future of Interior Design – Dream or Reality’. The talk explored Dan’s interpretation of the ‘present’ in design, where the future may take the industry, and Dan’s own personal take on where he sees and would like to see change in the sector. Using his work as examples, Dan explored issues interior designers tackle and how they could be avoided in the future, through an interesting and humorous session.
“100% Design is a major event in every designer’s calendar”, says Dan Hopwood. “It allows us to open up conversations on the key issues affecting interior and product design in the commercial and residential spaces. Under new ownership, this year’s 100% Design benefitted greatly from a new look and feel, and major investment and re-thinking in its own design and layout. We were delighted to be a part of its renewal.”
